Proposal to remake 2 marine radio instruments

Radiocommunications

We received 2 submissions to this consultation, which you can access below. 

One submission asked us to consider lowering the minimum age for issuing a Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) from 16 to 12. 

We believe that a person should be at least 16 years of age to obtain a SROCP. This takes into account the safety responsibilities an SROCP holder has towards a person in a distress situation beyond the Australian territorial sea. We consider that this is a balanced approach between access to the qualification and these responsibilities.

After considering the submissions, we made the following instruments, with minor editing and style changes to the draft determination. We made no changes to draft declaration. 

• Radiocommunications (Certificates of Proficiency – Minimum Age) Declaration 2025 
• Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Maritime Ship Licence) Determination 2025. 

We thank those involved in the consultation process. 

Radiocommunications

The Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Maritime Ship Licence) Determination 2015 (Maritime Ship LCD) and Radiocommunications (Minimum Age for Issue of Certificates of Proficiency) Declaration 2015 (Minimum Age Declaration) are due to sunset on 1 April 2025 and 1 October 2025 respectively. 

The Maritime Ship LCD sets out conditions on the operation of maritime ship stations. This includes:

• operating frequencies
• power for various technology and technical procedures. 

The Minimum Age Declaration provides age requirements for marine radio qualifications. 

We believe the 2 instruments form a necessary and useful part of the regulatory framework. We propose they should be remade with minor changes.