Public Comment on VHF Marine Radio Operator Qualifications

9:08 AM Thu 12 Nov 2009 GMT

Yachting Australia is reminding interested persons that public comment is being sought by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on VHF Marine Radio Operator Qualifications.

The ACMA has commenced a review of the regulatory arrangements governing the operation of VHF radio on non-commercial (recreational) marine vessels.

The review has been triggered by concerns expressed to the ACMA by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC). These concerns relate to perceived declining standards in the operation of marine VHF equipment and apparent low compliance in the recreational boating community with the requirement for marine radio operator qualifications.

The objectives of the review are:

1. to improve the integrity of the radio-communications framework as it applies to the recreational boating community;

2. to examine the needs of the recreational boating community in their use of VHF radio, including for safety purposes, and identify how those needs might best be supported in light of the ACMA's role and responsibilities; and

3. to promote the overall efficiency of the regulatory framework supporting the operation of marine radio by the recreational boating community.

In order to respond effectively to the NMSC's concerns, the ACMA is interested in hearing the marine community's views about the connections between a reported decline in the standard of operation on the VHF marine band, and the apparent low number of operators holding Certificates of Proficiency in the context of improving safety outcomes for mariners.

The ACMA is also seeking comments, particularly from individuals who operate marine radio equipment on a recreational basis, on the necessity of the requirement for marine radio operators in the VHF band to be qualified through a framework governed by the ACMA. The ACMA is also interested in comments about the general level of knowledge in the recreational marine community about Certificates of Proficiency for marine radio operators and how they may be obtained.

Comment on the VHF discussion paper may be made directly to the ACMA in written form. Completed comment may be mailed, emailed or faxed to the ACMA by the respective closure date of Friday 18 December 2009.

Those that make a comment directly to the ACMA are asked to please send a copy to Chris Kameen (chris.kameen(at)yachting.org.au) to ensure that all relevant points are covered.

Yachting Australia will be making comment on this discussion paper, and any person wishing to have their views considered as part of that comment should submit their views to Chris Kameen by email to chris.kameen(at)yachting.org.au as soon as possible.

by Craig Heydon

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Public Comment on VHF Marine Radio Operator Qualifications

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