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About the Online VHF Radio Course
Get an MMSI number!
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) requires an MMSI Number to function. The MMSI number application requirements in Australia are either a Short-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) or a Long-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP).
After obtaining your marine radio licence, applying for a new MMSI number or transferring an existing one is straightforward and free of charge. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issues MMSI numbers, typically overnight, upon receiving your completed application and proof of your marine radio licence.
Our VHF licence course exceeds the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards. Upon completing our online radio course and passing the assessment, the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC) within the Australian Maritime College (AMC) issues your licence. The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) designated the AMC to issue internationally recognised SROCP and LROCP in Australia.
What you will learn...
Completing your SROCP radio licence
Completing an exam is necessary to obtain your SROCP radio licence (certificate of proficiency).
One of the most significant advantages of obtaining your SROCP 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 30 minutes to answer 25 questions in a closed-book assessment. You need at least 18 correct answers to pass. The course works, with most candidates achieving a score of at least 96%.
This crucial segment allows you to work through VHF marine radio operations. Engaging directly with your invigilator, you'll delve into practical simulations and discussions encompassing digital selective calling (DSC), broadcasting distress messages, and conducting radio checks.
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.
VHF Course & SROCP 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 Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) 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 SROCP is internationally recognised for operating 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.
Please note that the OMC typically takes up to 15 working days from the assessment date to process and mail your SROCP. Upon request to the OMC, a scan of the SROCP 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.