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T1C06

COMMISSION'S RULES · Licensing: classes, sequential and vanity call sign systems, places where the Amateur Radio Service is regulated by the FCC, name and address on FCC license database, term, renewal, grace period, maintaining mailing address; International communications

T1C06§ 97.5(a)(2), 97.11(a)T1C →

Which of the following statements is true about using your amateur radio license when operating aboard a vessel or craft in international waters?

  1. AAmateur operation is prohibited in international waters
  2. BYou may only operate during maritime emergencies
  3. CYou need special FCC authorization for maritime mobile operation
  4. DYou may operate from a US-documented vessel with the master's permission
Why FCC rules follow the vessel's flag: a US-documented (US-registered) ship or aircraft in international waters is treated as US jurisdiction, so your FCC amateur license is valid there. Section 97.11(a) adds one condition, that the station's installation and operation must be approved by the master of the ship or captain of the aircraft, and the amateur station must be separate from and independent of the vessel's required radio equipment. No extra permit or emergency-only restriction applies.
Watch out The idea that you need special FCC authorization for maritime mobile is a leftover from other radio services; amateurs just sign /MM and get the master's OK. Nothing in Part 97 limits shipboard amateur operation to emergencies.
At sea on a US vessel: the captain is the gatekeeper, not the FCC. Ask the master, keep the ham gear separate.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
47 CFR 97.5(a)(2) Station license required.

(a) The station apparatus must be under the physical control of a person named in an amateur station license grant on the ULS consolidated license database or a person authorized for alien reciprocal operation by § 97.107 of this part, before the station may transmit on any amateur service frequency from any place that is:

(1) Within 50 km of the Earth's surface and at a place where the amateur service is regulated by the FCC;

(2) Within 50 km of the Earth's surface and aboard any vessel or craft that is documented or registered in the United States; or

(3) More than 50 km above the Earth's surface aboard any craft that is documented or registered in the United States.

(b) The types of station license grants are:

(1) An operator/primary station license grant. One, but only one, operator/primary station license grant may be held by any one person. The primary station license is granted together with the amateur operator license. Except for a representative of a foreign government, any person who qualifies by examination is eligible to apply for an operator/primary station license grant.

(2) A club station license grant. A club station license grant may be held only by the person who is the license trustee designated by an officer of the club. The trustee must be a person who holds an operator/primary station license grant. The club must be composed of at least four persons and must have a name, a document of organization, management, and a primary purpose devoted to amateur service activities consistent with this part.

(3) A military recreation station license grant. A military recreation station license grant may be held only by the person who is the license custodian designated by the official in charge of the United States military recreational premises where the station is situated. The person must not be a representative of a foreign government. The person need not hold an amateur operator license grant.

(c) The person named in the station license grant or who is authorized for alien reciprocal operation by § 97.107 of this part may use, in accordance with the applicable rules of this part, the transmitting apparatus under the physical control of the person at places where the amateur service is regulated by the FCC.

(d) A CEPT radio-amateur license is issued to the person by the country of which the person is a citizen. The person must not:

(1) Be a resident alien or citizen of the United States, regardless of any other citizenship also held;

(2) Hold an FCC-issued amateur operator license nor reciprocal permit for alien amateur licensee;

(3) Be a prior amateur service licensee whose FCC-issued license was revoked, suspended for less than the balance of the license term and the suspension is still in effect, suspended for the balance of the license term and relicensing has not taken place, or surrendered for cancellation following notice of revocation, suspension or monetary forfeiture proceedings; or

(4) Be the subject of a cease and desist order that relates to amateur service operation and which is still in effect.

(e) An IARP is issued to the person by the country of which the person is a citizen. The person must not:

(1) Be a resident alien or citizen of the United States, regardless of any other citizenship also held;

(2) Hold an FCC-issued amateur operator license nor reciprocal permit for alien amateur licensee;

(3) Be a prior amateur service licensee whose FCC-issued license was revoked, suspended for less than the balance of the license term and the suspension is still in effect, suspended for the balance of the license term and relicensing has not taken place, or surrendered for cancellation following notice of revocation, suspension or monetary forfeiture proceedings; or

(4) Be the subject of a cease and desist order that relates to amateur service operation and which is still in effect.

eCFR text as of 1 Sep 2026 · read on ecfr.gov
47 CFR 97.11(a) Stations aboard ships or aircraft.

(a) The installation and operation of an amateur station on a ship or aircraft must be approved by the master of the ship or pilot in command of the aircraft.

(b) The station must be separate from and independent of all other radio apparatus installed on the ship or aircraft, except a common antenna may be shared with a voluntary ship radio installation. The station's transmissions must not cause interference to any other apparatus installed on the ship or aircraft.

(c) The station must not constitute a hazard to the safety of life or property. For a station aboard an aircraft, the apparatus shall not be operated while the aircraft is operating under Instrument Flight Rules, as defined by the FAA, unless the station has been found to comply with all applicable FAA Rules.

eCFR text as of 1 Sep 2026 · read on ecfr.gov
← T1C05 All of T1C T1C07 →

The rest of T1C

  1. T1C01 For which classes of amateur radio licenses does the FCC currently issue new licenses?
  2. T1C02 Who may select a desired call sign under the vanity call sign rules?
  3. T1C03 What types of international communications are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations permitted to make?
  4. T1C04 What may happen if the FCC is unable to reach you by email?
  5. T1C05 Which of the following is a valid Group D call sign format for Technician class?
  6. T1C06 Which of the following statements is true about using your amateur radio license when operating aboard a vess…
  7. T1C07 How long before the expiration date may an amateur radio license renewal be requested?
  8. T1C08 What is the normal term for an FCC-issued amateur radio license?
  9. T1C09 What is the grace period for renewal if an amateur license expires?
  10. T1C10 How soon after passing the examination for your first amateur radio license may you transmit on the amateur r…
  11. T1C11 If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to transmit on t…
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