Our Online Radio Course allows you to learn everything you need to know about using Marine HF, 27 MHz, MF and VHF Radios at your own pace and wherever you like! If you've always wanted to apply for an MMSI number for your vessel, this course will help you to take the first step. At the end of this online HF radio licence course, you will know how to call for help in an emergency, communicate with other vessels at sea and understand how to use various safety equipment you may have onboard. This online course also prepares you to sit for your LROCP exam and obtain your radio licence.
Online HF, MF, 27 MHz & VHF Radio Course (LROCP)
Above & Beyond BoatingAbout the Online HF, MF, 27 MHz and VHF Radio Course
Online learning – LROCP Course
This is an online course. After you have enrolled, we will send your login details. This LROCP radio course is structured to review the material as fast or as slow as you feel comfortable. The marine HF radio training course takes around 6 hours to complete
In Category 1 and 2 races, which include prestigious events like the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, the Geraldton Ocean Classic, and the Brisbane to Gladstone Race, at least two crew members must hold the necessary radio qualifications. This requirement also applies to yachts with only two crew members on board. It ensures redundancy and enhances safety, particularly in critical racing conditions or emergencies.
Obtaining the LROCP is highly recommended for participating in Australian Offshore Yacht Racing. The LROCP certifies the holder to operate both VHF and HF radio equipment, covering all communication needs for yacht racing.
This HF radio course is our recommended pathway to becoming a qualified marine radio operator for yacht racing.
What you will learn...
Get your HF radio licence!
On completion of the online HF radio training course, you will have the opportunity to complete an exam and get your radio operator certificate of proficiency.
A radio Licence will allow you to apply for an MMSI number for your vessel, which is required to transmit AIS information and enable the digital selective calling function on a radio.
The LROCP becomes mandatory as you progress in commercial certifications. Thus, it's more practical to obtain it from the beginning when pursuing maritime commercial qualifications.
Completing your LROCP radio licence
Completing an exam is necessary to obtain your LROCP radio licence (certificate of proficiency).
One of the most significant advantages of obtaining your LROCP certificate is that it does not expire. This lifetime certification means that once you've passed, you're permanently qualified.
We are authorised by the Office of Maritime Communications to conduct this assessment virtually via video call, ensuring a personalised, one-on-one experience. The exam consists of two main components:
You have 60 minutes to answer 50 questions. This is a closed-book assessment, and you must have at least 35 correct answers to pass. Our course is designed for success, with most candidates achieving a score of at least 96%.
In this section, you'll demonstrate your knowledge of marine radio operations. You will discuss and simulate practical radio use with your invigilator, including broadcasting a distress message and conducting a radio check. Importantly, our HF radio course thoroughly prepares you for everything assessed in your LROCP examination and delves deeper into additional, valuable knowledge areas.
Following the exam, there will be an opportunity to discuss MMSI number applications, EPIRB registrations, and the broader marine communications set-up for your boating. We guide you through the assessment process in an informative and enjoyable manner.
HF Course & LROCP Licence Fees
Payable to enrol in the course. Course access is open for the lifetime of the product. Your course support is available for 12-months following enrolment. If life gets too busy, you can pause your course support for up to 6-months, and then continue when you have time!
Payable when scheduling an exam. This remote 'virtual' assessment is scheduled using an online calendar inside the course. If you have access to your own radio, you are welcome to sit the assessment from your boat or use your equipment. You do not need to bring a radio to the assessment.
The primary purpose of the assessment is to ensure you have understood everything you learnt and understand how it will be applicable for the context of the boating you are doing and plan to do. The assessment is conducted on a 1:1 basis to keep everything relevant and make time available at the end to cover any questions you have that are specific to your boating and equipment, such as the next steps for MMSI applications.
This fee must be paid directly to the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC), part of the Australian Maritime College (AMC), between booking and taking an exam. The $89 payment is separate from the course enrollment and assessment fees and is set by the OMC.
The OMC is part of the Australian Maritime College (AMC). Upon successfully passing our remote assessment (we have a 100% pass rate for our course candidates), you will receive a Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) issued by the OMC.
In the rare event that you need to retake your assessment, a $100 assessment fee is payable to Above and Beyond Boating, and the $89 processing and license fee is payable to the OMC for each assessment attempt.
The LROCP is internationally recognised for operating HF, MF, VHF and 27 MHz equipment in a marine environment, including DSC-enabled VHF radios and AIS transceivers. To obtain an MMSI number from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), you must possess the SROCP or LROCP.
Please note that the OMC typically takes up to 15 working days from the assessment date to process and mail your LROCP. Upon request to the OMC, a scan of the LROCP photo card can be emailed to you. This still takes 15 working days but does save waiting for the hard copy to arrive in the mail. The $89 fee covers both Australian and international postage for your license.