🔍 Key Concepts

• FCC licensing requirements for ship radio stations and operators on towing vessels 26 feet or more • VHF watchkeeping requirements on channel 16 and the bridge-to-bridge channel for towing vessels • Differences between requirements for the vessel (station license) and the individual (operator license)

💭 Think About

• Think about which items are required by the FCC for almost all commercial towing vessels that operate outside very limited areas or only with certain radios. • Consider when a continuous radio watch on VHF channel 16 is mandatory, and whether towing vessels must also monitor the bridge-to-bridge channel. • Ask yourself: Are the requirements the same for the physical radio equipment, the ship-as-a-station, and the person actually using the radio, or are they covered by different rules?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether towing vessels of 26 feet or more in length used in commercial service must carry an FCC ship-radio-station license. • Check if the radio operator on such vessels must hold at least a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (or higher) from the FCC. • Confirm whether regulations require a continuous watch on both VHF channel 16 and the bridge-to-bridge channel, or if there are any exceptions based on equipment or operating area.