Ship Inspection Questions
- Q: Is my ship radio required to be inspected?
A: Certain compulsory vessels are required to have their radio inspected. If you carry more than 6 passengers for hire, then yes.
- Q: How often do I need to have my ship’s radio equipment inspected?
A: The Coast Guard and FCC require that your ship radio equipment be inspected every 5 years or after any repair or alteration. It’s important to have your equipment inspected regularly to ensure that it’s working properly and to identify any potential safety hazards.
- Q: Do you offer on-site inspections?
A: Yes, we offer on-site inspections of your boat’s radios for your convenience. Our technicians can come to your location to perform comprehensive inspections of your ship’s radio equipment and upon a successful inspection, provide you with a FCC 824 form. Please review our pre-inspection checklist before your appointment to speed things up.
- Q: What happens if my ship’s radio equipment fails inspection?
A: If your ship’s radio equipment fails inspection, you will need to have it repaired or replaced before you can operate it legally. Our team of experienced technicians can identify any issues and provide recommendations for repair or replacement. Our inspection services are not a guarantee of passing and a certificate will only be issued if you pass, but our fees are paid either way. Don’t worry, failing the inspection is rare especially if you follow our pre-inspection checklist and have all your documentation in order in advance.
- Q: Can I operate my vessel with an expired Communications Act Safety Radiotelephony Certificate (CASRC)?
A: No. You must have a valid certificate (the 824 form), otherwise it is “no sail” from the Coast Guard.
- Q: What is involved in a ship radio inspection?
A: Your marine radio inspections will involve a comprehensive examination of all radio equipment on board your vessel, including antennas, wiring, transmitters and batteries. The inspection also includes testing of the equipment to ensure that it is working properly and transmitting at the correct frequencies and power levels.
- Q: How much does a ship radio inspection cost?
A: The cost of a ship radio inspection can vary depending on the size and complexity of the vessel and the scope of the inspection. We offer competitive pricing for our inspection services, and we’re always happy to provide a quote based on your specific needs.
- Q: What areas do you serve for radio inspections?
A: We serve southern California, including LA, Orange and San Diego counties. We inspect marine radios in Mission Bay, Oceanside, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Sunset Beach, Belmont Shores, Long Beach and everything in between.
- Q: Can I perform my own radio inspection?
A: Per 47 CFR 80.59, “The mandatory inspection of U.S. vessels must be conducted by an FCC-licensed technician…”. That means only a FCC licensed inspector may issue the 824 form required by the Coast Guard. Additionally, “The technician conducting the inspection and providing the certification must not be the vessel’s owner, operator, master, or employee or their affiliates.” Sorry, you can’t do the inspection yourself. A professional inspection from a certified inspector can provide peace of mind and ensure that your equipment is working safely and effectively.
Ship Station License Questions
- Q: What is a ship station license?
A: A ship station license is a document issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that compulsory vessels are required to have to operate a ship’s radio equipment legally. It must be renewed every 10 years.
- Q: Do I need to take a radio class to obtain a ship station license?
A: While taking a radio class is not required to obtain a ship station license, it can be helpful in ensuring that you have the knowledge and skills needed to operate marine radio equipment safely and effectively. Our hands-on radio classes can provide you with personalized instruction and guidance, helping you to become a more proficient radio operator.
- Q: How long does it take to obtain a ship station license?
A: The application process for a ship station license can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the FCC. Our team can guide you through the application process and help ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements in a timely manner.
- Q: What types of vessels require a ship station license?
A: Any compulsory vessel. What does that mean? The FCC says, “Any ship which is required to be equipped with radiotelecommunication equipment in order to comply with the radio or radio-navigation provisions of a treaty or statute to which the vessel is subject.”
Well how do you know if you are required?
For example, large passenger or cargo ships that travel on the open sea are required by the Communications Act and by international agreements to be equipped with a radio station for long distance radio communications. Small passenger ships that carry more than 6 paying passengers and travel along the coast may only need to communicate at shorter range with coast stations. These are examples of “compulsory ships” because they are required or compelled by treaty or statute to be equipped with specified telecommunications equipment.
Smaller ships used for recreation (e.g., sailing, diving, sport fishing, fishing, water skiing) are not required to have radio stations installed but they may be so equipped by choice. These ships are known as “voluntary ships” because they are not required by treaty or statute to carry a radio but voluntarily fit some of the same equipment used by compulsory ships. We recommend these vessels have their radios professionally inspected for safety reasons.
All users of marine radio, whether voluntary or compulsory, are responsible for observing both FCC and Coast Guard requirements.
- Q: What happens if I don’t have a ship station license?
A: Operating marine radio equipment on a compulsory vessel without a ship station license is illegal and can result in fines and legal penalties.
