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 FCC RADIO LICENSING

MPT's not for profit affiliate Marine Technical Institute is an FCC Commercial Operator License Examination Manager (COLEM) and administers all levels of FCC Radio License Examinations daily by appointment in addition to the European and UK Radio license exams. Call the MPT admissions office for an examination appointment.

FCC License Levels & Examination Requirements:

 FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit

Description

MPs are required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard certain vessels that sail the Great Lakes. They are also required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard vessels of more than 300 gross tons and vessels which carry more than six passengers for hire in the open sea or any tidewater area of the United States. They are also required to operate certain aviation radiotelephone stations and certain coast radiotelephone stations.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must:

• be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and

• be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and

• pass a written examination on Element One.

Term of License

The Marine Radio Operator's Permit license term is for a period of five (5) years. These licenses may be renewed from anytime within the last 90 days of their term up to five years following expiration without having to re-take an examination. After the five year grace period expires, applicants must retake the requisite written and/or telegraphy examination(s). An expired certificate is not valid for any radio operations.

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 FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG)

A General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG), or better known as GROL, is required to adjust, maintain, or internally repair FCC licensed radiotelephone transmitters in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. The GROL is, by far, the most popular - accounting for more than 80% of all commercial radio operator licenses issued by the FCC. The GROL conveys all of the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP).

It is also required to operate the following:

• any maritime land radio station or compulsorily equipped ship radiotelephone station operating with more than 1500 watts of peak envelope power.

• voluntarily equipped ship and aeronautical (including aircraft) stations with more than 1000 watts of peak envelope power (or pleasure maritime HF radio stations).

To qualify, you must:

• be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and

• be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and

• pass a written examination(s) for Elements One and Three.

The GROL Licenses are issued for the holder's lifetime.

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 FCC Ship Radar Endorsement

Only persons whose commercial radio operator license bears this endorsement may repair, maintain, or internally adjust ship radar equipment. The Ship Radar Endorsement is only available for General Radiotelephone Operator Licenses (PG), GMDSS Radio Maintainer's licenses (DM) or a First or Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator s Certificates (T-1 or T-2.)

To qualify, you must:

• hold (or qualify for) a GROL (PG), DM, T1, or T2; and

• pass a written examination on Element Eight.

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 FCC GMDSS Maintainer's License (DM)

The DM qualifies personnel as GMDSS radio maintainers to perform at sea repair and maintenance of GMDSS equipment and is required to repair and maintain the new satellite-based marine emergency equipment. The DM also confers the operating authority of the General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG) and the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP). Holders of the GMDSS Maintainer's license may NOT operate GMDSS equipment.

NOTE: In instances where an applicant qualifies for a DO and a DM, a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB) will be issued.

To qualify, you must:

• be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and

• be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and

• pass a written examination(s) on Element Nine.

The GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License term is for a period of five (5) years. These licenses may be renewed from anytime within the last 90 days of their term up to five years following expiration without having to re-take an examination. After the five year grace period expires, applicants must retake the requisite written and/or telegraphy examination(s). An expired certificate is not valid for any radio operations.

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 FCC GMDSS Operator's License (DO)

The GMDSS Operator's License qualifies personnel as Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio operators for the purposes of operating GMDSS radio installations including some basic equipment adjustments. It also confers the operating authority of the Marine Radio Permit (MP). The GMDSS is also required for operation of the new satellite-based marine emergency equipment.

GMDSS operators are in the process of replacing all radiotelegraph operators as Morse code is being phased out on the high seas. Unlike Amateur Radio licenses which convey both operating and repairing, constructing, and maintaining privileges, holders of the GMDSS Operators license may NOT repair or maintain GMDSS equipment.

To qualify, you must:

• be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and

• be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and

• pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.

The GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License term is for a period of five (5) years. These licenses may be renewed from anytime within the last 90 days of their term up to five years following expiration without having to re-take an examination. After the five year grace period expires, applicants must retake the requisite written and/or telegraphy examination(s). An expired certificate is not valid for any radio operations.

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