New mandatory qualification for using VHF
Recreational boaters to sit new Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ) testFollowing concerns that recreational boats were misusing VHF marine radio, and two subsequent discussion papers and an independent survey, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has handed down its final outcome.
The review of VHF marine radio operator qualification arrangements -- recreational (non-commercial) vessels paper can be read in full on the acma.gov.au website. See the link below.
The final outcomes of the review are the result of extensive dialogue between marine safety stakeholders, individual boaters and ACMA based on its "spectrum management responsibilities".
The major key finding is that the ACMA will coordinate the development and implementation of a new Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ), which will become the mandatory qualification for recreational boaters using VHF marine radio channels within Australian territorial waters.
The AWQ will replace the Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP or MROVCP) currently required by recreational boaters to operate a VHF radio in Australian waters.
But the requirement remains for operators on commercial vessels and recreational boaters communicating in international waters to attain either an MROCP or MROVCP.
It is anticipated the AWQ arrangement will begin during 2013-14. The ACMA says it will align its remaining MROCP framework with the Maritime Training Package administered by the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council.
The ACMA says it has consulted with key stakeholders on both the syllabus and how best to implement and manage the new AWQ qualification in line with each organisation’s roles and responsibilities. The AWQ has been designed to make the class licence conditions and qualification requirements more relevant and accessible to recreational boaters, it says.
The draft syllabus has been developed in close consultation with key marine stakeholders and its content is more appropriate to the recreational boater than the current MROCP.
More information on this important announcement at
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