You may rent the station (24/hr access*) and stay at any of the beautiful local resorts or you may rent the station and house together. A $1500.00 refundable deposit is required for weekly rentals and a $500 deposit required for daily use.

If you wish to visit the station for a short tour, please make a reservation in advance. We can arrange for you to operate for a few hours at no charge. No specific dates and times are guaranteed for tours.

All rentals must be booked through David, KY1V. If you have questions or would like to book a rental, please contact KY1V via:

Via	Use
Toll Free (US & Canada)	1 (877) 599-6Y1V  (6918)
International	1 (615) 345-6660
Email

Note: 50% of the rental proceeds go directly to George (6Y5GC) for home improvements, property maintenance, utilities, Internet service and a small salary for station custodian. The remaining proceeds are used for station improvements and equipment maintenance. No funds are paid to K1LZ or KY1V. George may perform errands and act as a guide for visitors upon request. Tipping is customary and is strongly encouraged.

*Day rate not available for contesting. Availability for day rate at George's discretion. 3 day maximum or weekly rate applies. Visitors welcome with advance notice.

Currently the following contest weeks are unavailable:

ARRL International DX CW
ARRL International DX SSB
CQWW CW
CQWW SSB

 

When traveling to Jamaica to visit 6Y1V, fly only to Montego Bay (Airport Code MBJ).

DO NOT fly to Kingston, as it is more than a 5 hour drive to Hopewell and during heavy rains, you may not be able to cross the mountains.

If you plan to rent a vehicle, we recommend Chalis Car Rental. You can call them directly at 1-876-952-9361. Ask for Ms. Brown or Ms. Campbell and tell them you were referred by David Kopacz. They will take very good care of you. Chalis is the only reliable car rental service in Montego Bay and always has cars available. They will pick you up and return you to the airport, 1/4 mile from their office.

Remember, while driving in Jamaica, drive on the left side of the road, always wear your seatbelt and  talking on the cell phone while driving is illegal.

 

Licensing Requirements

You must obtain permission to operate while in Jamaica as it is not a CEPT country that recognizes U.S. participation in the CEPT Radio Amateur License or an IARP participating member.

The alien permit allows you to operate only as 6Y/yourcall, however, you may obtain a special event call sign for contests.

Obtaining a 6Y license is easy. Simply download and complete an Alien Amateur Radio Station Application and send it to Spectrum Management Authority at

Manager - Administration
Spectrum Management Authority
2nd Floor VMBS Building
52 Knutsford Blvd
Kingston 5
Jamaica

You can apply for any 6Y# special event call sign you desire except 6Y5 which is reserved for local amateur operators.

The cost for a 3 month alien permit is currently $20 USD. If you want a special event call sign (i.e 6Y0P), you must pay an additional $20 USD.

Always check the SMA website for the most recent instructions and prices. Unless you apply several months in advance of your visit, I strongly advise you to send a certified bank check to avoid delays. Even then, you should apply at least 60 days before your trip in order to have time to receive your license in the mail. Kingston is a 5.5 hour drive from the station, so don't think you can pick your license up on the Island.

When filling out the form, please pay particular attention to the following details:

7. Address while in Jamaica - Home of 6Y5GC, Watford Hill, Hopewell, Hanover Parish

9a. Amateur Radio Station License Number - THIS IS YOUR HOME CALL SIGN.

9d. Call Sign - This is your desired Jamaican special event call sign (i.e. 6Y2P). Be sure to specify the special event contest for which you will be using the call sign.

With your application, you must include a clear and legible copy of both your passport photo page and your home amateur radio license. If it is in a language other than English, it will have to be translated and the translation must be notarized.

Please note: We have done our best to provide all the information necessary for you to obtain a license, however, we do not get involved in the licensing process and we make no guarantees that you will be issued a license. If you have any questions that are not answered on this site, please contact SMA directly.