What are the rules for marine VHF?

[KD4UPL]

Where can I find the FCC rules for marine VHF use? What "part" of the FCC regulations is the correct one?
My main question is this:
If I have a vhf in my boat and I'm out on the lake can I use the marine frequencies to communicate with someone on shore?
This would most likely be my wife at our lakeside campsite or maybe someone getting my truck to head for the launch ramp or something.
Also, do you still have to send in a form to get a license? Does the license cover one person, everyone in the boat with the radio installed, multiple radios used by one family?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: What are the rules for marine VHF?

Don't need a liscense anymore. Can't remember where the rules are found (sorry). But there is a bunch of them to tell you which channels you should use and for what. (many don't pay much attention anymore (sad). Yes you can communicate about almost anything with anyone. Coast Guard uses some channels for itself and if your abusing them they will tell you. Channel 16 is for calling someone and switch to an appropriate channel to pass info. No bad language allowed.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: What are the rules for marine VHF?

As far as I know you don't need a license and you must be on the water to use the marine frequencies.73's KB3QVL

 

[NYBo]

Re: What are the rules for marine VHF?

Except for licensed shore stations, you can't communicate ship-to-shore. Get cheap FRS or GMRS radios for that.

Here and here are good places for some info on marine VHF radio.