Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1.  How Long is a Communications Act Safety Radiotelephony Certificate (CASRC) good for?

  •  The CASRC is good for 5 years from the date of inspection

 

2.  How long is a Vessel Bridge to Bridge Safety Certificate (BtoB) good for?

  • The BtoB is good for 5 years from the date of inspection

3. I purchased a boat that already has an FCC Station Authorization. Can I keep and use it?

  • Only if you bought the corporation along with the vessel, otherwise the FCC Station Authorizatoin is “non-transferrable”. In that event, then a new application must be submitted for a new call sign.

  • Note: The MMSI number may be retained for the vessel. The old station license will need to be “cancelled” before the new license is applied for.

4.  Can I still operate my vessel even though my CASRC and/or BtoB have expired?

  •  No, these are “no sail items” according to the coast guard and must be cleared first.  An inspection is required, and a new Certificate(s) issued

 

5.   I lost my FCC Station Authorization and/or CASRC and /or BtoB, What can I do?

  •  A free reference copy of the FCC Station Auth can be downloaded from FCC.gov, and MRI keeps copies of your inspection paperwork and we can mail, email, text you new ones.

 

6.  How do I know if I have the proper communications equipment onboard for a vessel of my class?

  • It is always the owner/ mariner who is responsible to insure they have the proper equipment onboard, however MRI has provided printable bullet sheets in this website to help you, and we are also a phone call away if needed.

 

7.  What happens if you come to inspect and I don’t have the proper equipment, documentation or the equipment fails inspection.

  • MRI’s fee is for inspection, not a guarantee for certificate issuance and is paid regardless. 

  • Short of broken microphones, old bad antennas or electrical shorts, todays modern radios very rarely don’t output the wattage required.

  • For any deficiencies, re-inspection of these deficiencies can be done for a nominal travel fee.

8.  I just installed a new radiotelephone.  Do I need a new inspection?

  •  If your current certificate(s) are still valid and haven’t expired, then NO.  New equipment may be installed without re-inspection, However, an entry into your logbook is required stating such new equipment (make model and used successfully) has been installed. (Likewise for equipment that has been retired)

 

9.  I just installed or have an AIS onboard.  Do I need that inspected?

  •  At this time, AIS is NOT required as part of your Communication Station and is NOT required for your communication’s certificates.  AIS falls purely to the US Coast Guard.