Commercial Radio Operator License Program

FCC rules require that licensees of ship and aircraft stations permit only persons holding the appropriate FCC-issued commercial operator license to perform specified transmitter operation, maintenance and repair duties. To obtain a new or upgraded FCC commercial operator license, you must pass the examination administered by Captain Jack’s Boating School/NMEA.

Who Needs a Commercial Operator License?

You need a commercial operator license to operate, and/or to repair and maintain, specified ship, and aircraft radio communication stations. The licensing requirements for operating such radio stations and the licensing requirements for repairing and maintaining such radio stations are discussed separately below.

​CAUTION: These listings only describe when a commercial operator license is necessary. A commercial operator license does not constitute or imply FCC authorization to transmit radio signals. Before you operate any radio station, make certain that the station is licensed as required by the FCC.

Radio Operations

You need a commercial radio operator license to operate the following:

Ship Radio Stations if:

the vessel carries more than six passengers for hire; or
the radio operates on medium frequencies (MF) or high frequencies (HF); or
the ship sails to foreign ports; or
the ship station transmits radiotelegraphy; or
the ship is larger than 300 gross tons and is required by law to carry a radio station for safety purposes.
Aircraft radio stations, except those which operate only on very high frequencies (VHF) and do not make foreign flights

You do ​NOT need a commercial operator license to operate the following:

Ship stations operating only on VHF frequencies that do not travel to foreign ports or make international communications (unless the vessel carries more than six passengers for hire, or the ship is larger than 300 gross tons and is required by law to carry a radio station for safety purposes)
Shore radar, shore radiolocation, maritime support or shore radionavigation stations
Survival craft stations or EPIRBs
Ship radar stations, if (a) the radar frequency is determined by a nontunable, pulse type magnetron or other fixed tune device, and (b) the radar is capable of being operated exclusively by external controls
Coast stations
Aircraft stations which operate only on VHF frequencies and do not make foreign flights
Aircraft radar sets, radio altimeters, transponders or other aircraft automatic radionavigation transmitters
ELTs or aviation survival craft stations used solely for survival purposes

Radio Maintenance and Repair

You need a commercial operator license to repair and maintain the following:

All ship radio and radar stations
All coast stations
All hand-carried units used to communicate with ships and coast stations on marine frequencies
All aircraft stations and aeronautical ground stations (including hand-carried portable units) used to communicate with aircraft

You do ​NOT need a commercial radio operator license to operate, repair, or maintain any of the following types of stations:

Two-way land mobile radio equipment, such as that used by police and fire departments, taxicabs and truckers, businesses and industries, ambulances and rescue squads, and local, state, and federal government agencies
Personal radio equipment used in the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS), Radio Control Radio Service (RCRS), and General Mobile Radio Services (GMRS)
Auxiliary broadcast stations, such as remote pickup stations
Domestic public fixed and mobile radio systems, such as mobile telephone systems, cellular systems, rural radio systems, point-to-point microwave systems, multipoint distribution systems, etc.
Stations that operate in the Cable Television Relay Service
Satellite stations, both uplink and downlink of all types
​NOTE: Possession of a commercial radio operator license or permit does not authorize an individual to operate amateur or GMRS radio stations. Only a person holding an amateur or GMRS radio operator license may operate an amateur or GMRS radio station.

Additional Licensee Information

Operating While Application is Pending

A person who has filed an application for a commercial operator license with the FCC, and who holds a Proof of Passing Certificate(s) indicating that he or she has passed the necessary examination(s) within the previous 365 days, is authorized to exercise the rights and privileges of the applied-for operator license during the period before the FCC acts on the application, but only for a period of 90 days from the date the application was filed, provided that the applicant has not had a commercial radio operator license revoked or suspended in the past, and is not the subject of an ongoing suspension proceeding.

Renewal Procedures

If you need to renew a commercial radio operator license, submit completed FCC Forms 159 (Fee Processing Form) and 605. A fee is required. Current information on the fee amount and filing location can be found in the most recent edition of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide, FCC Form 1070Y, or by calling the Customer Support Hotline at (877) 480-3201 (select option 2 after the main menu recording).

If you file an application to renew your license before it expires, you may continue to operate under the authority of your license while the FCC processes your renewal application. However, if you fail to renew your license before it expires, you cannot operate or maintain equipment that requires that license until it is renewed. You may file to renew your expired license any time during the five-year grace period after your license expires. If you fail to renew your license within the grace period, you must apply for a new license and re-take the required examination(s).

​Important Note: Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for GMDSS Radio Operator’s Licenses, Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator’s Licenses, GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s Licenses, GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer Licenses, and Marine Radio Operator Permits was five years. Effective March 25, 2008, the rules were amended to extend the term of these licenses to the lifetime of the holder. Any GMDSS Radio Operator’s License, Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator’s License, GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License, GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License, or Marine Radio Operator Permit that was active, i.e., had not expired, as of March 25, 2008, does not have to be renewed, even if there is an expiration date on the face of the license document.

Posting of License or Permit

If you are employed at a station where your operator license must be posted, you may post either your proof of passing certificate or a signed copy of your renewal application instead of your license while your application for license renewal is being processed.

Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Licenses

You may apply for a duplicate license by submitting FCC Forms 159 (Fee Processing Form) and 605 according to the instructions printed on the 605 application. A fee is required. Current information on the fee amount and filing location can be found in the most recent edition of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide, FCC Form 1070Y, or by calling the FCC’s Consumer Center toll free at 1-888-CALL-FCC (225-5322). In the alternative, a licensee can print a new license document by following the procedures for providing access to official electronic authorizations see DA 14-1846.

Name Changes

If you change your name, you must apply for a replacement license in your new legal name. Be sure to indicate the reason for your application and give both your former and new legal names.

Obtaining a License

Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate original Proof of Passing Certificate(s) (for the requisite written and/or telegraphy examination element(s)) to apply for a commercial operator license. Captain Jack's Boating School will submit these documents for applicants that test with us.

There is one EXCEPTION: You do NOT have to submit a Proof of Passing Certificate when applying for a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR).

Use the FCC Form 605and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew your license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. IMPORTANT NOTE: All commercial radio operator licenses issued on or after May 20, 2013, are valid for the lifetime of the holder, and do not need to be renewed. For licenses issued before that date, see Terms of Licenses to ascertain if your license needs to be renewed.

Operating/Maintaining While Application is Pending

A person who has filed an application for a commercial operator license with the FCC, and who holds a Proof of Passing Certificate(s) indicating that he or she passed the requisite examination(s) within the previous 365 days, is authorized to exercise the rights and privileges of the applied-for operator license during the period before the FCC acts on the application, but only for a period of 90 days from the date the application was filed, ​provided that the applicant has not had a commercial radio operator license revoked or suspended in the past, and is not the subject of an ongoing suspension proceeding.

Term of Licenses

The following licenses are issued for the ​holder’s lifetime:

Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit-Limited Use
Marine Radio Operator Permit
General Radiotelephone Operator License
GMDSS Radio Operator’s License
Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator’s License
GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License
GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License
Radiotelegraph Operator License

The following licenses are valid for a ​5 year term:

Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate
Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate
First Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate

These licenses may be renewed from ninety (90) days prior to the end of their term up until five years following expiration without having to re-take an examination. After the five-year grace period expires, applicants must retake the requisite written and/or telegraphy examination(s). An expired certificate is not valid for any radio operations.

Important Note: Effective May 20, 2013, First and Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificates will be renewed as Radiotelegraph Operator Licenses valid for the lifetime of the holder, and Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificates will be renewed as Marine Radio Operator Permits valid for the lifetime of the holder.

Examinations

To obtain an FCC commercial operator license, an applicant must submit an original Proof of Passing Certificate issued by the NMEA through Captain Jack's Boating School, or have the application filed electronically by Captain Jack's Boating School, demonstrating that the applicant has passed the required written and/or telegraphy Elements, as described below:

Type of License Elements

Radiotelegraph Operator License Written Element(s) 1 & 6
Telegraphy Element(s) 1 & 2
General Radiotelephone Operator License Written Element(s) 1 & 3
Marine Radio Operator Permit Written Element(s) 1
GMDSS Radio Operator’s License Written Element(s) 1 & 7
Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator’s License Written Element(s) 1 & 7R
GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License Written Element(s) 1, 3 & 9
Ship Radar Endorsement Written Element(s) 8

Written Examination Elements

[Note: From time to time, the Commission may change the number of questions to be included in the examination for a particular element and/or the number of answers needed to pass the examination. The Commission will issue a public notice or take other action to inform the public of any such change.]

​Element 1: Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions.

​Element 3: General Radiotelephone. Electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer 75 out of 100 questions, from the following categories:

operating procedures
radio wave propagation
radio practice
electrical principles
circuit components
practical circuits
signals and emissions
antennas and feed lines

​Element 6: Advanced Radiotelegraph. Technical, legal, and other matters applicable to the operation of all classes of radiotelegraph stations. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.

​Element 7: GMDSS Radio Operating Practices. GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: general information, narrow-band direct-printing, INMARSAT, NAVTEX, digital selective calling, and survival craft. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least at least 75 out of 100 questions.

​Element 7R: Restricted GMDSS Radio Operating Practices. Fifty questions concerning those GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices that are applicable to ship stations on vessels that sail exclusively in sea area A1, as defined in sections 80.1069 and 80.1081 of the Commission’s Rules. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.

​Element 8: Ship Radar Techniques. Specialized theory and practice applicable to the proper installation, servicing, and maintenance of ship radar equipment in general use for marine navigation purposes. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.

​Element 9: GMDSS Radio Maintenance Practices and Procedures. Requirements set forth in IMO Assembly on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 5 and IMO Assembly on Radio Maintenance Guidelines for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System related to Sea Areas A3 and A4. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: radio system theory, amplifiers, power sources, troubleshooting, digital theory, and GMDSS equipment and regulations. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.

Telegraphy Examination Elements

​Element 1 – 16 code groups per minute.

​Element 2 – 20 words per minute.

Telegraphy exams may consist of both transmitting and receiving tests or just a receiving test. Although the FCC rules provide that passing a telegraphy receiving examination is adequate proof of an examinee’s ability to both send and receive telegraphy, the NMEA, through Captain Jack's, may nonetheless include a sending segment in a telegraphy examination. Examinees must copy by ear and, if subject to a sending test, send by hand, plain text and code groups in the international Morse code using all the letters of the alphabet, numerals 0-9, period, comma, question mark, slant mark, and prosigns AR, BT, and SK. Examinees must copy and send at the required speeds for one continuous minute without making any errors. Each test lasts approximately five minutes. The failing of any code test automatically terminates the examination. Code speeds are computed using five letters per word or code group. Punctuation symbols and numbers count as two letters each.

Examination Procedures

Use of reference materials in commercial operator license examinations is not permitted. Do not bring any books, papers, notes, study guides, or other unauthorized aids or devices to an examination.

Commercial Radio Operator Types of Licenses

Click here for full descriptions of all types of commercial operator licenses and endorsements currently issued by the FCC

Captain Jack's Boating School Provides

FCC Licensing Programs for students in the

Continental United States

(all 48 contiguous United States) including:

 

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois,

Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,

Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York,

North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,

South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia,

Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Commercial Radio Operator Types of Licenses

Click here for full descriptions of all types of commercial operator licenses and endorsements currently issued by the FCC