• The FCC requires radio operators aboard commercial ships and aircraft to pass licensure exams to demonstrate their skill and proficiency.sea ships image by Dmitry Nikolaev from Fotolia.com
  
  Commercial aircraft and sailing vessels depend on reliable radio communications for the safety of its passengers, crew and cargo. Radio operators entrusted with this vital responsibility must pass certification exams to demonstrate their skill and proficiency. In the United States, the FCC sets and regulates licensure standards and examination criteria for commercial radio operators.
  
  

General Radiotelephone Operator License

• The maintenance, repair or adjustment of FCC- licensed radiotelephone transmitters for the aviation, maritime and international public-radio services must be performed by those who possess a valid General Radiotelephone Operator License. The authority of this license also extends to ships with compulsory onboard radiotelephone stations whose peak power output level exceeds 1,500 watts.
  
  

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Radio Operator's License

• Holders of the GMDSS Radio Operator's License can perform basic adjustments on maritime radio equipment designed for global maritime distress and safety communications. Other classes of the GMDSS license include the Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License, the GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License and the GMDSS Radio Maintainer/Operator License. Each license class conveys specific authority regarding what type of operational, adjustment, repair and maintenance activities the licensee is allowed to perform.
  
  

Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate

• Chief radio operators on U.S. passenger ships with a radiotelegraphy station must possess a First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate. A candidate for licensure must be 21 years of age, or older, with at least one year of radiotelegraph experience at a public coast or ship station. The First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate conveys all the rights and privileges of the subordinate Second and Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates. All three classes must be renewed every five years.
  
  

Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit

• The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit grants its holder the right to operate most types of aircraft and aeronautical ground stations, and further requires basic knowledge of the treaties and laws governing the radio station being operated. The permit also extends to the operation of radiotelephone equipment on marine pleasure crafts, with the exception of commercial services exceeding six passengers on the Great Lakes and other restricted zones.
  
  

Marine Radio Operator Permit

• The Marine Radio Operator Permit is required for the operation of radiotelephone equipment aboard ships and aircraft under certain conditions. Included among them are vessels on the Great Lakes, those in excess of 300-gross tons and commercial operations with more than six passengers operating in the open sea or U.S. tidewaters.
  
  

Ship Radar Endorsement

• Persons who repair, maintain and adjust ship radar equipment must possess a Ship Radar Endorsement. To qualify, the candidate must pass a written exam and either hold, or qualify for, a General Radiotelephone Operator License, a GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License, a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License, or a First or Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate.