Which of the following statements about transmitting equipment certification is true?

• A. Any radio device may be used in maritime service
• B. FCC Part 90 certification is sufficient
• C. Part 80 certification is optional
• D. FCC Part 80 certification is required for authorized transmitters

Answer: (D)

In the maritime service, transmitting equipment must be approved by the FCC to ensure it meets the required technical standards. That approval comes under Part 80, which covers marine radio equipment. Certification under Part 80 guarantees the device operates within the allowed power, spectral, and emission limits and won’t cause harmful interference. Because of this, only transmitters that have Part 80 certification can be legally used for authorized marine communications. The other statements aren’t correct: you can’t use any radio device in maritime service, Part 90 is for land mobile and doesn’t apply here, and Part 80 certification isn’t optional for transmitters used in maritime operations.