Mandatory Qualifications for Recreational VHF

[Bros]

Can't they just track down people misusing radios and slam them?

With a lot of time and resources it can be done but pretty expensive

[deckie]

I think we need to remember that the "license" is a one off, it does not need to be renewed every year, so as such, it is not a full on rip off (unless it has changed recently) I see it as being no different to requiring a drivers license or anything else, you need to at least prove you can operate a radio according to regulations, same as your car/boat license, we all have them, but people still get booked all the time for speeding or going through a stop sign etc, the license does not mean you will immediately stop be a pest on the radio, but it does prove you SHOULD know better!

I understand that.
But you've hit the nail on the head...
"...the license does not mean you will immediately stop be a pest on the radio, but it does prove you SHOULD know better!"

Doesnt help anyone, nor actually fix any long standing gripes.

I see no course nor seperate license to operate an inflatable PFD1 which is also mandatory, nor how an Epirb works, how not to do 25 knts in a thick fog etc etc. Iif you have a boat license you're expected to be smart enough to operate these basic things after reading a simple manual. A VHF radio isnt exactly complex, nor do you need to know much to operate it PROPERLY.

I see no reason why they cant simply make it a requirement to attach a simple to read instruction/requirement card/page to any new VHF sold...and send one out to existing users....and to be licensed you need to sign the bottom, rip off and post back in as having read it. Achieves the same thing.

The whole idea of training courses, licenses etc is just overkill and nanny state bother that doesnt solve anything...certainly doesnt and hasnt stopped captain peanut (who has a VHF license) from discussing the legal size of a sargeant baker in Croatian whilst some poor bastard is sinking.

[barra71]

just wanting to know something guys what is the fine for not haven a License?
just working out what the fine is to the cost of the coruse.

Not much use gitting a fine then have to pay to do the coruse.

I understand both side of what people are saying here, and both side have there good points and bad points.

[Lovey80]

How bloody hard is it? Create a free online course that prints a certificate at the end of it. For the very small portion of the population that can't use a computer then simply pay a nice donation to a VMR to do one. I don't have a licence and doubt I will be getting one anytime soon.

[Fed]

I haven't turned my radio (27MHz) on for 10 years, if I go VHF there's no way I'll be getting legal.

[Feral]

My understanding of it is currently it takes just as long, if not longer, to do the radio operators course than it does for the course to actually get your boat licence.
Tell me thats time well spent?
Takes about a minute to read this, laminate a copy of it and bung it on the boat and why would you need anymore "training"

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Marine-radios.aspx

[SatNav]

1. Obviously the opposing attitudes will require some re-adjustment in going forwarding to achieve a more acceptable outcome.

2. Modern radio equipment will/does have the capability to weed out the abusers and those that think they are somehow exempt from acquiring or requiring acceptable radio etiquette covering internationally used radio systems.

[Lovey80]

1. Obviously the opposing attitudes will require some re-adjustment in going forwarding to achieve a more acceptable outcome.

2. Modern radio equipment will/does have the capability to weed out the abusers and those that think they are somehow exempt from acquiring or requiring acceptable radio etiquette covering internationally used radio systems.

If there are abusers and they have the ability to track and catch them, then crack down on them. Don't nanny state the rest of us because of a few idiots. Not that a course will change them anyway.

[Crunchy]

, laminate a copy of it and bung it on the boat and why would you need anymore "training"

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Marine-radios.aspx

Hey Yeh, it could go next to the life jacket sign, just under the capacity label which is next to the registration sticker just to the left side of e-pirb sticker.....bugger me my boat is starting to look like the advertising billboard at the supermarket.

[WalrusLike]

Hey Yeh, it could go next to the life jacket sign, just under the capacity label which is next to the registration sticker just to the left side of e-pirb sticker.....bugger me my boat is starting to look like the advertising billboard at the supermarket.

The worst of it is that you didn't need to make up any pretend stickers to build a long list... They are all real and on our boats.

Please tell me no one is considering regulating me to put fire exit stickers on my half cabin boat....

[Spaniard_King]

1. Obviously the opposing attitudes will require some re-adjustment in going forwarding to achieve a more acceptable outcome.

2. Modern radio equipment will/does have the capability to weed out the abusers and those that think they are somehow exempt from acquiring or requiring acceptable radio etiquette covering internationally used radio systems.

And the reason it is not used is???

[purnong]

1. Obviously the opposing attitudes will require some re-adjustment in going forwarding to achieve a more acceptable outcome.

2. Modern radio equipment will/does have the capability to weed out the abusers and those that think they are somehow exempt from acquiring or requiring acceptable radio etiquette covering internationally used radio systems.

Wow, Are you a manager mate, I'll just go and get my bullshit bingo card
I think I'm on a winner here

[myusernam]

1. Obviously the opposing attitudes will require some re-adjustment in going forwarding to achieve a more acceptable outcome.

2. Modern radio equipment will/does have the capability to weed out the abusers and those that think they are somehow exempt from acquiring or requiring acceptable radio etiquette covering internationally used radio systems.

Re point 2... THe days of government officials with direction finding radio equipment policing stuff is long gone IMHO. And if you dont have a registered MSMI, and you aren't transmitting continuously, then just how do you reckon they are going to find you? Assuming that there is anyone left in the government that is paid enough to give a toss?

[honda900]

Try looking here.. this a commonwealth government agency.

http://www.amsa.gov.au/

"
VHF Marine Radio Operator Qualifications - Have Your Say


The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is considering new directions for VHF marine radio operators, their qualifications and other arrangments for recreational vessels.
A review has been triggered by concerns expressed to the ACMA by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC). The concerns relate to the 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.

ACMA has released a public discussion paper and undertaken a range of activities including: commissioning an independent survey to measure awareness and compliance with the marine radio operator’s certificate of proficiency, examination of available marine safety data and regulation of carriage of VHF marine radios. The Media Authority is also seeking the opinions of those who use VHF marine radio and other interested parties through a online survey or direct contact.
For more information regarding the review and to have your say, please follow the link to the ACMA survey or visit www.acma.gov.au."


these people can change the law.. (not necessarily for the better or for the good of the people).

Regards
Honda

[cehart]

A step in the right direction,the realisation that an ever increasing amount of ppl have a vhf with no licence either through choice or ignorance.

It's only radio procedure, it's not like your'e preforming open heart surgery.

A online course akin to OH & S safety inductions and some course accreditations is all that it required.

To those that want to do a course go for it but the realisation is dawning that you can't fine everyone that isn't licenced.