ARLA/CLUSTER: Obtenção de licença equivalente para radioamadores estrangeiros na Australia

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

Overseas qualified radio amateurs

The Australian Communications and Media Authority wants to renew its
sun-setting legislative instrument that allows those qualified through
an overseas administration, to obtain an equivalent licence in
Australia.

This however does not affect short-term visiting radio amateurs, who
may automatically use their valid home callsign, prefixed with the VK
call area in which they are located.

That provision, under a free Class Licence follows WIA advocacy, is
available for 90-days, which can be suitable for those on a business
trip or a holiday.

The ACMA has consulted on its Radiocommunications (Qualified
Operators) Determination 2016, to replace its 2005 predecessor on
April 1, 2016.

The ACMA in a discussion paper considers that the system has operated
effectively and efficiently, and is worth renewal. The ACMA says
individuals may have existing qualifications obtained overseas, and
these will continue to be addressed, but by eliminating any
consistency that may have developed.

The WIA (Wireless Institute of Australia) has submitted to the ACMA
that it supports renewal of the system.

The WIA stressed that the qualification held, and not licence
conditions, must always be the basis of any determination of
equivalency of qualifications gained from an overseas administration.

The WIA has suggested changes to the ACMA, and supports the remake of
the Determination incorporating the proposed changes, in particular
the equivalency of the US Technician Grade licence.

In its submission the WIA also flags the need to review the Philippines
Class C (Novice) licence grade, which is more aligned to the Australian
Standard grade.

Phil Wait VK2ASD

Wireless Institute of Australia