The BoatU.S. Government Affairs Team is always working to stay in front of policy trends on the water. Here’s what BoatU.S. is watching for you:

One of the best ways to call for assistance on the water is a Marine VHF Radio. While it is voluntary for recreational boaters to carry a VHF, smart-safe boaters have at least one onboard when venturing away from the shore. It is also crucial to have the VHF properly setup and programmed with a registered MMSI number. This allows the U.S. Coast Guard to quickly get additional information about a vessel once its distress system is activated. BoatU.S. members can get a free MMSI registration at our website: BoatU.S. MMSI

Most of the laws and regulations dealing with marine communications are focused on commercial operations. As this system has evolved over the past 100 years, recreational boats have often been an afterthought. That is why BoatU.S. spearheaded efforts such as to no longer requiring ship-station radio licenses for recreational boats but rather having them be "Licensed-by-Rule." 

BoatU.S. is in regular contact with the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard Spectrum Management Offices to ensure that the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) works for boaters who may not have the extensive resources of commercial vessels. Boaters can learn more about maritime communications at the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website.

We count on boaters to alert us to issues and trends in their own areas. What are your thoughts? Drop us a line at govtaffairs@boatus.com