T&T: AIS Class B aboard a US vessel.

[Rod Mell]

 A couplle of days ago I got this about Shine Micro's Class B FCC
approval for both transmit & Receive.

"Port Ludlow, WA, October 16, 2008

Shine Micro has received FCC approval of the RadarPlus. AIS-BX Class B
AIS transponder, which is now available for shipment to U.S. customers
with full transmit and receive capability.

The U.S. boating community has been anxiously awaiting FCC approval since
2006, when the standard was adopted by the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC). Earlier this year, Shine Micro released the RadarPlus.
AIS-BX Class B AIS to U.S. customers with Receive-Only functionality; to
be optionally upgraded to full transmit capability when the FCC granted
approval. At long last, Class B AIS is available to boaters in U.S.
waters too."

Rod Mell
NiSa, Monk 34
Powell River, BC

Mike Maurice wrote:

  A recent post suggested that a US owner could buy a Class B AIS unit in 
  Canada and use it aboard their boat.
  
  There are a number of issues to keep in mind. First the use of a Class B 
  unit aboard an American owned boat is not presently legal, in point of 
  fact the mere possession is probably not legal. Bringing the unit into 
  the US could get it confiscated by US Customs.
  
  The FCC's authority extends to American vessels in International waters 
  and to some extent even in the territory of a foreign country. This 
  authority is rather draconian in that the equipment is subject to 
  confiscation, and to add injury to insult, fines on the order of many 
  thousands of dollars can be involved. As for foreign yachts, the FCC's 
  authority to prohibit the USE (not possession) of this equipment within 
  US territory is absolute.
  
  The process whereby these things can be done to a violator can be swift 
  and difficult to reverse.
  
  Understand that I personally don't have a problem with American small 
  vessels having or using AIS class B. If the FCC won't permit it's use in 
  American territory then I think they should explicitly allow it's use on 
  the ocean beyond 3 or maybe 12 miles and the high seas and wherever a 
  foreign country permits it in that country's territory.
  
  In the meantime, if you are thinking of buying in Canada and having it 
  aboard your American boat, keep in mind what the consequences could be 
  if you get crosswise to the FCC. The USCG and the US Customs Service are 
  empowered to enforce FCC laws, so you don't actually have to encounter 
  an FCC enforcement officer. These so called dire consequences are not 
  very likely, unless the FCC decides that this is a problem they want to 
  crack down on, which could mean you.
  
  The only problem I have with this entire topic is the suggestion that 
  buying in Canada and using it aboard an American boat is somehow legal 
  and without any possible legal complications. There are a lot of naive 
  and inexperienced people reading these posts and it does them no favor 
  to have them think that this is perfectly legit. And it won't be until 
  the FCC authorizes the class B equipment.

  Regards,
  Mike