On Thu, 05 Sep 2013 04:37:57 -0400, rickman wrote:

It seems very restrictive that anyone can use a marine VHF radio on
their boat, but if they want to speak with someone on shore that is not
allowed except for special cases like drawbridge operators. I can
understand that marine radios are not for shore to shore communications,
but it only seems natural to use the same radio for ship to ship and
ship to shore comms.

The National Marine Electronics Association document at
http://www.nmea.org/content/newsm/printnews.asp?a=27
may provide dome insights. Additionally the FCC document at
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=operations&id=ship_stations
provides information about obtaining a marine utility station license in order
to operate a hand-held marine radio from land.

A hand-held radio may be well-suited for your needs. Much will depend upon what
sort of antenna is used.