What is Digital Selective Calling (DSC)?
DSC is a semi-automated means of establishing initial contact between stations. Once contact has been made, communications on a nominated HF frequency or VHF voice channel should be used to pass messages.
Continue reading VHF Marine Radio Digital Selective Calling | What is it?
Over the years many questions have arisen regarding the need or value of having the marine radio operators certificate. Hopefully the following information will put to bed the very justifiable reasons to apply for the certificate. At the end of the day, it’s all about SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea for the skipper, the crew and the many thousands of volunteer marine rescue personnel who place their lives at risk to save life at sea.
A marine radio is a useless piece of equipment unless you know how to use it properly. By obtaining a Certificate of Proficiency you will obtain the knowledge that can help you save lives.
A Certificate of Proficiency gives you the skills that are essential for the confident and responsible use of a marine radio. You learn what to do when you need to respond to an emergency call and how to make an emergency call that can be understood and responded to appropriately if you ever become endangered at sea.
Marine radio communications can also provide a variety of services to small vessels, including weather and navigational information as well as other services important to those at sea. The more you and your crew on board know about marine radios the more you will all benefit from its use.
What do the MROVCP & MROCP abbreviations mean?
The Marine Radio Operators VHF Certificate of Proficiency, commonly known as the MROVCP is the certificate required to legally operate a Marine VHF Radio while on inland waterways or at sea within Australia.
The Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency, commonly known as the MROCP is the certificate required to legally operate a Marine VHF MF/HF Radio while on inland waterways or at sea.
If your marine radio is Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capable, then you will need to obtain the certificate to apply for a DSC Maritime Mobile Service Identification (MMSI) number.
Obtaining Your Operators Certificate?
The MROVCP and MROCP Certificates are awarded to candidates once they have passed an examination. Preparing for the examination can be done two ways. You can choose to prepare through independent study or by attending a course offered by a training provider.
Contact your local volunteer Marine Rescue group in your area, as many offer the service to members and the general public.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Should you choose to study independently for your MROVCP or MROCP examination you will need to obtain a current edition of the Marine Radio Operators Handbook as a study tool (see below). The exam questions are based on the material contained in the handbook. Once you have studied the handbook and feel that you are ready to be examined, you must contact an Invigilator in your area and arrange a suitable time, date and place to sit the examination. A list of Invigilators is accessible via the website https://vhfradiocourse.com
ATTEND A COURSE
Should you choose to attend a course to help you prepare for your MROVCP or MROCP examination, you will need to make enquiries about training courses available in your area. Training courses vary in scope and cost so do your homework before committing to any particular course. For example will there be an OMC registered Invigilator conducting the examination at the completion of the course? Are the costs of the handbook and examination marking included in the course fee?
STUDY TOOL
The Marine Radio Operators Handbook will assist candidates for all operators certificates to study for their examinations. The handbook includes recommended syllabi for each of the certificates and icons throughout the book indicate relevant areas of study for each qualification.
All examinations are supervised by OMC registered invigilators.
Who is the Office of Maritime Communications?
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 centre for maritime training, education and research.
Do I need a license for the 27Mhz 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 (MROVCP). Because 27 MHz and VHF marine radios are now class licensed, official call signs are no-longer issued. However, operators are still required to identify their vessels at the beginning of each series of transmissions.
Does the MF/HF marine radio require a license?
Yes, the apparatus needs to be licensed and the operator requires a Certificate of Proficiency. When the apparatus is licensed a call sign will be issues by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).
How often do I have to update my Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate?
Marine Radio Operator’s Certificates are issued for life and do not need renewing
Who is an Invigilator?
An Invigilator is a person whom is certified to supervise examinations. A list of Invigilators is accessible via the website https://vhfradiocourse.com
If a candidate fails can they re-sit the exam?
Yes, a candidate may re-sit the examination as many times as it takes to gain the Certificate of Proficiency. Each time the candidate must pay the current processing fee and submit a photo.
However, after the second or third attempt the candidate or Invigilator should query the circumstances and reassess the situation. Would the VHF certificate be more appropriate or should a special examination be considered?
Can the holder of an Amateur or Aviation Radio License 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 Marine Radio Certification.
Does a candidate have to attend a training course?
Not for the MROVCP or MROCP, however there is nothing better than to attend a face-to-face classroom presentation by an experienced marine rescue trainer. They will offer a vast knowledge base of real life experiences and applications for the use of your marine radio. Another advantage in attending is to have the opportunity to broadcast a transmission. (low power, classroom environment). The more practise you have, the confident you will become in using the marine radio.
For all certificates, candidates should obtain a copy of the Marine Radio Operators Handbook (MROH) for either the MROVCP or MROCP study stream. The handbook is a very useful study guide for all examinations and should be carried on board the vessel for future reference by you or your crew.
Is my overseas marine radio qualification valid in Australia?
Australia recognises other countries marine qualifications that are issued according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommendations. Submit a copy of your qualification to ACMA, if you have any doubts.
What is the type of examination do I need to complete?
The examination is a closed book, and no communications other than with the invigilator or no aides are allowed;
The examination duration is 30 Minutes for the MROVCP, 25 question multi choice answers;
The examination duration is 60 Minutes for the MROCP, 50 question multi choice answers;
There is only one correct answer of the four suggested answers offered, so take your time to read all the questions first;
Then consider the four options for the ‘best fit’;
Attempt all the questions as any question not answered will be marked as incorrect;
To pass, you must obtain 70%, or higher.
What if I don’t have a certificate and I need to use the marine radio in an Emergency?
The Radiocommunications Act 1992, Part 3.1, section 49 allows any person in possession of a marine radio, if they have a reasonable belief, that the operation was necessary for the purpose of:
partial content courtesy of AMC-OMC
VHF and MF/HF marine radio equipment and Inmarsat (A, B, C) Satellite communications equipment carried on board a vessel must be under the control of a qualified operator at all times. All coast stations must also be under the control of a qualified operator.
Most operators choose to obtain a Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP), which covers the operation of both VHF and MF/HF equipment. The Marine Radio Operators VHF Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP) has a somewhat simpler syllabus, but only covers the operation of VHF equipment. The Marine Satellite Communications Certificate of Endorsement (Satellite Endorsement) may be added to either the MROCP or the MROVCP if use of Inmarsat equipment is required.
Inmarsat-C equipment that only supports the operation of a Vessel Monitoring System does not require operator qualifications.
Many TAFEs and marine organisations offer courses leading to examination for the MROCP. Such courses are not compulsory and many candidates for examination successfully self study. However, the examination for the Satellite Endorsement should follow conclusion of an approved course of study, including practical instruction in the use of Inmarsat communications equipment. The Australian Maritime College (AMC) provides the marine examination and certificate service on behalf of the ACMA. The AMC can provide the details of organisations and individuals offering courses and or conducting exams.
Operators of a Ship station class C or a Major coast station are required to hold a GMDSS General Operators Certificate of Proficiency (GOCP) issued by AMSA. This is a higher level qualification involving detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of marine radio and satellite communications equipment. AMSA has accredited a number of educational institutions to conduct GOCP examinations at the conclusion of a relevant course of instruction.
Courtesy of AMCA
