Who Must Have a Marine Radio Licence
Any person who operates VHF (Short Range) or MF/HF (Long Range) marine radios on a vessel (both recreational and commercial vessels) must be licenced. This requirement has been in existence for many, many years however it has not been strictly enforced by the Government licencing regulator.
One of the reasons why people are becoming more aware of the requirement to have a marine radio licence is through technology. The most popular, and modern, types of radios are
known as Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF and MF/HF radios. Basically, these are radios where initial contact with other vessels, and land based stations, can be made in either a
routine or emergency situation through a non-voice process. Another advantage of these types of radio is the ability to link to other electronic devices such as a GPS and AIS systems
which in turn allows the position of a vessel to be transmitted electronically during emergency transmissions.
These functions on the radio cannot be utilised until the radio is programmed by the operator with a 9 digit Marine Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. The MMSI number cannot be obtained unless you have a Marine Radio Licence.
Where do I sit the final Marine Radio Exam
This is one of the most common questions we get so we have put this information near the top of the document. Effective March 2020 the Office of Maritime Communications issued a
Directive that all face to face exam exams were to cease immediately.
The marine radio licence course is now conducted 100% online.
Types of Marine Radio Licences
There are essentially 2 types of marine radio licences:
1. The Long Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) which is for operating both VHF and MF/HF Radios and
2. The Short Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency for VHF Only (SROCP) Marine radios
Basically if you intend traveling on offshore coastal voyages, or are part of a yacht race crew for example, or applying for commercial qualifications such as a Coxswain’s or Master <24 or above, you should obtain an LROCP Certificate.
If you are operating small recreational vessels in harbours and bays or staying near the coast then an SROCP Certificate will be sufficient.
When you have completed the marine radio licence course you will then be able to apply for your Marine Qualification such as Coxswain or Master <24 metres etc. with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Go to the AMSA website using the link above and complete and submit Form 426.
The Marine Radio Licence Course Structure
The Online Marine Radio Course is now conducted 100% online and this allows candidates the opportunity of unlimited pre study for the Marine Radio Certificate exam regardless of where you live in Australia (and also overseas as we have had people in the US, UK, South Africa, Singapore, Uruguay, The Netherland and Dubai use the process) with the added advantage of phone or email access to our Invigilator. At any given time we would have in excess of 250 people around the country, from Karratha WA to Sale VIC, from Albany WA to Thursday Island QLD, completing the course.
On completion of the pre study practice exam questions
When the pre study component has been completed (and this can be done is just a few hours) the final process involves 2 components:
1. Firstly, to demonstrate competency in operating a marine radio. This includes turning the radio on, adjusting the squelch, logging on with a marine radio base, changing to DW, adjusting the Hi and Lo volume buttons and making a correct Mayday call and routine calling. We provide a simulated device to meet this requirement.
2. Finally, to sit a closed book multiple choice question exam in the presence of a registered Exam Supervisor (Invigilator). The are 50 questions for the LROCP and 25 questions for the SROCP. The required pass mark is 70% and is very achievable if the pre study component is successfully completed.
Total fees, including the online process, simulator access, Invigilator costs and exam papers, is $279.00. (Note: This includes the government charge of $89.00 for exam papers)
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A MARINE RADIO LICENCE
The level of knowledge required to pass the exam (70% pass required) includes the following subjects:
- Knowledge of MF/HF and VHF marine radios
- Identify the difference between Ship Stations, Coast Radio Stations and Limited Coast Stations
- Understand and use the ‘Phonetic Alphabet’
- Use correct operating procedures and channels when operating a marine radio
- Understand Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications
- Understand Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Communications
- Understand the use of 406 MHz EPIRBS
- Understand the use of SART’s
- Understand Search and Rescue in Australia
- Identify the different types of radio equipment, their application and limitations
- Identify the components of a marine radio and the care and maintenance required with radio equipment and power sources
How long will it take to obtain a Marine Radio Licence?
We estimate that to complete the online component will take approximately 4-5 hours of self study. The online assignments are open book and take between 4 to 10 minutes each to complete.
When the assignments are completed an email response is sent to your inbox advising you of your results and sections that need to be reviewed. When candidates are consistently achieving 80-85% in the online components then we then send information on completing the competency component and completing the final exam.
When the final 50 question (25 questions for SROCP) multiple choice examination has been successfully completed the examination is received by the OMC for processing. This is the longest part of the process as it can take up to 15 days for the licence to be mailed to you.
How long does a Marine Radio Licence last?
The Marine Radio Operators Certificate is one of those rare licences that, when obtained, it has no expiry date and there are no renewal fees!
Click here to see a Demo Video on how to demonstrate competency in operating a VHF Marine Radio
When you have completed the marine radio licence course you will then be able to apply for your MMSI with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Go to the AMSA website using the link above and complete and submit Form 89.
