Authority to Operate 


The Authority to Operate is like a driving licence: it relates to an individual, rather than to a specific vessel or radio; it is awarded after a test of competence, and it lasts — at least in theory — for life.


There are several different courses and examinations, providing a range of qualifications that give “authority to operate” radio equipment of different sorts, on different classes of vessel. Someone who has completed a one-day course in using a small-boat’s VHF, and taken a half- hour written test is not expected to take responsibility for the world-wide communication needs of a ship carrying a thousand passengers!


For vessels which carry radio equipment on a voluntary basis there are two certificates:-


the Long Range Certificate (LRC) - covers VHF, HF, and MF radiotelephony and satellite communication systems;


the Short Range Certificate (SRC) - covers VHF radiotelephony.


Under UK law, “Voluntary fit” vessels includes those whose owners have “chosen” to conform to the Codes of Practice for small commercial craft


Type approval


Until April 2000 anyone who wanted to sell a marine radio had to make sure that it had been tested by an independent test facility and approved as conforming to various performance requirements.


 


Since April 2000, that requirement has been replaced by the European Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (the R&TTE Directive). The principle is the same: radio equipment has to do its job without being dangerous and without causing unnecessary interference, but the test requirement has gone. The manufacturer now has to issue a declaration of conformity, formally certifying that the radio conforms to the appropriate performance standards, and ensure that it is marked with the familiar CE label.

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