FAQs
Who is the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC)? The Office of Maritime Communications is the only body in Australia that can award marine radio qualifications. The office is part of the Australian Maritime College, Australia’s national institute for maritime training, education and research. Do I need a licence for the 27 MHz or VHF radio? Individual licences are not required for 27 MHz or VHF marine radio transceivers but the operator of a VHF marine radio does require a Certificate of Proficiency. Because 27 MHz and VHF marine radios are now class licenced, official call signs are no-longer issued. However, operators are still required to identify their vessels at the beginning of each series of transmissions.
Scan the QR Code to visit our website for more information on how to obtain your Radio Operators Certificate:
Does the MF/HF marine radio require a licence? Yes, the apparatus needs to be licenced and the operator requires a Certificate of Proficiency. When the apparatus is licenced a call sign will be issued by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority). Is my marine radio certificate still valid? The ROCP/RROCP qualifications are valid for operating MF/HF and VHF radios for recreational purposes only. For commercial purposes holders of these qualifications are required to sit a current examination /submit a Unit of Competency Application to obtain either a SROCP/LROCP. Renaming of marine radio certificates In mid-2015 marine radio certificates were renamed to reflect ITU terminology and align with common world practice, as follows: • Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency – SROCP (replaces MROVCP) • Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency – LROCP (replaces MROCP) Who is an Invigilator? An Invigilator is a person who is certified to supervise examinations. A list of Invigilators is located on the website: www.amc.edu.au/industry/omc/invigilator-search If a candidate fails can they re-sit the exam? Yes, a candidate may re-sit the examination as many times as required to gain the Certificate of Proficiency. Each time the candidate must pay the current processing fee and submit a photo. Can the holder of an Amateur or Aviation Radio Licence receive exemptions for the Marine Radio Certification? No. Amateur and aviation radio certificates are not valid for marine radio operations. These operators must successfully gain their SROCP/LROCP Certification. Is my overseas marine radio qualification valid in Australia? Australia recognises other countries’ marine qualifications that are issued according to International Telecommunication Union recommendations. Submit a copy of your qualification to ACMA, if you have any doubts.
YES
you DO need a Radio Operators Certificate or contact us on: 1300 365 262 amcom@amc.edu.au