The Bahamas does not issue C6 callsigns, only C6A prefixes. Anyone using C6DX, C6HB, or other C6 call is illegal per URCA 3/4/2013.
New Licensing Procedure for the Bahamas (C6A)
Updated: August 29, 2013 Changes are in Blue.
The old PUC procedure and licensing on an annual renewal basis is gone. As of August 9, 2009, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has taken over all telecommunications licensing. The following is the new procedure per URCA:
Go to the URCA web site, www.urcabahamas.bs
Download the NEW Amateur Radio application (January 1, 2011). Send the completed form to URCA, P.O. Box N-4860, Fourth Terrace East, Collins Avenue, Nassau, Bahamas (same address as PUC). Include a copy of your U.S. Amateur Radio License; a copy of your passport or birth certificate; a $10.00 application fee and a $25.00 license fee - total $35.00. Specify the dates you will be operating from the Bahamas. Pay with a credit card authorization (quick turn-a-round; download from the web site), or a money order or a check in USD. You may email or fax all of this information (The fastest turn-around). Specify you would like to be issued C6A call sign. In turn, URCA will send you a license to operate for that period. If you do not specify that you want a C6A call sign, a C6A/US call will be issued. These are reciprocal licenses, not permanent annual licenses. Leave a lot of leeway time for the URCA to respond prior to your trip.
If you are renewing a previous C6A license, specify the call sign issued and they will give you permission to use that call sign (normally) during your operating period. The rest is same as above.
From very recent experience, do not add any unnecessary information or requests which will confuse the people who handle the licenses. KISS is the rule. A necessary trip to Nassau can be the result of violating that rule! Main URCA contact for amateur radio licenses:
Ms. Linda Deveaux-Francis
[email protected]
URCA telephone numbers:
242-322-4437 Main
242-323-7288 FAX
73 de Kevin K4PG C6APG
Updated: August 29, 2013
Note: Credit card authorization is destroyed by URCA after 3 months. You will need a new one for the next application.