Amateur licence information paper

This information paper provides details of the licensing arrangements applicable to the amateur apparatus licence type.

• What is an amateur licence?
• Licensing options
• Qualifications
• Examinations
• Minimum age
• Licence conditions
• Callsigns
• Duration
• Other issues
• Applying for an apparatus licence
• Fees
• Transfer of apparatus licences
• ITU references
• Further information

 What is an amateur licence?

An amateur apparatus licence is issued to authorise a station that:

• is operated for the purposes of self-training in radiocommunications, intercommunication using radiocommunications and technical investigation into radiocommunications by persons who do so solely with a personal aim, and who have no pecuniary interest in the outcome of the operations of the station;
• is operated on amateur frequencies or amateur frequency bands; and
• may participate in the amateur-satellite service.

The amateur service is designed primarily to facilitate hobby radiocommunications and for technical experimentation and operates on specified frequency bands. Amateur radio operators communicate using transmission modes including, but not limited to, Morse code, telephony and data.

Anyone can listen to the amateur bands using a receiver, but to transmit, operator qualifications and a licence issued by the ACMA are required.

The amateur apparatus licence type is defined in the Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2000.

Licensing options

The amateur licensing options are detailed in Table 1. For more detailed technical information refer to the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination No. 1 of 1997 (the Amateur LCD).

Table 1 - Amateur licensing options

Qualifications

Article 25 of the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requires administrations to verify the operational and technical qualifications of any person wishing to operate an amateur station.

Under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act), the ACMA has determined that persons must be qualified operators to operate transmitters under an amateur licence. The relevant qualifications for each amateur licensing option are listed in Table 2.

Table 2 - Certificates of proficiency requirements for amateur licensing options

Note 1: An Advanced, Standard or Foundation licence may also be issued to persons holding a:

• Radiocommunications General Certificate of Proficiency (any country); or
• First or Second Class Commercial Operator's Certificate of Proficiency (any country); or
• Senior Coast or Coast Station Operator's Certificate of Proficiency.

Note 2: Overseas Amateur qualifications or licences, in accordance with reciprocal licensing arrangements, are accepted for the purpose of issuing licences.

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Examinations

Information relating to examinations and syllabi in respect of the above qualifications can be obtained from the Amateur examinations and certification information paper. This paper also contains information about exemptions from examinations.

Minimum age

There is no minimum age requirement to operate an amateur station. Amateur station licences will, on application, be issued to any person who demonstrates at examination that he or she possesses the necessary knowledge and skills.

Licence conditions

The operation of radiocommunications equipment authorised by an amateur apparatus licence is subject to:

• conditions specified in the Act, including an obligation to comply with the Act;
• a condition that any radiocommunications device operated under the licence must comply with all standards applicable to it;
• conditions specified in any determination made by the ACMA under paragraph 107(1)(f) of the Act;
• conditions specified in the licence; and
• any further conditions imposed by the ACMA under section 111 of the Act.

Generally, conditions are applied to licences to enable users to communicate effectively with a minimum of interference. All conditions relating to a licence must be complied with.

Licence conditions determinations

The ACMA may determine, by written instrument, conditions relating to apparatus licences. These conditions are known as Licence Conditions Determinations (LCDs).

The Radiocommunications Licence Condition (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003 contains licence conditions that are common to all apparatus licences.

The conditions applicable to amateur licences are contained in the Amateur LCD. These conditions include the type of communications permitted, with whom the operator is permitted to communicate, callsign usage and relevant transmission parameters.

An advisory note is automatically attached to licences where an LCD is in force. The advisory note references the applicable LCD.

The licence conditions imposed through the relevant LCD may change from time to time. Licensees should ensure that they have informed themselves of the current conditions imposed by the ACMA.

Amateur stations cannot generally be authorised under an amateur licence, to operate outside of the provisions of the LCD applicable to the licence. However, by application of special conditions on an amateur licence, a licensee may be authorised to use a higher power for Earth-Moon-Earth communications than that provided for in the Amateur LCD.

Amendments to the amateur licence conditions determination

It is the ACMA's practice to consolidate its legislative instruments. As a result, all amendments to the Amateur LCD are incorporated in the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination No. 1 of 1997.

Operation outside the amateur LCD

Other than those circumstances discussed under Licence Conditions Determinations, operation outside of that provided for in the Amateur LCD (for example, operating on frequencies other than those provided for in the Amateur LCD) will, generally, be licensed under the Scientific licence type.) The licence fee applicable will be a calculated fee, based on spectrum location, geographical location, amount of spectrum occupied and coverage area.

Special conditions

Any conditions which apply to an individual licence but are not included in the LCD, will be printed on the licence under the heading 'Special Conditions'.

In relation to amateur Repeater and Beacon licences, an accredited person may ask the ACMA to impose one or more special conditions on the licences according to the circumstances in which the frequency assignments for the licence are made.

Location of amateur stations

A special condition is attached to all amateur licences indicating the location of the station. For example,

'This licence authorises the operation of an amateur station at (address of station).'

Club stations

Two special conditions are attached to club stations. The text of those special conditions is as follows:

'This Amateur station is a club station and must be operated in accordance with the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination No. 1 of 1997 that equates to the qualifications held by the operator of the station.'

'The licensee of a club station shall keep a log book in which must be entered:

1. chronological record of all transmissions;
2. the frequency and type of emission used;
3. the station(s) communicated with; and
4. the name and callsign of the qualified person operating the station.'

Advisory notes

Advisory notes, providing information that may be of interest to a licensee, will be printed on the licence under the heading 'Advisory Notes'.

In relation to amateur Repeater and Beacon licences, an accredited person may ask the ACMA to impose one or more advisory notes on the licences according to the circumstances in which the frequency assignments for the licence are made.

Callsigns

All amateur callsigns are now managed by the WIA, a delegate of the ACMA.

Information relating to callsigns can be obtained from the Amateur callsigns information paper.

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Duration

Apparatus licences may be issued for periods varying from one day to up to five years. However, the most common period is one year.

Other issues

Restrictions on operating amateur stations in the frequency band 420 MHz to 430 MHz in certain locations

The Amateur LCD prohibits the operation of amateur stations in the frequency band 420 to 430 MHz in certain locations. The prohibition minimises the risk of interference to government emergency networks that operate in this frequency band.

Restrictions on operating amateur stations in the frequency band 50 MHz to 52 MHz

The Amateur LCD restricts the operation of amateur Advanced, Beacon and Repeater stations within the frequency band 50 MHz to 52 MHz to ensure interference is not caused to the reception of television channel 0 VHF transmissions.

News and information transmissions

The Amateur LCD authorises the transmission of news and information related to the operation of amateur stations. Such transmissions must be used as a means of facilitating intercommunication. Such transmissions must not be, or include, an advertisement, and must not include any form of entertainment.

Third party authorisations

While an amateur may authorise a third party to operate his or her station, there are limitations on:

• to whom a third party authorisation may be given; and
• how a station may be operated under a third party authorisation.

An amateur licensee may only third party authorise a person with the same qualification, or a higher qualification, or an overseas equivalent. For example, a licensed Advanced amateur operator may only issue a third party authorisation to another amateur operator to operate the station if the other amateur is qualified to operate an Advanced amateur station. This means that the third party must have an Australian qualification to that level, or hold an overseas qualification that is considered to be equivalent to that level.

A person authorised to operate an amateur station must only operate the station under circumstances applicable to that station. For example, while a licensed Standard amateur may issue a third party authorisation to a person who is qualified to operate as an Advanced amateur, that third party may only operate the station to Standard amateur conditions.

Providing that a qualified operator is actually operating (adjusting the controls, etc.) the amateur station, other persons, whether qualified or not, are permitted to communicate through the amateur equipment. Third party authorisations are not required for this purpose.

Amateur repeaters

All amateur Repeaters operated by one licensee at a site may be authorised under a single amateur licence authorising an amateur Repeater station. Under such an arrangement, it is necessary for all amateur Repeaters to operate under the same callsign. Where different callsigns are required, every repeater will have to be licensed separately.

Repeater cross-linking

Amateur groups may be granted approval to permanently cross-link repeater stations subject to the following requirements:

• linking should not be carried out in the same amateur band or in bands below 50 MHz; and
• links shall only be activated when a received signal is present at one of the 'linked repeaters'.

Establishment of temporary links will only be considered for the Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network (WICEN), WIA news broadcasts or similar activities.

All links associated with the above amateur Repeaters may also, providing they operate within amateur spectrum, be authorised under the associated amateur Repeater licence.

Amateur beacons

All amateur Beacon stations operated by one licensee at a site may be authorised under a single Amateur licence authorising an amateur Beacon station. Under such an arrangement, it is necessary for all amateur Beacons to operate under the same callsign. Where different callsigns are required, every beacon will have to be licensed separately.

Club stations

Clubs, schools, colleges, institutes, or similar organisations, may apply for a licence to establish an amateur station. The organisation must nominate a qualified person who will be responsible for the supervision, operation and control of the station.

For convenience, a club station is issued an amateur Advanced licence that allows flexibility of operation for the station. However, the club station operates at the level of the qualified amateur operating the station. If the operator is qualified at a level less than an Advanced amateur, the club station is to be operated at the appropriate level. For example, if a person is a Standard amateur, the club station is to be operated as a Standard amateur station.

Special conditions are attached to licences which authorise the operation of a club station in the amateur bands.

Amateur internet linking systems

An Amateur Internet Linking System (AILS) is a system that uses the Internet to connect amateur operators in Australia with other amateur operators, both in Australia and overseas. AILS operations, like all amateur activities, must be in accordance with the regulatory arrangements established by the ACMA in accordance with amateur licence conditions.

It should be noted that an AILS must not be used to extend, in Australia or overseas, the access privileges of any amateur.

Further information about AILS can be obtained from the AILS fact sheet.

Third party traffic

The phrase 'third party traffic', in relation to amateur radio refers to a message passed from one amateur to another on behalf of, or to, another person who is not an amateur.

While 'third party traffic' is generally not restricted, licensees should respect any restrictions applied to amateur stations in foreign countries (see Section 5, including the Note, of the Amateur LCD).

It should also be noted that, while Australia does not consider messages passed between two amateurs on behalf of a third amateur to be third party traffic, other countries may.

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Licensing of amateurs associated with Jamborees on the Air

Jamborees on the Air (JOTA), are annual activities where amateurs assist Guides Australia and Scout Associations to use amateur radiocommunications devices to make contact with similar organisations throughout the world.

In line with normal licensing arrangements, all stations must be licensed under the appropriate amateur licensing option. Appropriately qualified amateurs must be in control of the stations. If an amateur wishes to change his or her callsign for JOTA, he or she should apply for a short term licence with a callsign from the block reserved for Guides Australia (VK$GGA-GGZ) or Scout Associations (VK$SAA-SDZ). The ACMA charges a fee for short term licences.

High power transmissions

To enable experimentation involving earth-moon-earth communications, holders of Advanced amateur licences may apply to the ACMA to use a transmitter power higher than that permitted under the Amateur LCD.

Requirements

Applicants should be aware of the following requirements:

• The applicant must be the holder of an Advanced amateur licence.
• The ACMA's form R077 (Additional Station Information) may by used to provide supplementary information.
• High power operation will only be approved for experimentation involving the reflection of signals from a celestial body.
• Operation must be in amateur bands above 50 MHz.
• The applicant must satisfy the ACMA that the proposed signal levels from the station comply with the radiofrequency emission limits stipulated in the ARPANSA standard (see footnote).
• The ACMA may inspect the station at any reasonable time.
• The maximum period of approval will be 12 months or the duration of the current amateur licence, which ever is the lesser.
• Extensions of the approval for up to 12 months may be granted if the applicant certifies that the station has not changed in any way since the last approval for high power operation was granted.
• The means of approval will be by the inclusion of special conditions on the amateur's licence.
• The applicant will be responsible for all costs including licence variation fees and station inspection fees.
• The amateur must notify the ACMA of any station changes which may affect conformity with the ARPANSA standard.
• Applicants should be aware of the provisions of the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003.

Footnote: ARPANSA standard means the Radiation Protection Standard for Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz 2002 published by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

The ARPANSA standard may be obtained from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency website www.arpansa.gov.au.

Applying for an apparatus licence

Applications for an apparatus licence may be made to any ACMA Office. Applicants should complete the ACMA form Application for apparatus licence(s) (R057). If frequency assignments are required with this licence, the frequency coordination work may be performed either by the ACMA or an accredited person.

If the work is to be done by the ACMA the form Application for Additional Station Information (R077) should also be submitted with the licence application.

Alternatively if you wish to use the services of an accredited person you should refer to the List of Accredited Persons for contact details. An accredited person will issue you with a frequency assignment certificate and this should be submitted with the licence application to the ACMA. Accredited persons are not employed by the ACMA, nor is the ACMA responsible for the work of accredited persons.

More information about Accreditation can be found on the ACMA website.

Fees

Spectrum is a valuable resource. Fees are intended to ensure a fair return to the Commonwealth for the private use of this valuable public resource. Licence fees are set having regard to spectrum location, geographical location, amount of spectrum occupied and coverage area authorised by the licence.

Detailed information about fees is provided in the Apparatus Licence Fee Schedule.

Licence fee exemptions

Where an amateur station is used to assist an exempt body, that licence may be exempt from the payment of licence fees. The following special condition will be attached to any licence for which an exemption has been granted on the basis of assisting an exempt body:

'A transmitter may only be operated under this licence for the sole or principal purpose of assisting a body to which subregulations 5(7) or 5(8) of the Radiocommunications Taxes Collection Regulations apply.'

If you believe that your station may qualify for an exemption, contact your nearest ACMA Office. You will need to complete an Application for Licence Fee Exemption or Concession (.docx, R038) form and the exempt body will need to verify that you are operating your station solely or principally to assist it.

For further information see Licence Fee Exemptions and Concessions.

Transfers of apparatus licence

Apparatus licences may be transferred. Applicants wishing to transfer an apparatus licence should complete and submit to the ACMA, the form Application for Transfer of Apparatus Licence(s) (R060). Both the licensee and the transferee must sign the transfer form. Applicants are required to pay a transfer charge to cover the ACMA's administrative expenses. It should be noted however, that amateur licences can only be transferred to persons having the appropriate qualifications.

There are a number of limitations on the transfer of apparatus licences. The Radiocommunications (Transfer of Apparatus Licences) Determination 2000 specifies these limitations.

A device authorised by the transferred licence is still required to operate under the same technical conditions (including transmission site) specified on that licence.

The transfer of a licence involves the transfer of the callsign assigned to that licence. The WIA must be contacted for an appropriate recommendation as part of this process.

ITU references

The various ITU references pertaining to amateur licensing may be found in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) references.

Further information

Information relating to operating matters and procedures can be obtained from the Amateur Operating Procedures information paper.

Information relating to amateur examinations and the syllabi is available in the policy information paper Amateur examinations and certification.

If you have any queries relating to examinations, the issue of certificates of proficiency or callsign management, please contact the WIA:

Wireless Institute of Australia
PO Box 2042
Bayswater VIC 3153

There is a separate information paper for Overseas amateurs visiting Australia.

If you have any additional queries relating to this, or any licence type, please contact Radiocommunications Licensing and Telecommunications Deployment, ACMA, Canberra.

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