Topband: Fishing beacons redux

[Tom W8JI]

> I didn't realize 160 was a shared band with fishing bouys.
> Rotten QRM...

Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this either falls under 
international agreements of frequency use in international waters, or 
domestic FCC regulations inside USA waters.

Of course many fish boats in USA waters break USA law, even while in USA 
waters. It is common for me to hear fish boats from the Gulf coast, even 
while in port, using Ham bands.

This is because the equipment they purchase, like Icom rigs, operates in Ham 
bands. The radio buoys also are programmable to Ham bands.

I am strong enough to cause problems for many of them when they are in my 
general area, off the east coast or in the gulf or southern ports, because I 
have about 5-6 kW ERP and it is one hop, but transmitting just to bother 
them is a non-productive way to spend an evening or morning. The real 
solution is to get the manufacturers and dealers selling the stuff to warn 
them away from Ham bands.

I doubt, with the sprit of smaller government and deregulation, any 
government help is available. The exception might be if they start using 
these things as a obvious tool in running drugs.

73 Tom