Marine Radio

Marine Radio Operator Certificates of Proficiency

Marine Rescue Central Coast offers two marine radio operator’s licence courses based on the requirements of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The syllabus and handbook are produced by the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Launceston, which is part of the University of Tasmania. The AMC authorises invigilators and is responsible for marking papers and the issue of Marine Radio licences.

Who should attend?

Any person intending to operate a marine radio transceiver should complete a training course. Operators of ship radio stations using VHF or MF/HF equipment are required to have the appropriate marine radio operators certificate of proficiency (licence). Users operating exclusively in the 27 MHz marine band are exempt from operator licence qualification requirements. However, in the interests of safety it is recommended they obtain the qualification or attend a 27 MHz radio user course at the marine rescue base at Point Clare.

Course Aim:

Any person intending to operate a marine radio transceiver should complete a training course. Operators of ship radio stations using VHF equipment are required to have the appropriate marine radio operators’ certificate of proficiency (licence). Users operating exclusively in the 27 MHz marine band are exempt from operator licence qualification requirements. However, in the interests of safety, it is recommended they obtain the qualification or attend a 27 MHz radio user course at the Marine Rescue base at Point Clare.

Learning Outcomes:

Attendance at the LROCP course will enable participants to:

  • demonstrate an ability to use correct radiotelephone operating procedures, in particular those relating to distress, urgency and safety messages for 27Mhz, VHF(including DSC).
  • demonstrate an understanding of the operation and controls of typical marine radio equipment.
  • demonstrate an understanding of simple maintenance practices required to keep a marine radio installation in good working order, including the repair of minor faults: and
  • demonstrate an understanding of the regulations applicable to radiotelephone ship systems.

Course Duration:

The VHF course (SROCP) is conducted The VHF course (SROCP) is conducted one night a week over four weeks, commencing at 6.30pm” Click here to find course dates

Course Fees:
SROCP General Public $220.00
SROCP MRSS $190.00
The course fee also includes the cost of the SROCP licence. Each participant must provide a passport size photo to accompany the finished test paper. The photo is incorporated into the ACMA licence issued to successful students.

General Notes: Progressive short answer tests are conducted throughout the course.

The final examination is conducted on the last night of the course by an authorised invigilator. On successful completion of the course participants will receive from the University of Tasmania, Australian Maritime College a Marine Radio Operator’s Long Range Certificate of Proficiency or Marine Radio Operator’s Short Range Certificate of Proficiency.