From which of the following locations may an FCC-licensed amateur station transmit?

• A. From any state or territory
• B. From any vessel or craft located in international waters and documented or registered in the United States
• C. Only from land-based stations
• D. From designated FCC licensed locations only

Answer: (B)

The FCC rules governing amateur radio licenses allow for flexible operation under specific conditions. While it is true that amateur stations can operate from land locations and various premises, option B highlights a unique aspect of amateur radio operation that pertains to maritime activity.

An FCC-licensed amateur station is indeed authorized to transmit from any vessel or craft located in international waters, provided that the vessel is documented or registered in the United States. This means that as long as the vessel meets the registration requirements, the operator can legally transmit from there, even when they are outside of U.S. jurisdiction. This element is significant because it extends the reach of amateur radio operation beyond terrestrial fixed locations to include marine environments, which can be vital for communication and safety at sea.

In contrast, the other choices reflect more limited conditions or scenarios. For instance, while transmitting from any state or territory (option A) may seem valid, it does not capture the maritime context specified in option B. Land-based only operation (option C) excludes the possibility of being at sea, while option D restricts transmission to authorized FCC locations, which may not encompass the flexibility afforded to amateur operators on registered vessels. Thus, B stands out as the most comprehensive and correct answer regarding locations from which an FCC-