Subsea Engineering And Services
Who Needs A Ship Station License?
Not all vessel operators require a Ship Station License. For domestic operations, recreational or voluntary vessels typically do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar or EPIRBs. Voluntary ships are vessels not legally required to carry a radio, usually recreational or pleasure craft.
- Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea
- Vessels certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in open sea/tidewaters
- Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways
- Ships over 100 gross tons certified to carry at least one passenger on navigable waters
- Tow boats more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways
- Uninspected commercial fishing vessels required to carry a VHF radio
- Ships required to carry an AIS (Automatic Identification System) transceiver under U.S. Coast Guard regulations (Maritime Transportation Security Act, 2000)
