FCC License: Commercial vs Amateur

[BrettDez]

Question as I can't seem to find the answer for certainty.

I am a Licensed GMDSS Radio Operator, listed as a Commercial Operator. Callsign: DO00006482

I imagine this license also covers the Amateur bands as well as it is a more advanced license. But I can't find any information that explicitly states as such. Can anyone help? I want to make sure my license is proper before I start looking into a setup for my vehicle.

 

[Vegas_Nick]

It does not cover you to operate in the amateur radio bands. You'll need to go get your tech/general/advanced license for that. (pick one depending on what you want to do)

The General that you obtained by passing elements one and three only cover maritime and aircraft related radio systems.

"A PG is required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC licensed radiotelephone transmitters in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. It conveys all of the operating authority of the MP. It is also required to operate the following:
any compulsorily equipped ship radiotelephone station operating with more than 1500 watts of peak envelope power.
voluntarily equipped ship and aeronautical (including aircraft) stations with more than 1000 watts of peak envelope power."

Hope that helps!

 

[BrettDez]

Thank you.

Thanks for the help, you are correct. I must have missed it when I was looking earlier. I found this note at the bottom of the page on FCC.gov:

"NOTE: Possession of a commercial radio operator license or permit does not authorize an individual to operate amateur or GMRS radio stations. Only a person holding an amateur or GMRS radio operator license may operate an amateur or GMRS radio station. "

Seems kind of backwards to me, but looks like I have to take another exam.

 

[Vegas_Nick]

^^ Avionics tech. Seems like we'd get some kind of exemption! I have my general and you'll have no issues getting yours.