Radio License Training (SROCP)

Australian regulations require operators of VHF and MF/HF marine radios to have a licence, known as a Certificate of Proficiency. Once obtained the qualification is perpetual.

On satisfactory completion of a multiple-choice written test, and a practical test, the Office of Maritime Communications, Australian Maritime College issues these certificates on behalf of AMSA, Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

  • If only VHF marine radios are to be used, then a SROCP, Short Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency is sufficient.
  • If MF/HF marine radios are to be used, then a LROCP, Long Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency is required. This also covers the use of VHF radios.

For each type of qualification, the AMC produce a handbook, which can be viewed on -line or hard copy ordered from them. The handbook contains all of the theory required for the theory exam.

Radio exams

The exams are set and marked online by the Australian Maritime College.

The AMC can authorise individuals as “Invigilators” to be able to administer and supervise exams.

Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie has members who are authorised as “Invigilators” to be able to conduct practical exams and supervise the theory exams on behalf of the Australian Maritime College (AMC).

The SROCP requires demonstration of the following skills:

  • Demonstrate a practical knowledge of GMDSS sub-systems and equipment which is appropriate to vessels operating in Australian waters on which a radio installation is not compulsory under international agreements. Specifically, VHF radio telephony equipment with digital selective calling (DSC) facilities, and emergency position indicating radio beacons of the 406 MHz and 121.5/243 type.
  •  Demonstrate an ability to use VHF radio telephony and digital selective calling (DSC) operating procedures, particularly those relating to distress, urgency and safety.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of simple maintenance practices required to keep the marine radio equipment specified in (1) in good working order, including the repair of minor faults.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the regulations applicable to ship stations equipped with VHF radio telephony and digital selective calling facilities.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Australian marine search and rescue system.
  • Demonstrate a practical knowledge of marine radio operations and equipment.

Which Qualification do I need?

Decide whether a Short Range (VHF) or Long Range (HF) qualification is needed.

Go to the Office of Maritime Communications website to help you decide.

https://www.amc.edu.au/industry/omc/handbooks-and-revision-questions

How Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie can Help

SROCP courses are held several times per year. LROCP courses can be arranged on enquiry.

There are a couple of ways we can offer you support:

MODE 1 – Private study

You study all the course material by purchasing the Radio Handbook online or viewing it free online.

There are practice questions online that are used in the written component of the exam, which MRLM is authorised to administer.

You are also required to do a practical exam. We administer the practical exam using our training radios.

In the practical exam you are required to:

  • Correctly identify components of a radio (appropriate to the qualification) and show its correct operation.
  • Correctly log in with a Marine Rescue Base
  • Correctly make a Mayday emergency call and send a DSC alert.

When you are ready and confident you need to:

  • Contact the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Radio Training Team to check an invigilator is available and arrange an exam date.
  • Select the “SROCP Exam after Private Study” or “LROCP Exam after Private Study” option in the list of sessions below, enter your details and pay the exam fee using the form provided
  • Get back in contact with your examiner to confirm you have made payment and confirm the date
  • Show up at the appointed time and date, probably to the MRLM Swansea SARCC and Training Base and do your exam.

MODE 2. Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Training course and Exam

Most people choose to attend our 2 day workshop and exam weekend.

  • Day 1 is devoted to developing an understanding of the theory and practising the required radio calls.
  • Day 2 is devoted to the conduct of the practical and theory exams. There is usually a staggered arrival time for the practical exam and all candidates sit the online theory exam at the same time.

To make a booking for a workshop and exam course, select a suitable date from the list of sessions below and make your payment.

For LROCP courses, or to arrange a private course (8 or more participants), please Contact the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Radio Training Team.

No training sessions scheduled at this time. Please check back later.