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 institute for maritime training, education and research.

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. Because 27 MHz and VHF marine radios are now class licenced, official call signs are no-longer issued. However, operators are still required to identify their vessels at the beginning of each series of transmissions.

Yes, the apparatus needs to be licenced and the operator requires a Certificate of Proficiency. When the apparatus is licenced a call sign will be issued by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).

An Invigilator is a person who is certified to supervise examinations. A list of Invigilators is located on the website: www.amc.edu.au/industry/omc/invigilator-search

No, if you sit a Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency and then want to upgrade to a Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency you will need to sit the full LROCP exam.

No, marine radio qualifications are perpetual.

Certificates of Proficiency are issued for life and do not need renewing. This is different from the GMDSS qualification which is required to be revalidated every five years.

No, there are no ongoing fees associated with your certificate, however if you lose your certificate and require a replacement you will be required to complete a Replacement Application Form and pay the current replacement application fee published on our website.

The Office of Maritime Communications has a maximum of 15 workings days upon receipt of your application to finalise processing.

The certificate is a plastic card (similar to your Driver Licence).

The Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency (ROCP) and Restricted Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency (RROCP) are historical marine radio certificates and are now only valid for recreational purposes.  They are not equivalent to the current qualifications (SROCP/LROCP) issued.

No, these qualifications are the same.  The certificates changed title in September 2015.  If you are seeking a replacement your certificate will be issued as the current equivalent title.

Candidates are required to wait 24 hours before attempting an assessment.  The current published assessment fee is payable each time an attempt is made.

If you lose your certificate or it becomes damaged, you may apply for a replacement certificate.  Information on how to apply for a replacement is available on the website

No. Amateur and aviation radio certificates are not valid for marine radio operations. These operators must successfully gain their SROCP/LROCP Certification.

No, OMC does not offer RPL.  To obtain a marine radio qualification you will need to either sit an assessment or complete a Statement of Attainment (MARC043 or MARC044) to obtain the LROCP or SROCP qualification.

Not necessarily, it depends on the Certificate of Proficiency. There are two options to obtain the SROCP/LROCP either self-study or attending a course.  
You are required to attend a course for the Marine Satellite Communications Endorsement (MSCE) qualification.

Email amcom@amc.edu.au with your full name and date of birth details and OMC will respond with the details of your qualification.

Australia recognises other countries’ marine qualifications that are issued according to International Telecommunication Union recommendations. Submit a copy of your qualification to the Australian Communications and Media Authority by emailing info@acma.gov.au