[Ares-races] VHF Marine Band question

[Gary Payne]

At 05:14 AM 12/15/03, Jerry, KK5CA wrote:

>In my opinion, the most significant part of my message was:  "...if no 
>other means were available, I would not hesitate to use any available 
>radio communications means at my disposal."
>
>None the eight commercially manufactured amateur radio transceivers I 
>presently own have been modified to transmit on non-amateur frequencies; 
>that's unlawful.

Such modification to an amateur radio transceiver is not unlawful. In fact 
if one belongs to MARS or CAP it is required. Using that modified 
transceiver to transmit on non-amateur frequencies may or may not be 
unlawful, the circumstances will dictate.

Some of the respondents to this thread are trying to find or write black 
and white rules to cover the issue. There are none. In each case the 
circumstances will dictate. The amateur rules do clearly grant authority to 
a licensed amateur operator (in an emergency, etc.) on amateur frequencies. 
This is logical, rules can only pertain to what the rules cover.

What about outside of the amateur frequencies? Hopefully reason would 
prevail but the point this discussion has made is to not put blind trust in 
a non-existent black and white rule. Use good judgement and try to be aware 
of the risks and ramifications of your actions by becoming as knowledgeable 
of the rules as possible, as we have done here.

Just having the right radio on hand doesn't solve the problem, you may need 
a MROP or GROL to use that HF marine radio legally. So it is not the 
equipment itself which makes it legal.

I like to think about it as: would the user of this frequency want me to 
make the call on this frequency to save a life? Choose the best option 
available to you which fits that criteria.

Don't hesitate to save a life, but be ready to defend your actions on the 
urgency of the situation. Some people who have been prosecuted have had 
"emergencies" which were not particularly urgent.

Gary Payne, N9VE
EC, OOC WI Section