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Hi. This may initially sound harsh, so know that I am very interested in this product as a potential customer. I just want some assurances on the legalities ...
I asked essentially the same question through your website back in early December. On December 10 I got a response from Katherine that she had forwarded my query to you. I have no response yet on that, but I'm happier discussing it here for all to see.
I am not a boater or radio operator (I do have a GMRS license for my terrestrial walkie-talkies) and not particularly well-informed about the licensing issues, but I did spend some time on the FCC website trying to resolve this myself before making my query to you. I'm happy to hear your interpretation, and I want that to be the case. But as best as I can see, there isn't blanket allowance for this use unless a diver is considered a "ship" or a "vessel", which might be a bit of a stretch.
I understand the case of "covered by the dive boat license", but what if there isn't a dive boat involved (shore diving)?
What I'd like to see is some reference to FCC documentation on this issue, and I'd like to see that on your website, in a discussion of the licensing legalities for all the likely jurisdictions where this will be used. Before I spend the money and effort to carry one of these while diving, I'd like to be sure that my use of it is legal, and if I have to buy a license for use in some non-USA dive destination, I'd like you to make the requirements clear, and perhaps provide a little guidance on procedures, rather than having every customer trying to figure that out for themselves.
If you know the legalities, it can't be that much more work to spell them out publicly on your website for all potential customers to see. If you don't, or they're ambiguous, I'd think you have an obligation to make that clear, and perhaps work with the appropriate national licensing authorities to get them resolved. Sound reasonable?
I want this to work, I think it's a great idea, and I can't see why those that control Marine VHF use wouldn't think the same. But I'd like the i's dotted.
Thanks! Totally appreciate where you are at on this. Kath has the info and FCC regulations at her fingertips. Unfortunately she is on her way to the dive show in Italy and incommunicado for the next 24 hours. I'll ask her to post the FCC info as soon as she picks up her emails..
The key thing in our interpretation of the relevant FCC regulations is that the use of a marine vhf radio is restricted to area of operation ie. in the marine environment - but not restricted to actually being used while on a vessel. It's a subtle difference but has a big impact in this particular situation.
I apologize for my tardy reply to your email. Been concentrating on final manufacturing and QA issues etc. rather than on the marketing and sales side of stuff. Our number 1 goal is to deliver as promised at the end of March with a robust and reliable unit that is properly certificated and works just as promised..
thanks, Mike