Icom IC-M804 Instruction Manual - Page 6

1 OPERATING RULES NOTE: Before transmitting, monitor the channel you want to use to avoid interrupting communications already in progress. zz CALL PROCEDURE Calls must be properly identified and the time limit must be respected. 1. Give your call sign each time you call another ship or Coast Guard station. If you have no call sign, identify the station by giving your ship name and the name of the licensee. 2. Give your call sign at the end of each transmission that lasts more than 3 minutes. 3. You must break and give your call sign at least once every 15 minutes during long ship-to-shore calls. 4. Keep your unanswered calls short, less than 30 seconds. Do not repeat a call for 2 minutes. 5. Unnecessary transmissions are not allowed. zz PRIORITIES 1. Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and Distress calls take priority over any other calls. 2. False or fraudulent Distress signals are prohibited and punishable by law. zz PRIVACY 1. Information overheard, but not intended for you, cannot lawfully be used in any case. 2. Indecent or profane language is prohibited. zz LOGS 1. All Distress, Emergency and Safety calls must be recorded in complete details. Log data activity is usually recorded for 24 hours. Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) is frequently used. 2. Keep adjustments, repairs, channel frequency changes and authorized modifications affecting electrical operation of the equipment in the maintenance log. The entries requires signatures by the authorized licensed technician performing or supervising the work. zz RADIO LICENSES (1) SHIP RADIO STATION LICENSE You need a current ship radio station license before using the transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship radio station which is not licensed, but required to be. If required, contact your dealer or the appropriate government agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license application. This government-issued license states the call sign which is your craft's identification for radio communication purposes. (2) OPERATOR'S LICENSE A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio is not required for safety purposes. If required, the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be posted, or kept with the operator. If required, only a licensed radio operator may operate a transceiver. However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a transceiver if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call, and makes the necessary log entries. A current copy of the applicable government rules and regulations is only required to be on hand for vessels in which a radio telephone is compulsory. However, even if you are not required to have these on hand it is your responsibility to be thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent rules and regulations. 1