Marine Radio licence
Legal requirement
If you want to use a VHF / HF / MF marine radio, you need a “marine radio licence”. There licences available…
SROCP or LROCP?
If you are a coastal sailor, fishing enthusiast, or recreational boatie, a short range operator certificate of proficiency (SROCP) will most likely be sufficient for your needs.
If you dream about blue water adventures and plan to stray further afield, the long range operator certificate of proficiency (LROCP) may be more suitable.
Short range operator certificate of proficiency
(SROCP)
The SROCP qualification allows the operator to operate the VHF marine radiotelephony equipment only. The examination consists of a 25 multi-choice question paper (duration 30 minutes with a 70% pass mark) and a practical component. The practical component may be conducted by either the invigilator or another person nominated by the invigilator.
Applicants for the Short Range Certificate of Proficiency will be required to:
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of GMDSS sub-systems and equipment which is appropriate to vessels operating in Australian waters on which a radio installation is not compulsory under international agreements. Specifically, VHF radio telephony equipment with digital selective calling (DSC) facilities, and emergency position indicating radio beacons of the 406 MHz and 121.5/243 type.
- Demonstrate an ability to use VHF radio telephony and digital selective calling (DSC) operating procedures, particularly those relating to distress, urgency and safety.
- Demonstrate an understanding of simple maintenance practices required to keep the marine radio equipment specified in (1) in good working order, including the repair of minor faults.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the regulations applicable to ship stations equipped with VHF radio telephony and digital selective calling facilities.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Australian marine search and rescue system.
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of marine radio operations and equipment.
This FREE online course is in preparation for a final exam.
Estimated time: 2 hours.
Long range operator certificate of proficiency
(LROCP)
The LROCP qualification allows the operator to operate both the VHF marine radiotelephony equipment and the MF/HF marine telephony equipment. The examination consists of a 50 multi-choice question paper (duration 1 hour with a 70% pass mark) and a practical component. The practical component may be conducted by either the invigilator or another person nominated by the invigilator.
Applicants will be required to:
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of GMDSS sub-systems and equipment which is appropriate to vessels operating in Australian waters on which a radio installation is not compulsory under international agreements. Specifically, MF/HF and VHF radio telephony equipment with digital selective calling (DSC) facilities, and emergency position indicating radio beacons of the 406 MHz.
- Demonstrate an ability to use MF/HF and VHF radio telephony and digital selective calling (DSC) operating procedures, particularly those relating to distress, urgency and safety.
- Demonstrate an understanding of simple maintenance practices required to keep the marine radio equipment specified in (1) in good working order, including the repair of minor faults.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the regulations applicable to ship stations equipped with radio telephony and digital selective calling facilities.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Australian marine search and rescue system.
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of marine radio operations and equipment.
This FREE online course is in preparation for a final exam.
Estimated time: 2 hours.