Marine radio qualifications

The qualification you need depends on the type of maritime station you are operating.

This is to make sure that you know how to use radio equipment safely, including correct marine radio protocols and procedures.

There are 5 types of qualifications or endorsements issued to operators of marine radios (in ascending order):

1. Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ) – ideal for casual boaters who only need to operate a VHF marine radio in Australian waters (within 12 nautical miles of the coast).
2. Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) – an internationally recognised qualification for VHF marine radio.
3. Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) – an internationally recognised qualification for HF and VHF marine radios.
4. Marine Satellite Communications Endorsement (MSCE, also known as Satcom) – must be combined with a SROCP or LROCP where a vessel is equipped with satellite equipment for use in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
5. GMDSS radio operator's certificate (GMDSS certificate) – a requirement for certain stations, including those on vessels subject to Commonwealth survey.

You need the right qualifications and training to work on a domestic or international vessel. Please see the AMSA website for further information. 

Aviation radio qualifications are not recognised as being equivalent to any marine radio operator’s qualification.

You do not need a qualification to operate a ship station with 27 MHz equipment.

To operate a station with VHF equipment, you must have one of these:

• AWQ (you can operate only within Australian territorial waters).
• SROCP
• LROCP.

To operate a station with HF equipment, you must have a:

• LROCP.

To operate a station with satellite equipment in the GMDSS, you must have one of these:

• SROCP with MSCE
• LROCP with MSCE. 

To operate a major coast A station or a ship station class C, you must have a GMDSS certificate. This meets the qualification requirements for all maritime stations. 

You must hold these qualifications even if your station has digital selective calling equipment.

You do not need a MSCE if you only use satellite equipment for a vessel monitoring system.

The AWQ is another name for the MARC059 – Transmit and receive information by marine VHF radio within Australian Territorial Waters. It is available from registered training organisations (RTOs) that are qualified to test boaters and issue a statement of attainment. It is a study unit in the Maritime Training Package, developed by Industry Skills Australia.

The Australian Maritime College (AMC) at the University of Tasmania manages these exams in Australia:

• SROCP
• LROCP
• MSCE.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) manages the requirements for seeking a GMDSS certificate in Australia. 

If you pass the exam, the AMC or AMSA will give you a certificate. Ask the AMC or AMSA about:

• exams
• fees
• equivalent qualifications
• replacement certificates.

Minimum age to get qualified

We recognise overseas qualifications that comply with the requirements in Article 47 of the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations. If you hold such a qualification, you don't need to get a new qualification in Australia.

If you hold an overseas GMDSS certificate, you need to apply for an AMSA Certificate of Recognition.

In special circumstances, we may cancel a certificate of proficiency.

We will tell you in writing if we plan to cancel your certificate. You can ask us to review our decision.