Radio Act of 1912 Law and Legal Definition
The Radio Act of 1912 was a U.S. federal law that required all seafaring vessels to maintain 24-hour radio watch and keep in contact with nearby ships and coastal radio stations. The Act also required all amateur radio operators to be licensed. The ongoing conflict between amateur radio operators and the U.S. Navy and private corporations, and the sinking of the RMS Titanic led to the passage of the act.
The provisions of the Act were codified at 47 USCS §§ 51-63. The Act set a precedent for international and federal legislation of wireless communications. However, the Act now stands repealed. It was followed by the Radio Act of 1927.
