Did you know that you must possess a Marine Radio Operators Certificate before you use a marine radio?

Manly Sailing offers ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) short or long range VHF courses.

In-Person Course

  • Eight hour course approved by ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).

  • VHF (short-range), MF/HF (long-range) and GMDSS relevant equipment such as EPIRBs, SARTs and DSC.

  • Generally run over 2 x 4hr evening sessions

$300 + AMC exam fee $89

Online Course

  • ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) approved course

  • VHF (short-range) and GMDSS relevant equipment such as EPIRBs, SARTs and DSC.

  • Study at your own pace at home. Final assessment done via zoom.

$190 + AMC exam fee $89

  • Licensing rules and regulations
  • Frequency and Channels
  • Marine radio uses and communications
  • Radio Propagation
  • 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

Additionally, the Long Range course covers the use of MF/HF radio.

Long range and short range courses cover the same content, the Long range course, additionally, covers the use of MF/HF radio.

In lots of scenarios a short range radio licence is sufficient. Exceptions noted below:

  • Offshore sailors who have a MF/HF radio and need to get an MMSI to register it or to use it
  • Offshore sailors/racers that would like to learn how to use their MF/HF radio effectively
  • Offshore racers who need it for Australian Sailing requirements

In Person Assessment Process

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

Payment of the AMCA $89 exam fee is not included in course fee

Online Assessment Process

  • When you have completed the online course, we will arrange a mutually agreeable time with the examiner to complete the exam via an online portal
  • Assessments are marked immediately allowing participants to learn the results straight after the exam
  • If successful, your certificate is posted directly to you

Payment of the AMCA $89 exam fee is not included in course fee

Participants must be 16 years or older

In Person Courses

  • Take place in Club Totem, Balgowlah
  • Please bring notebook and pen

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