Marine Radio

Other Related Courses

ACMA Marine Radio Licence

This is a one-day course approved by ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority). It covers VHF (short-range), MF/HF (long-range) and GMDSS relevant equipment such as EPIRBs, SARTs and DSC.

Did you know that you must possess a Marine Radio Operators Certificate before you use a marine radio? You also need a certificate to apply for an MMSI number to be able to operate the DSC function on your radio and obtain a ship’s licence to operate your MF/HF transceiver. 

This course is also a requirement for those looking to get their Yachtmaster, AMSA Master, and Coxswains.

If you have a radio onboard your vessel, this course is an absolute “must”. We pride ourselves on more than just getting you over the line for the licence exam. We actually teach you how to use a radio. 

What you will learn:

• Licencing rules and regulations

• Frequency and Channels

• Marine radio uses and communications 

• Radio Propagation

• Radio equipment and Protocol

• Repeater channels and shore stations

• Distress, urgency & safety calling

• Using a DSC enabled radio and AIS

• Emergency beacons and transponders

• Power supplies for radio equipment

• Practical use of radio

Prerequisites

• None

How to get your Radio Licence

• At the end of the course, you will undertake a 50 question, multiple-choice exam. The exam has a 70% pass rate (35 correct questions)

• There is also a short practical assessment where we will observe your ability to use a radio to make routine and distress calls. 

• The exams are sent to the Office of Maritime Communications at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania where the exams are marked. The certificate are sent by the AMC directly to you via post.

• Now there is also the option to do the assessments online. The advantage is that you will know how you did straight after the exam. For this option, you will need to bring your own laptop or tablet.

• If successful, your certificate is posted directly to you. 

• Payment of an $89 exam fee (not included in course fees)

Online Learning

• If you are short of time, we also offer an option to do the VHF (Short Range) course online with one of our partner training centres. You can complete the course online and then just do the assessment when it suits you. 

• *To sit the exam you will have to get in touch and book a date and time. You have two options:

  • Option 1: You can do assessment online from any location. You will need a computer or laptop and internet access. We will schedule a Zoom session and do both the theory and practical remotely. With this option, you will know the outcome of the theory assessment straight after taking it. There is a $100 fee for the invigilation and a $89 exam fee payable to the Australian Maritime College. To book, click here.

  • Option 2: In person, when we are running a face-to-face course. There is a $100 fee that we charge for you to sit the exam, and an additional $89 payable to the Australian Maritime College to process your exam. To book, click here.

• Prices & Time Commitment