Nothing comes close to a Cobra®
FCC Licensing Information
5
FCC LICENSING INFORMATION •
CobraMarine™VHF radios comply with theFCC (Federal Communication
Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
This CobraMarine™radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in
the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. It requires 13.8 volts DC and
has a switchable RF output power of one (1) or 25 watts.
The transceiver is capable of RTCM SC 101 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) operation.
The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for
use according to U.S.A., International, or Canadian regulations. It features instant
access to emergency Channel 16 and calling Channel 9 as well as NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) All Hazards Radio with Alert that can be
accessed by pressing one (1) key.

Station License

An FCC ship station licenseis no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S.A.
waters which uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR, or EPIRB (Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon), and which is not required to carry radio equipment.
However, any vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage,
carrying a HF single side band radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite
terminal must obtain a station license.
FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded
through the Internet at www.fcc.gov/forms. Forms can also be obtained by calling
the FCC at 888-225-5322.

International Station License

If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of a country other than the
U.S.A. or Canada, you should contact that country’s communications regulatory
authority for licensing information.

Radio Call Sign

Currently,the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license. The United
States Coast Guard recommends that the boat’s registration number and state of registry
(e.g., Illinois 1234 AB) be used as a call sign and be clearly visible on the vessel.

Canadian Ship Station License

You need a Radio Operator’s Certificate if your vessel is operated in Canadian waters.
Radio Operator training and certification is available from the Canadian Power
Squadron. Visit their website (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/english/newradiocard.html),
contact the nearest field office or write: Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory
Branch, Attn: DOSP,300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C8.
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notice
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation Customer
Assistance
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Notice Caution Warning
Installation Customer
Assistance
4English
Recommendations For Marine Communication
CAUTIONS
AVOIDusing or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or
above 140°F (60°C).
NEVERconnect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to
any DC source with reversed polarity. Doing so will damage the transceiver.
DO NOTcut the power cables attached to the transceiver. Improper
reconnection with reversed polarity will damage the transceiver.
POSITIONyour radio, external speakers, and cables at least three (3) feet (0.9 m)
away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. CHECK your compass
before and after installation to be sure that it has not introduced any deviation.
DO NOTattempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any
necessary service performed by a qualified technician.
DO NOTdrop the transceiver or microphone. Doing so may crack the
case or damage a waterproof seal. Once these items have been dropped,
the original waterproofing cannot be guaranteed.
DO NOTuse chemicals or solvents such as mineral spirits and alcohol
to clean your radio. They may damage the case surfaces.
Changes or modifications to your radio MAYVOID its compliance with FCC rules
and make it illegal to use.
Recommendations For Marine Communication •
The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for
vessel navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore
voyages. If the 25 watt maximum output of your radio isn’t sufficient for the
distances you travel from the coast, consider installing more powerful radio
equipment such as HF single side band or satellite radio for your vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard does not endorse cellular telephones as substitutes for
marine radios. They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and,
if you make a distress call on a cellular telephone, only the party you call will
be able to hear you. Additionally,cellular telephones may have limited coverage
over water and can be hard to locate. If you don’t know where you are, the
Coast Guard will have difficulty finding you if you’re using a cellular telephone.
However, cellular telephones can have a place on board where cellular coverage
is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies
uncluttered and available for their intended uses.
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notice
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation Customer
Assistance
Introduction