{"id":"F2025L01131","name":"Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station) Class Licence 2025","slug":"radiocommunications-maritime-ship-station-class-licence-2025","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":106877,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2025L01131-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1 Preliminary","sectionType":"section","heading":"Part 1 Preliminary","content":"#### Part 1 Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Name\n\n  This is the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station) Class Licence 2025.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n  This instrument commences at the start of 1 October 2025.\n\n> Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n#### 3 Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under section 132 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.\n\n#### 4 Repeal of instrument\n\n  The Radiocommunications – Maritime Omnibus Variation 2019 (No. 1) \\[F2019L00835\\] is repealed.\n\n#### 5 Interpretation\n\n  (1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n\n> AMRD (short for autonomous maritime radio device) means a station in the maritime mobile service which is mobile, operates at sea and transmits independently of a maritime ship station or a maritime coast station, which may also be temporarily moored.\n\n> Note 1: The definition of AMRD is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 divides AMRD into AMRD Group A and AMRD Group B. AMRD Group A is defined in that Recommendation to be AMRD that enhance the safety of navigation. The operation of man overboard (Class M) devices that are within AMRD Group A may be authorised by the Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016, or another class licence that replaces that instrument. The Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016 is a legislative instrument and is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> AMRD Group B means an AMRD that does not enhance the safety of navigation (an AMRD which delivers signals or information which do not concern the safety of navigation of the vessel or do not complement vessel traffic safety in waterways).\n\n> Note: The definition of AMRD Group B is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> AMSA means the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.\n\n> Australian ship means a ship that:\n\n    (a) has Australian nationality; and\n    (b) is not a regulated Australian vessel, within the meaning given by the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For paragraph (a), see section 29 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\n> Australian territorial sea means the sea within the limits of the territorial sea declared under subsection 7(1) of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973.\n\n> Australian waters qualification means a qualification that is:\n\n    (a) for marine radio use, on very high frequencies, within the Australian territorial sea and on inland waterways; and\n    (b) is part of the Maritime Training Package developed by Industry Skills Australia.\n\n> Note: Information about the Maritime Training Package is available, free of charge, from the Industry Skills Australia website at www.industryskillsaustralia.org.au, or from the National Register of Vocational Education and Training at www.training.gov.au.\n\n> calling means operating a station to contact another station.\n\n> commercial operations: see subsection (2).\n\n> distress communication means a communication of a situation in which a person or mobile unit is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and requires immediate assistance.\n\n> Note: The definition of distress communication is based on Section II, Article 32, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> DSC (short for digital selective calling) means a digital system of communication used for the following purposes:\n\n    (a) transmitting distress communications from ships;\n    (b) transmitting acknowledgments of distress communications, from maritime coast stations;\n    (c) relaying distress communications;\n    (d) transmitting alerts before the broadcast of urgency and safety communications.\n\n> Note 1: For DSC, see the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.493-16, Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The transmission of a distress communication indicates that a ship is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and is requesting immediate assistance. A distress communication is a digital selective call, using a distress call format, that provides the identification of the station in distress and its position.\n\n> fish:\n\n    (a) includes all species of bony fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms; but\n    (b) does not include marine mammals or marine reptiles.\n\n> GMDSS certificate means a GMDSS radio operator certificate, issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For the GMDSS radio operator certificate, see Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> inland waterways means waters within Australia, other than the Australian territorial sea.\n\n> limited coast station means:\n\n    (a) a limited coast assigned system station; or\n    (b) a limited coast marine rescue station; or\n    (c) a limited coast non assigned station.\n\n> major coast station means:\n\n    (a) a major coast A station; or\n    (b) a major coast receive station.\n\n> mobile unit means a ship, an aircraft, or another kind of vehicle.\n\n> non-commercial operations: see subsection (3).\n\n> port operations means activities relating to the operational handling, movement and navigation of ships in or near a port.\n\n> professional fishing operations means the operations of a ship that is used, or is intended to be used, wholly or principally for the taking, catching or capturing of fish for trading or manufacturing purposes.\n\n> repeater station means a limited coast station established at a fixed location:\n\n    (a) for the reception of radio signals from:\n    (i) maritime ship stations; or\n    (ii) limited coast non assigned stations; or\n    (iii) limited coast marine rescue stations; and\n    (b) for the automatic retransmission of those signals.\n\n> rescue organisation means an organisation whose sole or principal purpose involves securing the safety of persons during an emergency.\n\n> safety communication means a communication relating to the safety of navigation or the provision of an important meteorological warning.\n\n> Note: The definition of safety communication is based on Section IV, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> SAR means search and rescue.\n\n> urgency communication means a communication that urgent attention to the safety of a mobile unit or person is required.\n\n> Note: The definition of urgency communication is based on Section II, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> working means operating a maritime ship station to exchange messages with another station.\n\n> Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    (a) ACMA;\n    (b) Australia;\n    (c) certificate of proficiency;\n    (d) equipment rules;\n    (e) frequency band;\n    (f) import;\n    (g) interference;\n    (h) licence;\n    (i) operate;\n    (j) radiocommunication;\n    (k) radiocommunications receiver;\n    (l) radiocommunications transmitter;\n    (m) vessel.\n\n> Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 that applies to this instrument, including:\n\n    (a) Act;\n    (b) aircraft station;\n    (c) AM;\n    (d) Application Specific Messages (ASM);\n    (e) ARPANSA standard;\n    (f) Automatic Identification System (AIS);\n    (g) communication;\n    (h) earth station;\n    (i) GMDSS;\n    (j) limited coast assigned system station;\n    (k) limited coast marine rescue station;\n    (l) limited coast non assigned station;\n    (m) major coast A station;\n    (n) major coast receive station;\n    (o) maritime coast station;\n    (p) maritime mobile service;\n    (q) maritime ship station;\n    (r) public correspondence;\n    (s) pX;\n    (t) pY;\n    (u) pZ;\n    (v) Radio Regulations;\n    (w) radiodetermination;\n    (x) radionavigation;\n    (y) ship;\n    (z) SSB;\n    (aa) station;\n    (ab) very high frequency;\n    (ac) VHF Data Exchange System (VDES);\n    (ad) VHF maritime mobile band.\n  (2) In this instrument, commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) port operations; or\n    (b) professional fishing operations.\n  (3) In this instrument, non-commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) commercial operations; or\n    (b) port operations; or\n    (c) professional fishing operations.\n  (4) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, expressions that are defined in the Radio Regulations have the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note: Expressions used in this instrument that are defined in the Radio Regulations include the following:\n\n    (a) coast earth station;\n    (b) coast station;\n    (c) ship earth station;\n    (d) ship station.\n  (5) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a part of the spectrum or frequency band includes all frequencies that are greater than but not including the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency.\n\n> Note: This means the lower number in the reference to the part of the spectrum or frequency band is not included in the part or band.\n\n  (6) Unless the contrary intention appears, no condition in Part 3 limits any other condition in Part 3.\n\n#### 6 References to other instruments\n\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n    (a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and\n    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as in force, or existing, from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.\n\n> Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.\n\n> Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.\n\n  \n\n#### Part 2 Class licence\n\n#### 7 Class licence\n\n  This instrument authorises a person to operate a maritime ship station on board an Australian ship, subject to the conditions in Part 3.\n\n  \n\n#### Part 3 Conditions\n\n#### 8 Operation – compliance with ARPANSA standard\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station, or a group of maritime ship stations, if the electromagnetic energy emitted by the station, or by the group, exceeds the general public exposure limits specified in the ARPANSA standard in a place accessible by the public.\n\n#### 9 Operation – compliance with particular documents\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station if:\n    (a) the device compliance day for the station is before 31 July 2015; and\n    (b) one or more of the documents specified in subsection (2), as existing on the device compliance day for the station, was expressed to apply to the station; and\n    (c) the station does not comply with the document, as existing on the device compliance day for the station.\n\n> Note: Under Part 4.1 of the Act, a person may be prohibited from operating a maritime ship station, including a station not covered by subsection (1), if the station does not comply with requirements set out in equipment rules made under section 156 of the Act.\n\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the following documents are specified:\n    (a) IEC 61993-2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Automatic identification systems – Part 2: Class A shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Operation and performance requirements, methods of test and required test results, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (b) IEC 62287.1, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) Part 1: Carrier-sense time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (c) IEC 62287.2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Part 2: self-organising time division multiple access (SOTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.\n\n> Note: Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is available, for a fee, from the International Electrotechnical Commission’s website at www.iec.ch. Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n  (3) In subsection (1), device compliance day, for a maritime ship station, means:\n    (a) if the station was manufactured in Australia and paragraph (c) does not apply– the day it was manufactured; or\n    (b) if the station was imported and paragraph (c) does not apply – the day it was imported; or\n    (c) if the station was manufactured in Australia or imported, and altered or modified in a material respect in Australia after it was manufactured or imported – the day it was so altered or modified.\n\n#### 10 Operation – water use only\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station on land.\n\n#### 11 Operation – qualifications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station on a frequency in the VHF maritime mobile band unless the person:\n    (a) if the station is operated in the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a statement of attainment for the completion of an Australian waters qualification or a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person;\n    (b) if the station is operated beyond the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person.\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b), the following qualifications are specified:\n    (a) GMDSS certificate;\n    (b) the following certificates of proficiency:\n    (i) Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (ii) Marine Radio Operator VHF Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iii) Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iv) Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (v) Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (c) a qualification recognised by AMSA as equivalent to a GMDSS certificate, in accordance with Division 4 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014;\n    (d) a qualification that:\n    (i) complies with the requirements for an operator’s certificate in Article 47 of the Radio Regulations; and\n    (ii) is equivalent to a certificate of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b).\n\n> Note 1: For paragraph (a), GMDSS certificates are issued in accordance with Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: For paragraph (b), certificates of proficiency are issued under section 121 of the Act. Some of the certificates of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b) may no longer be issued. More information about certificates of proficiency is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.\n\n> Note 3: For paragraph (c), Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 4: For paragraph (d), Article 47 of the Radio Regulations sets out requirements to be met by the certificate that is to be held by a person who controls the operation of a maritime ship station. These requirements include the syllabus set out in Resolution 343 of the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. The Radio Regulations and Resolution 343 are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 5: The ACMA may publish on its website a list of some qualifications that are covered by paragraph (d).\n\n#### 12 Operation – beyond the Australian territorial sea\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station beyond the Australian territorial sea otherwise than in accordance with:\n    (a) the Radio Regulations; and\n    (b) if the station is in the territorial sea of another country – any requirement of the country that applies to radiocommunications.\n  (2) A person must not operate a maritime ship station:\n    (a) beyond the Australian territorial sea; and\n    (b) on a maritime frequency authorised by the International Telecommunication Union and published in the Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services;\n  otherwise than to communicate with one of the following:\n    (c) a coast station operated in another country;\n    (d) a coast earth station operated in another country;\n    (e) a ship earth station;\n    (f) a ship station.\n\n> Note 1: The Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services is available, for a fee, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int. The Manual is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n> Note 2: For the operation of the Act outside Australia, see Division 2 of Part 1.4 of the Act.\n\n#### 13 Operation – identification of station\n\n  (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person must not operate a maritime ship station unless, at the start of each transmission, or of each series of transmissions, the person uses a form of identification that clearly identifies the station.\n  (2) If a maritime ship station uses DSC or AIS, the person must use a maritime mobile service identity issued by AMSA as the form of identification.\n\n> Note 1: Licensees may apply for a maritime mobile service identity from AMSA. Information about maritime mobile services identities is available, free of charge, from AMSA’s website at www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: The availability of maritime mobile service identities is set out in the Radio Regulations. In performing its functions in relation to a maritime mobile service identity, AMSA will generally have regard to the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 14 Purpose of operation – distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling, otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 1; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of that table item only if direct ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communications on other frequencies are not practicable.\n\n#### 15 Purpose of operation – public correspondence\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for public correspondence otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 2; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 25 W pY; and\n    (c) to communicate with a major coast station.\n\n#### 16 Purpose of operation – commercial operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 3; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for calling and working purposes.\n\n#### 17 Purpose of operation – non-commercial operations\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for non-commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 4; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a limited coast station or another maritime ship station with which the person is affiliated for the purposes of a specific event.\n\n> Note: Example: A yacht club may operate a maritime ship station for the purposes of a racing event organised by the yacht club.\n\n  (3) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a station operated by a rescue organisation.\n\n> Note: The station operated by the rescue organisation may be on land or on water.\n\n#### 18 Purpose of operation – port operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for port operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 5; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.\n\n#### 19 Purpose of operation – professional fishing operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for professional fishing operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 6; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.\n\n#### 20 Purpose of operation – radiodetermination\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for radiodetermination purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency in one of the following frequency bands:\n    (i) 2.9 GHz to 3.1 GHz;\n    (ii) 9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 60 kW pX; and\n    (c) for the purpose of marine radionavigation (radar).\n\n#### 21 Purpose of operation – on-board communications\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station to communicate with persons on board or near the ship on which the station is located, otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 457.525 MHz;\n    (ii) 457.55 MHz;\n    (iii) 457.575 MHz;\n    (iv) 467.525 MHz;\n    (v) 467.55 MHz;\n    (vi) 467.575 MHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 2 W pY; and\n    (c) for the purposes of calling and working.\n\n#### 22 Purpose of operation – Automatic Identification System (AIS)\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Automatic Identification System (AIS) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.975 MHz (channel AIS 1);\n    (ii) 162.025 MHz (channel AIS 2);\n    (iii) 156.775 MHz (channel 75);\n    (vi) 156.825 MHz (channel 76); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Channels 75 and 76 may also be used for the purpose of navigation-related communications in accordance with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 23 Purpose of operation – VDES communications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) subject to subsection (2) – on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) for any purpose mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 4 of the table item.\n  (2) A person may operate a maritime ship station using more than one frequency specified in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7 if:\n    (a) the channels for those frequencies have a contiguous bandwidth of:\n    (i) 50 kHz; or\n    (ii) 100 kHz; or\n    (iii) 150 kHz; and\n    (b) the use of those frequencies is consistent with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 24 Purpose of operation – ASM\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Application Specific Messages (ASM) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.95 MHz (channel ASM 1);\n    (ii) 162 MHz (channel ASM 2); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name","content":"#### 1 Name\n\n  This is the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station) Class Licence 2025.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n  This instrument commences at the start of 1 October 2025.\n\n> Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authority","content":"#### 3 Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under section 132 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Repeal of instrument","content":"#### 4 Repeal of instrument\n\n  The Radiocommunications – Maritime Omnibus Variation 2019 (No. 1) \\[F2019L00835\\] is repealed.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"#### 5 Interpretation\n\n  (1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n\n> AMRD (short for autonomous maritime radio device) means a station in the maritime mobile service which is mobile, operates at sea and transmits independently of a maritime ship station or a maritime coast station, which may also be temporarily moored.\n\n> Note 1: The definition of AMRD is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 divides AMRD into AMRD Group A and AMRD Group B. AMRD Group A is defined in that Recommendation to be AMRD that enhance the safety of navigation. The operation of man overboard (Class M) devices that are within AMRD Group A may be authorised by the Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016, or another class licence that replaces that instrument. The Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016 is a legislative instrument and is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> AMRD Group B means an AMRD that does not enhance the safety of navigation (an AMRD which delivers signals or information which do not concern the safety of navigation of the vessel or do not complement vessel traffic safety in waterways).\n\n> Note: The definition of AMRD Group B is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> AMSA means the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.\n\n> Australian ship means a ship that:\n\n    (a) has Australian nationality; and\n    (b) is not a regulated Australian vessel, within the meaning given by the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For paragraph (a), see section 29 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\n> Australian territorial sea means the sea within the limits of the territorial sea declared under subsection 7(1) of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973.\n\n> Australian waters qualification means a qualification that is:\n\n    (a) for marine radio use, on very high frequencies, within the Australian territorial sea and on inland waterways; and\n    (b) is part of the Maritime Training Package developed by Industry Skills Australia.\n\n> Note: Information about the Maritime Training Package is available, free of charge, from the Industry Skills Australia website at www.industryskillsaustralia.org.au, or from the National Register of Vocational Education and Training at www.training.gov.au.\n\n> calling means operating a station to contact another station.\n\n> commercial operations: see subsection (2).\n\n> distress communication means a communication of a situation in which a person or mobile unit is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and requires immediate assistance.\n\n> Note: The definition of distress communication is based on Section II, Article 32, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> DSC (short for digital selective calling) means a digital system of communication used for the following purposes:\n\n    (a) transmitting distress communications from ships;\n    (b) transmitting acknowledgments of distress communications, from maritime coast stations;\n    (c) relaying distress communications;\n    (d) transmitting alerts before the broadcast of urgency and safety communications.\n\n> Note 1: For DSC, see the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.493-16, Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The transmission of a distress communication indicates that a ship is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and is requesting immediate assistance. A distress communication is a digital selective call, using a distress call format, that provides the identification of the station in distress and its position.\n\n> fish:\n\n    (a) includes all species of bony fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms; but\n    (b) does not include marine mammals or marine reptiles.\n\n> GMDSS certificate means a GMDSS radio operator certificate, issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For the GMDSS radio operator certificate, see Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> inland waterways means waters within Australia, other than the Australian territorial sea.\n\n> limited coast station means:\n\n    (a) a limited coast assigned system station; or\n    (b) a limited coast marine rescue station; or\n    (c) a limited coast non assigned station.\n\n> major coast station means:\n\n    (a) a major coast A station; or\n    (b) a major coast receive station.\n\n> mobile unit means a ship, an aircraft, or another kind of vehicle.\n\n> non-commercial operations: see subsection (3).\n\n> port operations means activities relating to the operational handling, movement and navigation of ships in or near a port.\n\n> professional fishing operations means the operations of a ship that is used, or is intended to be used, wholly or principally for the taking, catching or capturing of fish for trading or manufacturing purposes.\n\n> repeater station means a limited coast station established at a fixed location:\n\n    (a) for the reception of radio signals from:\n    (i) maritime ship stations; or\n    (ii) limited coast non assigned stations; or\n    (iii) limited coast marine rescue stations; and\n    (b) for the automatic retransmission of those signals.\n\n> rescue organisation means an organisation whose sole or principal purpose involves securing the safety of persons during an emergency.\n\n> safety communication means a communication relating to the safety of navigation or the provision of an important meteorological warning.\n\n> Note: The definition of safety communication is based on Section IV, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> SAR means search and rescue.\n\n> urgency communication means a communication that urgent attention to the safety of a mobile unit or person is required.\n\n> Note: The definition of urgency communication is based on Section II, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> working means operating a maritime ship station to exchange messages with another station.\n\n> Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    (a) ACMA;\n    (b) Australia;\n    (c) certificate of proficiency;\n    (d) equipment rules;\n    (e) frequency band;\n    (f) import;\n    (g) interference;\n    (h) licence;\n    (i) operate;\n    (j) radiocommunication;\n    (k) radiocommunications receiver;\n    (l) radiocommunications transmitter;\n    (m) vessel.\n\n> Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 that applies to this instrument, including:\n\n    (a) Act;\n    (b) aircraft station;\n    (c) AM;\n    (d) Application Specific Messages (ASM);\n    (e) ARPANSA standard;\n    (f) Automatic Identification System (AIS);\n    (g) communication;\n    (h) earth station;\n    (i) GMDSS;\n    (j) limited coast assigned system station;\n    (k) limited coast marine rescue station;\n    (l) limited coast non assigned station;\n    (m) major coast A station;\n    (n) major coast receive station;\n    (o) maritime coast station;\n    (p) maritime mobile service;\n    (q) maritime ship station;\n    (r) public correspondence;\n    (s) pX;\n    (t) pY;\n    (u) pZ;\n    (v) Radio Regulations;\n    (w) radiodetermination;\n    (x) radionavigation;\n    (y) ship;\n    (z) SSB;\n    (aa) station;\n    (ab) very high frequency;\n    (ac) VHF Data Exchange System (VDES);\n    (ad) VHF maritime mobile band.\n  (2) In this instrument, commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) port operations; or\n    (b) professional fishing operations.\n  (3) In this instrument, non-commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) commercial operations; or\n    (b) port operations; or\n    (c) professional fishing operations.\n  (4) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, expressions that are defined in the Radio Regulations have the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note: Expressions used in this instrument that are defined in the Radio Regulations include the following:\n\n    (a) coast earth station;\n    (b) coast station;\n    (c) ship earth station;\n    (d) ship station.\n  (5) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a part of the spectrum or frequency band includes all frequencies that are greater than but not including the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency.\n\n> Note: This means the lower number in the reference to the part of the spectrum or frequency band is not included in the part or band.\n\n  (6) Unless the contrary intention appears, no condition in Part 3 limits any other condition in Part 3.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"References to other instruments","content":"#### 6 References to other instruments\n\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n    (a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and\n    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as in force, or existing, from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.\n\n> Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.\n\n> Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2 Class licence","sectionType":"section","heading":"Part 2 Class licence","content":"#### Part 1 Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Name\n\n  This is the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station) Class Licence 2025.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n  This instrument commences at the start of 1 October 2025.\n\n> Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n#### 3 Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under section 132 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.\n\n#### 4 Repeal of instrument\n\n  The Radiocommunications – Maritime Omnibus Variation 2019 (No. 1) \\[F2019L00835\\] is repealed.\n\n#### 5 Interpretation\n\n  (1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n\n> AMRD (short for autonomous maritime radio device) means a station in the maritime mobile service which is mobile, operates at sea and transmits independently of a maritime ship station or a maritime coast station, which may also be temporarily moored.\n\n> Note 1: The definition of AMRD is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 divides AMRD into AMRD Group A and AMRD Group B. AMRD Group A is defined in that Recommendation to be AMRD that enhance the safety of navigation. The operation of man overboard (Class M) devices that are within AMRD Group A may be authorised by the Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016, or another class licence that replaces that instrument. The Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016 is a legislative instrument and is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> AMRD Group B means an AMRD that does not enhance the safety of navigation (an AMRD which delivers signals or information which do not concern the safety of navigation of the vessel or do not complement vessel traffic safety in waterways).\n\n> Note: The definition of AMRD Group B is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> AMSA means the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.\n\n> Australian ship means a ship that:\n\n    (a) has Australian nationality; and\n    (b) is not a regulated Australian vessel, within the meaning given by the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For paragraph (a), see section 29 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\n> Australian territorial sea means the sea within the limits of the territorial sea declared under subsection 7(1) of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973.\n\n> Australian waters qualification means a qualification that is:\n\n    (a) for marine radio use, on very high frequencies, within the Australian territorial sea and on inland waterways; and\n    (b) is part of the Maritime Training Package developed by Industry Skills Australia.\n\n> Note: Information about the Maritime Training Package is available, free of charge, from the Industry Skills Australia website at www.industryskillsaustralia.org.au, or from the National Register of Vocational Education and Training at www.training.gov.au.\n\n> calling means operating a station to contact another station.\n\n> commercial operations: see subsection (2).\n\n> distress communication means a communication of a situation in which a person or mobile unit is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and requires immediate assistance.\n\n> Note: The definition of distress communication is based on Section II, Article 32, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> DSC (short for digital selective calling) means a digital system of communication used for the following purposes:\n\n    (a) transmitting distress communications from ships;\n    (b) transmitting acknowledgments of distress communications, from maritime coast stations;\n    (c) relaying distress communications;\n    (d) transmitting alerts before the broadcast of urgency and safety communications.\n\n> Note 1: For DSC, see the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.493-16, Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The transmission of a distress communication indicates that a ship is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and is requesting immediate assistance. A distress communication is a digital selective call, using a distress call format, that provides the identification of the station in distress and its position.\n\n> fish:\n\n    (a) includes all species of bony fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms; but\n    (b) does not include marine mammals or marine reptiles.\n\n> GMDSS certificate means a GMDSS radio operator certificate, issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For the GMDSS radio operator certificate, see Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> inland waterways means waters within Australia, other than the Australian territorial sea.\n\n> limited coast station means:\n\n    (a) a limited coast assigned system station; or\n    (b) a limited coast marine rescue station; or\n    (c) a limited coast non assigned station.\n\n> major coast station means:\n\n    (a) a major coast A station; or\n    (b) a major coast receive station.\n\n> mobile unit means a ship, an aircraft, or another kind of vehicle.\n\n> non-commercial operations: see subsection (3).\n\n> port operations means activities relating to the operational handling, movement and navigation of ships in or near a port.\n\n> professional fishing operations means the operations of a ship that is used, or is intended to be used, wholly or principally for the taking, catching or capturing of fish for trading or manufacturing purposes.\n\n> repeater station means a limited coast station established at a fixed location:\n\n    (a) for the reception of radio signals from:\n    (i) maritime ship stations; or\n    (ii) limited coast non assigned stations; or\n    (iii) limited coast marine rescue stations; and\n    (b) for the automatic retransmission of those signals.\n\n> rescue organisation means an organisation whose sole or principal purpose involves securing the safety of persons during an emergency.\n\n> safety communication means a communication relating to the safety of navigation or the provision of an important meteorological warning.\n\n> Note: The definition of safety communication is based on Section IV, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> SAR means search and rescue.\n\n> urgency communication means a communication that urgent attention to the safety of a mobile unit or person is required.\n\n> Note: The definition of urgency communication is based on Section II, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> working means operating a maritime ship station to exchange messages with another station.\n\n> Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    (a) ACMA;\n    (b) Australia;\n    (c) certificate of proficiency;\n    (d) equipment rules;\n    (e) frequency band;\n    (f) import;\n    (g) interference;\n    (h) licence;\n    (i) operate;\n    (j) radiocommunication;\n    (k) radiocommunications receiver;\n    (l) radiocommunications transmitter;\n    (m) vessel.\n\n> Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 that applies to this instrument, including:\n\n    (a) Act;\n    (b) aircraft station;\n    (c) AM;\n    (d) Application Specific Messages (ASM);\n    (e) ARPANSA standard;\n    (f) Automatic Identification System (AIS);\n    (g) communication;\n    (h) earth station;\n    (i) GMDSS;\n    (j) limited coast assigned system station;\n    (k) limited coast marine rescue station;\n    (l) limited coast non assigned station;\n    (m) major coast A station;\n    (n) major coast receive station;\n    (o) maritime coast station;\n    (p) maritime mobile service;\n    (q) maritime ship station;\n    (r) public correspondence;\n    (s) pX;\n    (t) pY;\n    (u) pZ;\n    (v) Radio Regulations;\n    (w) radiodetermination;\n    (x) radionavigation;\n    (y) ship;\n    (z) SSB;\n    (aa) station;\n    (ab) very high frequency;\n    (ac) VHF Data Exchange System (VDES);\n    (ad) VHF maritime mobile band.\n  (2) In this instrument, commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) port operations; or\n    (b) professional fishing operations.\n  (3) In this instrument, non-commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) commercial operations; or\n    (b) port operations; or\n    (c) professional fishing operations.\n  (4) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, expressions that are defined in the Radio Regulations have the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note: Expressions used in this instrument that are defined in the Radio Regulations include the following:\n\n    (a) coast earth station;\n    (b) coast station;\n    (c) ship earth station;\n    (d) ship station.\n  (5) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a part of the spectrum or frequency band includes all frequencies that are greater than but not including the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency.\n\n> Note: This means the lower number in the reference to the part of the spectrum or frequency band is not included in the part or band.\n\n  (6) Unless the contrary intention appears, no condition in Part 3 limits any other condition in Part 3.\n\n#### 6 References to other instruments\n\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n    (a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and\n    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as in force, or existing, from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.\n\n> Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.\n\n> Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.\n\n  \n\n#### Part 2 Class licence\n\n#### 7 Class licence\n\n  This instrument authorises a person to operate a maritime ship station on board an Australian ship, subject to the conditions in Part 3.\n\n  \n\n#### Part 3 Conditions\n\n#### 8 Operation – compliance with ARPANSA standard\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station, or a group of maritime ship stations, if the electromagnetic energy emitted by the station, or by the group, exceeds the general public exposure limits specified in the ARPANSA standard in a place accessible by the public.\n\n#### 9 Operation – compliance with particular documents\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station if:\n    (a) the device compliance day for the station is before 31 July 2015; and\n    (b) one or more of the documents specified in subsection (2), as existing on the device compliance day for the station, was expressed to apply to the station; and\n    (c) the station does not comply with the document, as existing on the device compliance day for the station.\n\n> Note: Under Part 4.1 of the Act, a person may be prohibited from operating a maritime ship station, including a station not covered by subsection (1), if the station does not comply with requirements set out in equipment rules made under section 156 of the Act.\n\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the following documents are specified:\n    (a) IEC 61993-2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Automatic identification systems – Part 2: Class A shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Operation and performance requirements, methods of test and required test results, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (b) IEC 62287.1, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) Part 1: Carrier-sense time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (c) IEC 62287.2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Part 2: self-organising time division multiple access (SOTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.\n\n> Note: Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is available, for a fee, from the International Electrotechnical Commission’s website at www.iec.ch. Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n  (3) In subsection (1), device compliance day, for a maritime ship station, means:\n    (a) if the station was manufactured in Australia and paragraph (c) does not apply– the day it was manufactured; or\n    (b) if the station was imported and paragraph (c) does not apply – the day it was imported; or\n    (c) if the station was manufactured in Australia or imported, and altered or modified in a material respect in Australia after it was manufactured or imported – the day it was so altered or modified.\n\n#### 10 Operation – water use only\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station on land.\n\n#### 11 Operation – qualifications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station on a frequency in the VHF maritime mobile band unless the person:\n    (a) if the station is operated in the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a statement of attainment for the completion of an Australian waters qualification or a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person;\n    (b) if the station is operated beyond the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person.\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b), the following qualifications are specified:\n    (a) GMDSS certificate;\n    (b) the following certificates of proficiency:\n    (i) Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (ii) Marine Radio Operator VHF Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iii) Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iv) Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (v) Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (c) a qualification recognised by AMSA as equivalent to a GMDSS certificate, in accordance with Division 4 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014;\n    (d) a qualification that:\n    (i) complies with the requirements for an operator’s certificate in Article 47 of the Radio Regulations; and\n    (ii) is equivalent to a certificate of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b).\n\n> Note 1: For paragraph (a), GMDSS certificates are issued in accordance with Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: For paragraph (b), certificates of proficiency are issued under section 121 of the Act. Some of the certificates of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b) may no longer be issued. More information about certificates of proficiency is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.\n\n> Note 3: For paragraph (c), Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 4: For paragraph (d), Article 47 of the Radio Regulations sets out requirements to be met by the certificate that is to be held by a person who controls the operation of a maritime ship station. These requirements include the syllabus set out in Resolution 343 of the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. The Radio Regulations and Resolution 343 are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 5: The ACMA may publish on its website a list of some qualifications that are covered by paragraph (d).\n\n#### 12 Operation – beyond the Australian territorial sea\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station beyond the Australian territorial sea otherwise than in accordance with:\n    (a) the Radio Regulations; and\n    (b) if the station is in the territorial sea of another country – any requirement of the country that applies to radiocommunications.\n  (2) A person must not operate a maritime ship station:\n    (a) beyond the Australian territorial sea; and\n    (b) on a maritime frequency authorised by the International Telecommunication Union and published in the Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services;\n  otherwise than to communicate with one of the following:\n    (c) a coast station operated in another country;\n    (d) a coast earth station operated in another country;\n    (e) a ship earth station;\n    (f) a ship station.\n\n> Note 1: The Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services is available, for a fee, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int. The Manual is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n> Note 2: For the operation of the Act outside Australia, see Division 2 of Part 1.4 of the Act.\n\n#### 13 Operation – identification of station\n\n  (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person must not operate a maritime ship station unless, at the start of each transmission, or of each series of transmissions, the person uses a form of identification that clearly identifies the station.\n  (2) If a maritime ship station uses DSC or AIS, the person must use a maritime mobile service identity issued by AMSA as the form of identification.\n\n> Note 1: Licensees may apply for a maritime mobile service identity from AMSA. Information about maritime mobile services identities is available, free of charge, from AMSA’s website at www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: The availability of maritime mobile service identities is set out in the Radio Regulations. In performing its functions in relation to a maritime mobile service identity, AMSA will generally have regard to the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 14 Purpose of operation – distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling, otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 1; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of that table item only if direct ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communications on other frequencies are not practicable.\n\n#### 15 Purpose of operation – public correspondence\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for public correspondence otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 2; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 25 W pY; and\n    (c) to communicate with a major coast station.\n\n#### 16 Purpose of operation – commercial operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 3; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for calling and working purposes.\n\n#### 17 Purpose of operation – non-commercial operations\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for non-commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 4; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a limited coast station or another maritime ship station with which the person is affiliated for the purposes of a specific event.\n\n> Note: Example: A yacht club may operate a maritime ship station for the purposes of a racing event organised by the yacht club.\n\n  (3) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a station operated by a rescue organisation.\n\n> Note: The station operated by the rescue organisation may be on land or on water.\n\n#### 18 Purpose of operation – port operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for port operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 5; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.\n\n#### 19 Purpose of operation – professional fishing operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for professional fishing operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 6; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.\n\n#### 20 Purpose of operation – radiodetermination\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for radiodetermination purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency in one of the following frequency bands:\n    (i) 2.9 GHz to 3.1 GHz;\n    (ii) 9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 60 kW pX; and\n    (c) for the purpose of marine radionavigation (radar).\n\n#### 21 Purpose of operation – on-board communications\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station to communicate with persons on board or near the ship on which the station is located, otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 457.525 MHz;\n    (ii) 457.55 MHz;\n    (iii) 457.575 MHz;\n    (iv) 467.525 MHz;\n    (v) 467.55 MHz;\n    (vi) 467.575 MHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 2 W pY; and\n    (c) for the purposes of calling and working.\n\n#### 22 Purpose of operation – Automatic Identification System (AIS)\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Automatic Identification System (AIS) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.975 MHz (channel AIS 1);\n    (ii) 162.025 MHz (channel AIS 2);\n    (iii) 156.775 MHz (channel 75);\n    (vi) 156.825 MHz (channel 76); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Channels 75 and 76 may also be used for the purpose of navigation-related communications in accordance with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 23 Purpose of operation – VDES communications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) subject to subsection (2) – on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) for any purpose mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 4 of the table item.\n  (2) A person may operate a maritime ship station using more than one frequency specified in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7 if:\n    (a) the channels for those frequencies have a contiguous bandwidth of:\n    (i) 50 kHz; or\n    (ii) 100 kHz; or\n    (iii) 150 kHz; and\n    (b) the use of those frequencies is consistent with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 24 Purpose of operation – ASM\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Application Specific Messages (ASM) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.95 MHz (channel ASM 1);\n    (ii) 162 MHz (channel ASM 2); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Class licence","content":"#### 7 Class licence\n\n  This instrument authorises a person to operate a maritime ship station on board an Australian ship, subject to the conditions in Part 3.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3 Conditions","sectionType":"section","heading":"Part 3 Conditions","content":"#### Part 1 Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Name\n\n  This is the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station) Class Licence 2025.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n  This instrument commences at the start of 1 October 2025.\n\n> Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n#### 3 Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under section 132 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.\n\n#### 4 Repeal of instrument\n\n  The Radiocommunications – Maritime Omnibus Variation 2019 (No. 1) \\[F2019L00835\\] is repealed.\n\n#### 5 Interpretation\n\n  (1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n\n> AMRD (short for autonomous maritime radio device) means a station in the maritime mobile service which is mobile, operates at sea and transmits independently of a maritime ship station or a maritime coast station, which may also be temporarily moored.\n\n> Note 1: The definition of AMRD is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 divides AMRD into AMRD Group A and AMRD Group B. AMRD Group A is defined in that Recommendation to be AMRD that enhance the safety of navigation. The operation of man overboard (Class M) devices that are within AMRD Group A may be authorised by the Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016, or another class licence that replaces that instrument. The Radiocommunications (Emergency Locating Devices) Class Licence 2016 is a legislative instrument and is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> AMRD Group B means an AMRD that does not enhance the safety of navigation (an AMRD which delivers signals or information which do not concern the safety of navigation of the vessel or do not complement vessel traffic safety in waterways).\n\n> Note: The definition of AMRD Group B is taken from the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1. Recommendation ITU-R M.2135-1 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> AMSA means the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.\n\n> Australian ship means a ship that:\n\n    (a) has Australian nationality; and\n    (b) is not a regulated Australian vessel, within the meaning given by the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For paragraph (a), see section 29 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\n> Australian territorial sea means the sea within the limits of the territorial sea declared under subsection 7(1) of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973.\n\n> Australian waters qualification means a qualification that is:\n\n    (a) for marine radio use, on very high frequencies, within the Australian territorial sea and on inland waterways; and\n    (b) is part of the Maritime Training Package developed by Industry Skills Australia.\n\n> Note: Information about the Maritime Training Package is available, free of charge, from the Industry Skills Australia website at www.industryskillsaustralia.org.au, or from the National Register of Vocational Education and Training at www.training.gov.au.\n\n> calling means operating a station to contact another station.\n\n> commercial operations: see subsection (2).\n\n> distress communication means a communication of a situation in which a person or mobile unit is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and requires immediate assistance.\n\n> Note: The definition of distress communication is based on Section II, Article 32, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> DSC (short for digital selective calling) means a digital system of communication used for the following purposes:\n\n    (a) transmitting distress communications from ships;\n    (b) transmitting acknowledgments of distress communications, from maritime coast stations;\n    (c) relaying distress communications;\n    (d) transmitting alerts before the broadcast of urgency and safety communications.\n\n> Note 1: For DSC, see the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunications Sector’s Recommendation ITU-R M.493-16, Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The transmission of a distress communication indicates that a ship is threatened by grave and imminent danger, and is requesting immediate assistance. A distress communication is a digital selective call, using a distress call format, that provides the identification of the station in distress and its position.\n\n> fish:\n\n    (a) includes all species of bony fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms; but\n    (b) does not include marine mammals or marine reptiles.\n\n> GMDSS certificate means a GMDSS radio operator certificate, issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n> Note: For the GMDSS radio operator certificate, see Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> inland waterways means waters within Australia, other than the Australian territorial sea.\n\n> limited coast station means:\n\n    (a) a limited coast assigned system station; or\n    (b) a limited coast marine rescue station; or\n    (c) a limited coast non assigned station.\n\n> major coast station means:\n\n    (a) a major coast A station; or\n    (b) a major coast receive station.\n\n> mobile unit means a ship, an aircraft, or another kind of vehicle.\n\n> non-commercial operations: see subsection (3).\n\n> port operations means activities relating to the operational handling, movement and navigation of ships in or near a port.\n\n> professional fishing operations means the operations of a ship that is used, or is intended to be used, wholly or principally for the taking, catching or capturing of fish for trading or manufacturing purposes.\n\n> repeater station means a limited coast station established at a fixed location:\n\n    (a) for the reception of radio signals from:\n    (i) maritime ship stations; or\n    (ii) limited coast non assigned stations; or\n    (iii) limited coast marine rescue stations; and\n    (b) for the automatic retransmission of those signals.\n\n> rescue organisation means an organisation whose sole or principal purpose involves securing the safety of persons during an emergency.\n\n> safety communication means a communication relating to the safety of navigation or the provision of an important meteorological warning.\n\n> Note: The definition of safety communication is based on Section IV, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> SAR means search and rescue.\n\n> urgency communication means a communication that urgent attention to the safety of a mobile unit or person is required.\n\n> Note: The definition of urgency communication is based on Section II, Article 33, Chapter VII of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> working means operating a maritime ship station to exchange messages with another station.\n\n> Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    (a) ACMA;\n    (b) Australia;\n    (c) certificate of proficiency;\n    (d) equipment rules;\n    (e) frequency band;\n    (f) import;\n    (g) interference;\n    (h) licence;\n    (i) operate;\n    (j) radiocommunication;\n    (k) radiocommunications receiver;\n    (l) radiocommunications transmitter;\n    (m) vessel.\n\n> Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 that applies to this instrument, including:\n\n    (a) Act;\n    (b) aircraft station;\n    (c) AM;\n    (d) Application Specific Messages (ASM);\n    (e) ARPANSA standard;\n    (f) Automatic Identification System (AIS);\n    (g) communication;\n    (h) earth station;\n    (i) GMDSS;\n    (j) limited coast assigned system station;\n    (k) limited coast marine rescue station;\n    (l) limited coast non assigned station;\n    (m) major coast A station;\n    (n) major coast receive station;\n    (o) maritime coast station;\n    (p) maritime mobile service;\n    (q) maritime ship station;\n    (r) public correspondence;\n    (s) pX;\n    (t) pY;\n    (u) pZ;\n    (v) Radio Regulations;\n    (w) radiodetermination;\n    (x) radionavigation;\n    (y) ship;\n    (z) SSB;\n    (aa) station;\n    (ab) very high frequency;\n    (ac) VHF Data Exchange System (VDES);\n    (ad) VHF maritime mobile band.\n  (2) In this instrument, commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) port operations; or\n    (b) professional fishing operations.\n  (3) In this instrument, non-commercial operations does not include:\n    (a) commercial operations; or\n    (b) port operations; or\n    (c) professional fishing operations.\n  (4) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, expressions that are defined in the Radio Regulations have the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note: Expressions used in this instrument that are defined in the Radio Regulations include the following:\n\n    (a) coast earth station;\n    (b) coast station;\n    (c) ship earth station;\n    (d) ship station.\n  (5) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a part of the spectrum or frequency band includes all frequencies that are greater than but not including the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency.\n\n> Note: This means the lower number in the reference to the part of the spectrum or frequency band is not included in the part or band.\n\n  (6) Unless the contrary intention appears, no condition in Part 3 limits any other condition in Part 3.\n\n#### 6 References to other instruments\n\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n    (a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and\n    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as in force, or existing, from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.\n\n> Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.\n\n> Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.\n\n  \n\n#### Part 2 Class licence\n\n#### 7 Class licence\n\n  This instrument authorises a person to operate a maritime ship station on board an Australian ship, subject to the conditions in Part 3.\n\n  \n\n#### Part 3 Conditions\n\n#### 8 Operation – compliance with ARPANSA standard\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station, or a group of maritime ship stations, if the electromagnetic energy emitted by the station, or by the group, exceeds the general public exposure limits specified in the ARPANSA standard in a place accessible by the public.\n\n#### 9 Operation – compliance with particular documents\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station if:\n    (a) the device compliance day for the station is before 31 July 2015; and\n    (b) one or more of the documents specified in subsection (2), as existing on the device compliance day for the station, was expressed to apply to the station; and\n    (c) the station does not comply with the document, as existing on the device compliance day for the station.\n\n> Note: Under Part 4.1 of the Act, a person may be prohibited from operating a maritime ship station, including a station not covered by subsection (1), if the station does not comply with requirements set out in equipment rules made under section 156 of the Act.\n\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the following documents are specified:\n    (a) IEC 61993-2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Automatic identification systems – Part 2: Class A shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Operation and performance requirements, methods of test and required test results, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (b) IEC 62287.1, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) Part 1: Carrier-sense time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (c) IEC 62287.2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Part 2: self-organising time division multiple access (SOTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.\n\n> Note: Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is available, for a fee, from the International Electrotechnical Commission’s website at www.iec.ch. Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n  (3) In subsection (1), device compliance day, for a maritime ship station, means:\n    (a) if the station was manufactured in Australia and paragraph (c) does not apply– the day it was manufactured; or\n    (b) if the station was imported and paragraph (c) does not apply – the day it was imported; or\n    (c) if the station was manufactured in Australia or imported, and altered or modified in a material respect in Australia after it was manufactured or imported – the day it was so altered or modified.\n\n#### 10 Operation – water use only\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station on land.\n\n#### 11 Operation – qualifications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station on a frequency in the VHF maritime mobile band unless the person:\n    (a) if the station is operated in the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a statement of attainment for the completion of an Australian waters qualification or a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person;\n    (b) if the station is operated beyond the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person.\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b), the following qualifications are specified:\n    (a) GMDSS certificate;\n    (b) the following certificates of proficiency:\n    (i) Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (ii) Marine Radio Operator VHF Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iii) Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iv) Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (v) Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (c) a qualification recognised by AMSA as equivalent to a GMDSS certificate, in accordance with Division 4 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014;\n    (d) a qualification that:\n    (i) complies with the requirements for an operator’s certificate in Article 47 of the Radio Regulations; and\n    (ii) is equivalent to a certificate of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b).\n\n> Note 1: For paragraph (a), GMDSS certificates are issued in accordance with Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: For paragraph (b), certificates of proficiency are issued under section 121 of the Act. Some of the certificates of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b) may no longer be issued. More information about certificates of proficiency is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.\n\n> Note 3: For paragraph (c), Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 4: For paragraph (d), Article 47 of the Radio Regulations sets out requirements to be met by the certificate that is to be held by a person who controls the operation of a maritime ship station. These requirements include the syllabus set out in Resolution 343 of the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. The Radio Regulations and Resolution 343 are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 5: The ACMA may publish on its website a list of some qualifications that are covered by paragraph (d).\n\n#### 12 Operation – beyond the Australian territorial sea\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station beyond the Australian territorial sea otherwise than in accordance with:\n    (a) the Radio Regulations; and\n    (b) if the station is in the territorial sea of another country – any requirement of the country that applies to radiocommunications.\n  (2) A person must not operate a maritime ship station:\n    (a) beyond the Australian territorial sea; and\n    (b) on a maritime frequency authorised by the International Telecommunication Union and published in the Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services;\n  otherwise than to communicate with one of the following:\n    (c) a coast station operated in another country;\n    (d) a coast earth station operated in another country;\n    (e) a ship earth station;\n    (f) a ship station.\n\n> Note 1: The Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services is available, for a fee, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int. The Manual is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n> Note 2: For the operation of the Act outside Australia, see Division 2 of Part 1.4 of the Act.\n\n#### 13 Operation – identification of station\n\n  (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person must not operate a maritime ship station unless, at the start of each transmission, or of each series of transmissions, the person uses a form of identification that clearly identifies the station.\n  (2) If a maritime ship station uses DSC or AIS, the person must use a maritime mobile service identity issued by AMSA as the form of identification.\n\n> Note 1: Licensees may apply for a maritime mobile service identity from AMSA. Information about maritime mobile services identities is available, free of charge, from AMSA’s website at www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: The availability of maritime mobile service identities is set out in the Radio Regulations. In performing its functions in relation to a maritime mobile service identity, AMSA will generally have regard to the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 14 Purpose of operation – distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling, otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 1; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of that table item only if direct ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communications on other frequencies are not practicable.\n\n#### 15 Purpose of operation – public correspondence\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for public correspondence otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 2; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 25 W pY; and\n    (c) to communicate with a major coast station.\n\n#### 16 Purpose of operation – commercial operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 3; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for calling and working purposes.\n\n#### 17 Purpose of operation – non-commercial operations\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for non-commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 4; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a limited coast station or another maritime ship station with which the person is affiliated for the purposes of a specific event.\n\n> Note: Example: A yacht club may operate a maritime ship station for the purposes of a racing event organised by the yacht club.\n\n  (3) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a station operated by a rescue organisation.\n\n> Note: The station operated by the rescue organisation may be on land or on water.\n\n#### 18 Purpose of operation – port operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for port operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 5; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.\n\n#### 19 Purpose of operation – professional fishing operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for professional fishing operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 6; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.\n\n#### 20 Purpose of operation – radiodetermination\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for radiodetermination purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency in one of the following frequency bands:\n    (i) 2.9 GHz to 3.1 GHz;\n    (ii) 9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 60 kW pX; and\n    (c) for the purpose of marine radionavigation (radar).\n\n#### 21 Purpose of operation – on-board communications\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station to communicate with persons on board or near the ship on which the station is located, otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 457.525 MHz;\n    (ii) 457.55 MHz;\n    (iii) 457.575 MHz;\n    (iv) 467.525 MHz;\n    (v) 467.55 MHz;\n    (vi) 467.575 MHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 2 W pY; and\n    (c) for the purposes of calling and working.\n\n#### 22 Purpose of operation – Automatic Identification System (AIS)\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Automatic Identification System (AIS) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.975 MHz (channel AIS 1);\n    (ii) 162.025 MHz (channel AIS 2);\n    (iii) 156.775 MHz (channel 75);\n    (vi) 156.825 MHz (channel 76); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Channels 75 and 76 may also be used for the purpose of navigation-related communications in accordance with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 23 Purpose of operation – VDES communications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) subject to subsection (2) – on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) for any purpose mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 4 of the table item.\n  (2) A person may operate a maritime ship station using more than one frequency specified in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7 if:\n    (a) the channels for those frequencies have a contiguous bandwidth of:\n    (i) 50 kHz; or\n    (ii) 100 kHz; or\n    (iii) 150 kHz; and\n    (b) the use of those frequencies is consistent with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n#### 24 Purpose of operation – ASM\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Application Specific Messages (ASM) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.95 MHz (channel ASM 1);\n    (ii) 162 MHz (channel ASM 2); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation — compliance with ARPANSA standard","content":"#### 8 Operation – compliance with ARPANSA standard\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station, or a group of maritime ship stations, if the electromagnetic energy emitted by the station, or by the group, exceeds the general public exposure limits specified in the ARPANSA standard in a place accessible by the public.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation — compliance with particular documents","content":"#### 9 Operation – compliance with particular documents\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station if:\n    (a) the device compliance day for the station is before 31 July 2015; and\n    (b) one or more of the documents specified in subsection (2), as existing on the device compliance day for the station, was expressed to apply to the station; and\n    (c) the station does not comply with the document, as existing on the device compliance day for the station.\n\n> Note: Under Part 4.1 of the Act, a person may be prohibited from operating a maritime ship station, including a station not covered by subsection (1), if the station does not comply with requirements set out in equipment rules made under section 156 of the Act.\n\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the following documents are specified:\n    (a) IEC 61993-2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Automatic identification systems – Part 2: Class A shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Operation and performance requirements, methods of test and required test results, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (b) IEC 62287.1, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) Part 1: Carrier-sense time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission;\n    (c) IEC 62287.2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system (AIS) – Part 2: self-organising time division multiple access (SOTDMA) techniques, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.\n\n> Note: Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is available, for a fee, from the International Electrotechnical Commission’s website at www.iec.ch. Each of IEC 61993-2, IEC 62287.1 and IEC 62287.2 is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n  (3) In subsection (1), device compliance day, for a maritime ship station, means:\n    (a) if the station was manufactured in Australia and paragraph (c) does not apply– the day it was manufactured; or\n    (b) if the station was imported and paragraph (c) does not apply – the day it was imported; or\n    (c) if the station was manufactured in Australia or imported, and altered or modified in a material respect in Australia after it was manufactured or imported – the day it was so altered or modified.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation — water use only","content":"#### 10 Operation – water use only\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station on land.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation — qualifications","content":"#### 11 Operation – qualifications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station on a frequency in the VHF maritime mobile band unless the person:\n    (a) if the station is operated in the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a statement of attainment for the completion of an Australian waters qualification or a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person;\n    (b) if the station is operated beyond the Australian territorial sea – either:\n    (i) holds a qualification specified in subsection (2); or\n    (ii) operates the station under the supervision of such a person.\n  (2) For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b), the following qualifications are specified:\n    (a) GMDSS certificate;\n    (b) the following certificates of proficiency:\n    (i) Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (ii) Marine Radio Operator VHF Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iii) Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (iv) Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (v) Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate of Proficiency;\n    (c) a qualification recognised by AMSA as equivalent to a GMDSS certificate, in accordance with Division 4 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014;\n    (d) a qualification that:\n    (i) complies with the requirements for an operator’s certificate in Article 47 of the Radio Regulations; and\n    (ii) is equivalent to a certificate of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b).\n\n> Note 1: For paragraph (a), GMDSS certificates are issued in accordance with Subdivision 3.2 of Division 3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, which is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: For paragraph (b), certificates of proficiency are issued under section 121 of the Act. Some of the certificates of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (b) may no longer be issued. More information about certificates of proficiency is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.\n\n> Note 3: For paragraph (c), Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> Note 4: For paragraph (d), Article 47 of the Radio Regulations sets out requirements to be met by the certificate that is to be held by a person who controls the operation of a maritime ship station. These requirements include the syllabus set out in Resolution 343 of the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. The Radio Regulations and Resolution 343 are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 5: The ACMA may publish on its website a list of some qualifications that are covered by paragraph (d).","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation — beyond the Australian territorial sea","content":"#### 12 Operation – beyond the Australian territorial sea\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station beyond the Australian territorial sea otherwise than in accordance with:\n    (a) the Radio Regulations; and\n    (b) if the station is in the territorial sea of another country – any requirement of the country that applies to radiocommunications.\n  (2) A person must not operate a maritime ship station:\n    (a) beyond the Australian territorial sea; and\n    (b) on a maritime frequency authorised by the International Telecommunication Union and published in the Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services;\n  otherwise than to communicate with one of the following:\n    (c) a coast station operated in another country;\n    (d) a coast earth station operated in another country;\n    (e) a ship earth station;\n    (f) a ship station.\n\n> Note 1: The Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services is available, for a fee, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int. The Manual is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.\n\n> Note 2: For the operation of the Act outside Australia, see Division 2 of Part 1.4 of the Act.","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation — identification of station","content":"#### 13 Operation – identification of station\n\n  (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person must not operate a maritime ship station unless, at the start of each transmission, or of each series of transmissions, the person uses a form of identification that clearly identifies the station.\n  (2) If a maritime ship station uses DSC or AIS, the person must use a maritime mobile service identity issued by AMSA as the form of identification.\n\n> Note 1: Licensees may apply for a maritime mobile service identity from AMSA. Information about maritime mobile services identities is available, free of charge, from AMSA’s website at www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n> Note 2: The availability of maritime mobile service identities is set out in the Radio Regulations. In performing its functions in relation to a maritime mobile service identity, AMSA will generally have regard to the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling","content":"#### 14 Purpose of operation – distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for distress communications, urgency communications, safety communications, or calling, otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 1; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of that table item only if direct ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communications on other frequencies are not practicable.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — public correspondence","content":"#### 15 Purpose of operation – public correspondence\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for public correspondence otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 2; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 25 W pY; and\n    (c) to communicate with a major coast station.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — commercial operations","content":"#### 16 Purpose of operation – commercial operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 3; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for calling and working purposes.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — non-commercial operations","content":"#### 17 Purpose of operation – non-commercial operations\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for non-commercial operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 4; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item; and\n    (e) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 5 of the table item.\n  (2) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a limited coast station or another maritime ship station with which the person is affiliated for the purposes of a specific event.\n\n> Note: Example: A yacht club may operate a maritime ship station for the purposes of a racing event organised by the yacht club.\n\n  (3) If a limitation specified in column 5 of a table item says this subsection applies, a person must operate a maritime ship station only to communicate with a station operated by a rescue organisation.\n\n> Note: The station operated by the rescue organisation may be on land or on water.","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — port operations","content":"#### 18 Purpose of operation – port operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for port operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 5; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — professional fishing operations","content":"#### 19 Purpose of operation – professional fishing operations\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for professional fishing operations otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 6; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) to communicate with a station mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) for any purpose mentioned in column 4 of the table item.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — radiodetermination","content":"#### 20 Purpose of operation – radiodetermination\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for radiodetermination purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on a frequency in one of the following frequency bands:\n    (i) 2.9 GHz to 3.1 GHz;\n    (ii) 9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 60 kW pX; and\n    (c) for the purpose of marine radionavigation (radar).","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — on-board communications","content":"#### 21 Purpose of operation – on-board communications\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station to communicate with persons on board or near the ship on which the station is located, otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 457.525 MHz;\n    (ii) 457.55 MHz;\n    (iii) 457.575 MHz;\n    (iv) 467.525 MHz;\n    (v) 467.55 MHz;\n    (vi) 467.575 MHz; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 2 W pY; and\n    (c) for the purposes of calling and working.","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — Automatic Identification System (AIS)","content":"#### 22 Purpose of operation – Automatic Identification System (AIS)\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Automatic Identification System (AIS) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.975 MHz (channel AIS 1);\n    (ii) 162.025 MHz (channel AIS 2);\n    (iii) 156.775 MHz (channel 75);\n    (vi) 156.825 MHz (channel 76); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: Channels 75 and 76 may also be used for the purpose of navigation-related communications in accordance with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"23","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — VDES communications","content":"#### 23 Purpose of operation – VDES communications\n\n  (1) A person must not operate a maritime ship station for VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) subject to subsection (2) – on a frequency mentioned in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7; and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding the power mentioned in column 2 of that table item; and\n    (c) for any purpose mentioned in column 3 of the table item; and\n    (d) in accordance with any limitations specified in column 4 of the table item.\n  (2) A person may operate a maritime ship station using more than one frequency specified in column 1 of a table item in Schedule 7 if:\n    (a) the channels for those frequencies have a contiguous bandwidth of:\n    (i) 50 kHz; or\n    (ii) 100 kHz; or\n    (iii) 150 kHz; and\n    (b) the use of those frequencies is consistent with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations.\n\n> Note 1: The technical characteristics of VDES, including AIS and ASM, are described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 (Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band). Recommendation ITU-R M.2092 is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.\n\n> Note 2: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"24","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of operation — ASM","content":"#### 24 Purpose of operation – ASM\n\n  A person must not operate a maritime ship station for Application Specific Messages (ASM) purposes otherwise than:\n    (a) on one of the following frequencies:\n    (i) 161.95 MHz (channel ASM 1);\n    (ii) 162 MHz (channel ASM 2); and\n    (b) at a transmitter output power not exceeding 12.5 W pY.","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Distress, urgency or safety communications, or calling","content":"#### Schedule 1—Distress, urgency or safety communications, or calling\n\n(section 14)","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Public correspondence","content":"#### Schedule 2—Public correspondence\n\n(section 15)","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commercial operations","content":"#### Schedule 3—Commercial operations\n\n(section 16)","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Non-commercial operations","content":"#### Schedule 4—Non-commercial operations\n\n(section 17)","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Port operations","content":"#### Schedule 5—Port operations\n\n(section 18)","sortOrder":35},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Professional fishing operations","content":"#### Schedule 6—Professional fishing operations\n\n(section 19)","sortOrder":37},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 7","sectionType":"section","heading":"VHF Data Exchange System (VDES)","content":"#### Schedule 7—VHF Data Exchange System (VDES)\n\n(section 23)","sortOrder":39}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument replaces the prior maritime omnibus instrument (s4) and updates the class licence to expressly cover new device categories and services (AMRD Group B, VDES, ASM, AIS) and their technical limits (s5; s22–s24; Schedule 7). It consolidates frequency/power allocations and adds provisions tying equipment to international IEC documents and ARPANSA exposure limits (s9; s8). Those additions and the repealing of the earlier instrument indicate an expanded and modernised scope compared with the instrument it repeals (s4)."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive technical frequency and power tables across seven schedules with different purposes (distress, public correspondence, commercial, non-commercial, port, fishing, VDES) (Schedules 1–7).","Multiple cross‑references to international instruments and standards (Radio Regulations; ITU recommendations; IEC standards) that import external technical content and require consult of paid or external sources (see notes to s5, s9, s22, s23).","Layered definitions and device categories (AMRD, AMRD Group B, AIS, ASM, VDES) that change permitted uses and interact with other licences (s5; s22–s24).","Operator qualification matrix with different rules inside and beyond the Australian territorial sea, supervisory exceptions, and recognition of equivalent qualifications by AMSA (s11).","Retroactive compliance rule based on a station's 'device compliance day' (pre‑31 July 2015) tied to specific IEC documents (s9(1)–(3)).","Health and safety exposure limit linked to the ARPANSA standard and framed as an absolute prohibition where public exposure limits are exceeded (s8).","Multiple technical metrics and shorthand units (pX, pY, pZ, EIRP) used across tables that require interpretation against equipment rules or determinations (schedules; notes).","Operational geography and international operation constraints requiring compliance with Radio Regulations and other states' rules when beyond Australian territorial sea (s12).","Specific VDES rules including contiguous channel bandwidth allowances, satellite vs terrestrial restrictions and non‑interference conditions (s23(1)–(2); Schedule 7).","Regulatory discretion and enforcement hooks: repeal of prior instrument (s4), and interaction with ACMA equipment rules and AMSA identity/qualification processes (s4, s9 note, s13)."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument creates a class licence allowing people to operate maritime ship radio stations on Australian ships and sets the technical, geographic and operator rules they must follow. It specifies permitted frequencies, transmitter power limits, operator qualifications (AMSA/qualification certificates), equipment and exposure standards, and new categories like AMRD, VDES and ASM, while repealing a prior maritime instrument. It matters to shipowners, crew, manufacturers and rescue organisations because it determines which channels and powers can be used, who may legally operate them, and what technical standards and safety limits must be met."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This is a new standalone class licence that replaces the Radiocommunications – Maritime Omnibus Variation 2019 (No. 1), consolidating all maritime ship station rules into a single instrument."},"complexity_factors":["Detailed frequency tables and power limits across seven schedules","References to external international standards (ITU Radio Regulations, IEC standards) and their future versions","Multiple operator qualification pathways (Australian waters qualifications, GMDSS, certificates of proficiency, equivalent qualifications)","Different operational rules for commercial, non‑commercial, port, fishing, distress/safety, and data systems","Incorporation of future changes to legislative instruments and other documents by reference"],"plain_english_summary":"This class licence lets people operate a maritime ship radio station on an Australian ship without an individual licence, from 1 October 2025, replacing the 2019 variation. It consolidates day‑to‑day rules and requires compliance with the conditions and the seven Schedules that set frequencies, power limits and permitted purposes.\n\nIt covers VHF marine radios plus MF/HF, radar, AIS, VDES and on‑board communications, and matters to recreational boaters, commercial mariners, fishers and port users — including qualifications, station identification, exposure limits and adherence to international rules when outside Australian waters."},"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"provider":"moonshot","completionTokens":2894},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"While the instrument remains focused on maritime ship stations, the scope has expanded significantly beyond traditional voice radio to encompass modern digital and autonomous maritime communication technologies. The inclusion of Autonomous Maritime Radio Devices (AMRDs—including Group B devices that do not enhance navigation safety), VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) with satellite communication capabilities, and Application Specific Messages (ASM) represents a substantial evolution from earlier maritime licensing frameworks. The repeal of the 2019 Omnibus Variation and introduction of these new technological categories indicates the licence has grown to address automated ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore data communications, not just human-operated voice systems."},"complexity_factors":["27 defined terms in section 5, with additional terms incorporated by reference from the Radio Regulations, the Radiocommunications Act 1992, and the ACMA Act","7 detailed schedules containing technical tables specifying permitted frequencies, transmitter power limits (ranging from 100 mW to 60 kW), allowable communication partners, and purpose-specific limitations","Extensive cross-referencing to external instruments including the ITU Radio Regulations, IEC technical standards (61993-2, 62287.1, 62287.2), ARPANSA standards, and Marine Order 70","Nested conditional logic in operational conditions: location-based distinctions (Australian territorial sea vs. beyond), device compliance date cut-offs (pre/post 31 July 2015), and qualification hierarchies","Schedule-specific limitations with internal cross-references (e.g., 'subsection 14(2) applies to this table item') creating layered exceptions to general permissions","Technical frequency band notations requiring interpretation of Tx/Rx designations and pX/pY/pZ power measurement references","Cumulative conditions in Part 3 (section 5(6) clarifies that conditions operate cumulatively rather than limiting each other, requiring readers to reconcile multiple simultaneous constraints)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is a **class licence**—a general permission that lets people operate radio equipment on Australian ships without having to apply for individual licences for each vessel or device.\n\n**What it does**\nThe licence sets out the rules for using maritime ship stations (radios on boats). It covers everything from emergency distress calls to fishing operations and port communications. It authorises the use of various radio systems including:\n- Traditional voice communications (VHF and HF)\n- **Digital Selective Calling (DSC)**—a digital distress alert system\n- **Automatic Identification System (AIS)**—the tracking system ships use to see each other\n- **VHF Data Exchange System (VDES)**—modern data communications between ships and satellites\n- **Autonomous Maritime Radio Devices (AMRDs)**—independent radio devices that operate without a person controlling them\n\n**Who it affects**\nAnyone operating radio equipment on an **Australian ship** (registered Australian vessels that aren't major regulated ships). This includes:\n- Commercial shipping operators\n- Professional fishers\n- Recreational boaters\n- Port operators\n- Rescue organisations\n\n**Key rules you need to know**\n- **Qualifications**: To use VHF radios in Australian waters, you need a recognised qualification (like a Marine Radio Operator certificate) or must operate under the supervision of someone who does. For international waters, you need higher-level qualifications.\n- **Where you can operate**: These radios are for water use only—you cannot operate them on land.\n- **Frequencies**: You must use specific frequencies (channels) depending on what you're doing. There are separate schedules (lists) for:\n  - Distress, urgency and safety calls\n  - Public correspondence (general messaging)\n  - Commercial operations\n  - Non-commercial operations (like yacht clubs)\n  - Port operations\n  - Professional fishing\n  - Modern data systems (VDES)\n- **Power limits**: There are strict limits on transmitter power (measured in watts) for each frequency.\n- **Identification**: You must identify your station at the start of transmissions. If using digital systems (DSC or AIS), you must use a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).\n- **Safety standards**: Equipment must comply with electromagnetic exposure limits (ARPANSA standards) and specific technical standards for older devices manufactured or imported before July 2015.\n- **Overseas operations**: If operating beyond Australian waters, you must also follow international Radio Regulations and the laws of the country you're in.\n\n**Why it matters**\nThis licence ensures maritime radios are used safely and don't interfere with each other. It keeps emergency channels clear for distress calls, allows coordinated port operations, and ensures modern digital tracking systems (AIS) work properly to prevent collisions at sea."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-maritime-ship-station-class-licence-2025","history":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-maritime-ship-station-class-licence-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-maritime-ship-station-class-licence-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-maritime-ship-station-class-licence-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-maritime-ship-station-class-licence-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/radiocommunications-maritime-ship-station-class-licence-2025/documents"}}