Posted:
June 27, 2008
The Federal Communications Commission earlier this year made certain licenses issued by the FCC valid for the holder's lifetime, including the GMDSS Radio Operator License and Marine Radio Operator Permit, among others.
In addition to the U.S. Coast Guard GMDSS course certificate and STCW GMDSS endorsement, deck officers also maintain the GMDSS Radio Operator License. Some deck officers also maintain a Marine Radio Operator Permit issued by the FCC; however, this permit is not required if the mariner holds the FCC GMDSS Radio Operator License.
Prior to March 25 of this year, these FCC documents expired every five years and were required to be renewed and an associated fee paid. The amendment to FCC rules makes these and some other FCC licenses valid for life.
More information and a complete listing of licenses and permits affected by this change is available online at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/tol.html.
This change in FCC rules does not in any way affect the requirement pertaining to the STCW GMDSS endorsement. The U.S. Coast Guard GMDSS course remains a one-time training requirement and the STCW GMDSS endorsement is renewed every five years as the mariner's STCW document is reissued.
Certain FCC licenses and permits valid for life
The Federal Communications Commission earlier this year made certain licenses issued by the FCC valid for the holder's lifetime, including the GMDSS Radio Operator License and Marine Radio Operator Permit, among others.
In addition to the U.S. Coast Guard GMDSS course certificate and STCW GMDSS endorsement, deck officers also maintain the GMDSS Radio Operator License. Some deck officers also maintain a Marine Radio Operator Permit issued by the FCC; however, this permit is not required if the mariner holds the FCC GMDSS Radio Operator License.
Prior to March 25 of this year, these FCC documents expired every five years and were required to be renewed and an associated fee paid. The amendment to FCC rules makes these and some other FCC licenses valid for life.
More information and a complete listing of licenses and permits affected by this change is available online at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/tol.html.
This change in FCC rules does not in any way affect the requirement pertaining to the STCW GMDSS endorsement. The U.S. Coast Guard GMDSS course remains a one-time training requirement and the STCW GMDSS endorsement is renewed every five years as the mariner's STCW document is reissued.