FCC Regulation Document

Part: 
Topic: C

47 CFR Part 13 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                              47 CFR Part 13 (Feb. 20, 2024)
Commercial Radio Operators

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 47 —Telecommunication
Chapter I —Federal Communications Commission
Subchapter A —General

Part 13 Commercial Radio Operators
  General
      § 13.1 Basis and purpose.
      § 13.3 Definitions.
      § 13.5 Licensed commercial radio operator required.
      § 13.7 Classification of operator licenses and endorsements.
      § 13.8 Authority conveyed.
      § 13.9 Eligibility and application for new license or endorsement.
      § 13.10 Licensee address.
      § 13.11 Holding more than one commercial radio operator license.
      § 13.13 Application for a renewed or modified license.
      § 13.15 License term.
      § 13.17 Replacement license.
      § 13.19 Operator's responsibility.
  Examination System
      § 13.201 Qualifying for a commercial operator license or endorsement.
      § 13.203 Examination elements.
      § 13.207 Preparing an examination.
      § 13.209 Examination procedures.
      § 13.211 Commercial radio operator license examination.
      § 13.213 COLEM qualifications.
      § 13.215 Question pools.
      § 13.217 Records.

PART 13—COMMERCIAL RADIO OPERATORS
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303.

Source: 58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

                                                                GENERAL

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                                                                                                           47 CFR 13.1
Commercial Radio Operators

§ 13.1 Basis and purpose.
     (a) Basis. The basis for the rules contained in this part is the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and
         applicable treaties and agreements to which the United States is a party.

     (b) Purpose. The purpose of the rules in this part is to prescribe the manner and conditions under which
         commercial radio operators are licensed by the Commission.

§ 13.3 Definitions.
The definitions of terms used in part 13 are:

     (a) COLEM. Commercial operator license examination manager.

     (b) Commercial radio operator. A person holding a license or licenses specified in § 13.7(b).

     (c) GMDSS. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

     (d) FCC. Federal Communications Commission.

     (e) International Morse Code. A dot-dash code as defined in International Telegraph and Telephone
         Consultative Committee (CCITT) Recommendation F.1 (1984), Division B, I. Morse code.

     (f) ITU. International Telecommunication Union.

     (g) PPC. Proof-of-Passing Certificate.

     (h) Question pool. All current examination questions for a designated written examination element.

      (i)   Question set. A series of examination questions on a given examination selected from the current
            question pool.

      (j)   Radio Regulations. The latest ITU Radio Regulations to which the United States is a party.

§ 13.5 Licensed commercial radio operator required.
Rules that require FCC station licensees to have certain transmitter operation, maintenance, and repair duties
performed by a commercial radio operator are contained in parts 80 and 87 of this chapter.

[78 FR 23152, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.7 Classification of operator licenses and endorsements.
     (a) Commercial radio operator licenses issued by the FCC are classified in accordance with the Radio
         Regulations of the ITU.

     (b) There are twelve types of commercial radio operator licenses, certificates and permits (licenses). The
         license's ITU classification, if different from its name, is given in parentheses.

            (1) First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate. Beginning May 20, 2013, no applications for new
                First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates will be accepted for filing.

            (2) Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate. Beginning May 20, 2013, no applications for new
                Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates will be accepted for filing.

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                                                                                                               47 CFR 13.7(b)(3)
Commercial Radio Operators

           (3) Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate (radiotelegraph operator's special certificate).
               Beginning May 20, 2013, no applications for new Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates
               will be accepted for filing.

           (4) Radiotelegraph Operator License.

           (5) General Radiotelephone Operator License (radiotelephone operator's general certificate).

           (6) Marine Radio Operator Permit (radiotelephone operator's restricted certificate).

           (7) Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (radiotelephone operator's restricted certificate).

           (8) Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit-Limited Use (radiotelephone operator's restricted
               certificate).

           (9) GMDSS Radio Operator's License (general operator's certificate).

          (10) Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License (restricted operator's certificate).

          (11) GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License (technical portion of the first-class radio electronic certificate).

          (12) GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (general operator's certificate/technical portion of the
               first-class radio electronic certificate).

     (c) There are three license endorsements affixed by the FCC to provide special authorizations or restrictions.
         Endorsements may be affixed to the license(s) indicated in parentheses.

           (1) Ship Radar Endorsement (First and Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates,
               Radiotelegraph Operator License, General Radiotelephone Operator License, GMDSS Radio
               Maintainer's License).

           (2) Six Months Service Endorsement (First and Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates,
               Radiotelegraph Operator License)

           (3) Restrictive endorsements relating to physical disability, English language or literacy waivers, or other
               matters (all licenses).

     (d) A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit-Limited Use issued by the FCC to an aircraft pilot who is not
         legally eligible for employment in the United States is valid only for operating radio stations on aircraft.

     (e) A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit-Limited Use issued by the FCC to a person under the
         provision of Section 303(1)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, is valid only for the
         operation of radio stations for which that person is the station licensee.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993; 58 FR 12632, Mar. 5, 1993, as amended at 68 FR 46958, Aug. 7, 2003; 73 FR 4479, Jan. 25, 2008; 78
FR 23152, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.8 Authority conveyed.
Licenses, certificates and permits issued under this part convey authority for the operating privileges of other
licenses, certificates, and permits issued under this part as specified below:

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                                                                                                             47 CFR 13.8(a)
Commercial Radio Operators

     (a) A First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate conveys all of the operating authority of the Second
         Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, the Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, the
         Radiotelegraph Operator License, the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit, and the Marine Radio
         Operator Permit.

     (b) A Radiotelegraph Operator License conveys all of the operating authority of the Second Class
         Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, which conveys all of the operating authority of the Third Class
         Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit, and the Marine
         Radio Operator Permit.

     (c) A Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate conveys all of the operating authority of the Restricted
         Radiotelophone Operator Permit and the Marine Radio Operator Permit.

     (d) A General Radiotelephone Operator License conveys all of the operating authority of the Marine Radio
         Operator Permit and the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.

     (e) A GMDSS Radio Operator's License conveys all of the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator
         Permit and the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.

     (f) A GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License conveys all of the operating authority of the General Radiotelephone
         Operator License, the Marine Radio Operator Permit, and the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.

     (g) A Marine Radio Operator Permit conveys all of the authority of the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator
         Permit.

[64 FR 53240, Oct. 1, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 23152, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.9 Eligibility and application for new license or endorsement.
     (a) If found qualified, the following persons are eligible to apply for commercial radio operator licenses:

           (1) Any person legally eligible for employment in the United States.

           (2) Any person, for the purpose of operating aircraft radio stations, who holds:

                 (i)   United States pilot certificates; or

                 (ii) Foreign aircraft pilot certificates which are valid in the United States, if the foreign government
                      involved has entered into a reciprocal agreement under which such foreign government does
                      not impose any similar requirement relating to eligibility for employment upon United States
                      citizens.

           (3) Any person who holds a FCC radio station license, for the purpose of operating that station.

           (4) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the FCC's rules, no person shall be eligible to be issued a
               commercial radio operator license when

                 (i)   The person's commercial radio operator license is suspended, or

                 (ii) The person's commercial radio operator license is the subject of an ongoing suspension
                      proceeding, or

                 (iii) The person is afflicted with complete deafness or complete muteness or complete inability for
                       any other reason to transmit correctly and to receive correctly by telephone spoken messages
                       in English.

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                                                                                                            47 CFR 13.9(b)
Commercial Radio Operators

     (b) Each application for a new General Radiotelephone Operator License, Marine Radio Operator Permit,
         Radiotelegraph Operator License, Ship Radar Endorsement, Six Months Service Endorsement, GMDSS
         Radio Operator's License, Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License, GMDSS Radio Maintainer's
         License, GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License, Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit, or
         Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit–Limited Use must be filed on FCC Form 605 in accordance
         with § 1.913 of this chapter.

     (c) Each application for a new General Radiotelephone Operator License, Marine Radio Operator Permit,
         Radiotelegraph Operator License, Ship Radar Endorsement, GMDSS Radio Operator's License, Restricted
         GMDSS Radio Operator's License, GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License, or GMDSS Radio Operator/
         Maintainer License must be accompanied by the required fee, if any, and submitted in accordance with §
         1.913 of this chapter. The application must include an electronic copy of the official PPC(s) from a
         COLEM(s) showing that the applicant has passed the necessary examination Element(s) within the
         previous 365 days when the applicant files the application. If a COLEM files the application on behalf of
         the applicant, an official copy of the PPC(s) is not required. However, the COLEM must keep the PPC(s) on
         file for a period of 1 year. When acting on behalf of qualified examinees, the COLEM must forward all
         required data to the FCC electronically.

     (d) An applicant will be given credit for an examination element as specified below:

           (1) An unexpired (or within the grace period) FCC-issued commercial radio operator license: Except as
               noted in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the written examination and telegraphy Element(s) required
               to obtain the license held;

           (2) An expired or unexpired FCC-issued Amateur Extra Class operator license grant granted before April
               15, 2000: Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2; and

           (3) An FCC-issued Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate that was renewed as a Marine Radio
               Operator Permit (see § 13.13(b) of this chapter) that is unexpired (or within the grace period):
               Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2.

     (e) Provided that a person's commercial radio operator license was not revoked, or suspended, and is not the
         subject of an ongoing suspension proceeding, a person whose application for a commercial radio
         operator license has been received by the FCC but which has not yet been acted upon and who holds a
         PPC(s) indicating that he or she passed the necessary examination(s) within the previous 365 days, is
         authorized to exercise the rights and privileges of the operator license for which the application was
         received. This authority is valid for a period of 90 days from the date the application was received. The
         FCC, in its discretion, may cancel this temporary conditional operating authority without a hearing.

     (f) Each application for a new six months service endorsement must be submitted in accordance with §
         1.913 of this chapter. The application must include documentation showing that:

           (1) The applicant was employed as a radio operator on board a ship or ships of the United States for a
               period totaling at least six months;

           (2) The ships were equipped with a radio station complying with the provisions of part II of title III of the
               Communications Act, or the ships were owned and operated by the U.S. Government and equipped
               with radio stations;

           (3) The ships were in service during the applicable six month period and no portion of any single in-port
               period included in the qualifying six months period exceeded seven days;

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                                                                                                              47 CFR 13.9(f)(4)
Commercial Radio Operators

           (4) The applicant held a FCC-issued First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Second Class
               Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, or Radiotelegraph Operator License during this entire six
               month qualifying period; and

           (5) The applicant holds a radio officer's license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard at the time the six month
               endorsement is requested.

     (g) No person shall alter, duplicate for fraudulent purposes, or fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain an
         operator license. No person shall use a license issued to another or a license that he or she knows to be
         altered, duplicated for fraudulent purposes, or fraudulently obtained. No person shall obtain or attempt to
         obtain, or assist another person to obtain or attempt to obtain, an operator license by fraudulent means.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 3795, Jan. 27, 1994; 60 FR 27699, May 25, 1995; 63 FR 68942, Dec. 14, 1998; 66
FR 20752, Apr. 25, 2001; 68 FR 46958, Aug. 7, 2003; 78 FR 23152, Apr. 18, 2013; 85 FR 85531, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 13.10 Licensee address.
In accordance with § 1.923 of this chapter, all applicants (except applicants for a Restricted Radiotelephone
Operator Permit or a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit-Limited Use) must specify an email address where
the applicant can receive electronic correspondence. Suspension of the operator license may result when
correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the applicant failed to provide the correct email
address.

[85 FR 85531, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 13.11 Holding more than one commercial radio operator license.
     (a) An eligible person may hold more than one commercial operator license.

           (1) No person may hold two or more unexpired radiotelegraph operator's certificates at the same time;

           (2) No person may hold any class of radiotelegraph operator's certificate and a Marine Radio Operator
               Permit;

           (3) No person may hold any class of radiotelegraph operator's certificate and a Restricted
               Radiotelephone Operator Permit.

     (b) Each person who is not legally eligible for employment in the United States, and certain other persons who
         were issued permits prior to September 13, 1982, may hold two Restricted Radiotelephone Operator
         Permits simultaneously when each permit authorizes the operation of a particular station or class of
         stations.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 78 FR 23153, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.13 Application for a renewed or modified license.
     (a) Each application to renew a First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Second Class
         Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, or Radiotelegraph
         Operator License must be made on FCC Form 605. The application must be accompanied by the

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                                                                                                          47 CFR 13.13(b)
Commercial Radio Operators

           appropriate fee and submitted in accordance with § 1.913 of this chapter. Beginning May 20, 2013, First
           and Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates will be renewed as Radiotelegraph Operator
           Licenses, and Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates will be renewed as Marine Radio
           Operator Permits.

     (b) If a license expires, application for renewal may be made during a grace period of five years after the
         expiration date without having to retake the required examinations. The application must be accompanied
         by the required fee and submitted in accordance with § 1.913 of this chapter. During the grace period, the
         expired license is not valid. A license renewed during the grace period will be effective as of the date of
         the renewal. Licensees who fail to renew their licenses within the grace period must apply for a new
         license and take the required examination(s). Beginning May 20, 2013, no applications for new First,
         Second, or Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates will be accepted for filing.

     (c) Each application involving a change in operator class must be filed on FCC Form 605. Each application for
         a commercial operator license involving a change in operator class must be accompanied by the required
         fee, if any, and submitted in accordance with § 1.913 of this chapter. The application must include an
         original PPC(s) from a COLEM(s) showing that the applicant has passed the necessary examination
         Element(s) within the previous 365 days when the applicant files the application. If a COLEM files the
         application on behalf of the applicant, an original PPC(s) is not required. However, the COLEM must keep
         the PPC(s) on file for a period of 1 year. When acting on behalf of qualified examinees, the COLEM must
         forward all required data to the FCC electronically.

     (d) Provided that a person's commercial radio operator license was not revoked, or suspended, and is not the
         subject of an ongoing suspension proceeding, a person holding a General Radiotelephone Operator
         License, Marine Radio Operator Permit, First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Second Class
         Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Radiotelegraph
         Operator License, GMDSS Radio Operator's License, GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License, or GMDSS Radio
         Operator/Maintainer License, who has an application for another commercial radio operator license which
         has not yet been acted upon pending at the FCC and who holds a PPC(s) indicating that he or she passed
         the necessary examination(s) within the previous 365 days, is authorized to exercise the rights and
         privileges of the license for which the application is filed. This temporary conditional operating authority is
         valid for a period of 90 days from the date the application is received. This temporary conditional
         operating authority does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to comply with the certification
         requirements of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. The FCC,
         in its discretion, may cancel this temporary conditional operating authority without a hearing.

     (e) An applicant will be given credit for an examination element as specified below:

           (1) An unexpired (or within the grace period) FCC-issued commercial radio operator license: Except as
               noted in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, the written examination and telegraphy Element(s) required
               to obtain the license held;

           (2) An expired or unexpired FCC-issued Amateur Extra Class operator license grant granted before April
               15, 2000: Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2; and

           (3) An FCC-issued Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate that was renewed as a Marine Radio
               Operator Permit (see § 13.13(b) of this chapter) that is unexpired (or within the grace period):
               Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2.

[78 FR 23153, Apr. 18, 2013]

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                                                                                                                   47 CFR 13.15
Commercial Radio Operators

§ 13.15 License term.
First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates, Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates, and Third
Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificates are normally valid for a term of five years from the date of issuance. All
other commercial radio operator licenses are normally valid for the lifetime of the holder.

[78 FR 23153, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.17 Replacement license.
     (a) Each licensee or permittee whose original document is lost, mutilated, or destroyed may request a
         replacement. The application must be accompanied by the required fee and submitted to the address
         specified in part 1 of the rules.

     (b) Each application for a replacement General Radiotelephone Operator License, Marine Radio Operator
         Permit, First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's
         Certificate, Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Radiotelegraph Operator Certificate, GMDSS
         Radio Operator's License, Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License, GMDSS Radio Maintainer's
         License, or GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License must be made on FCC Form 605 and must include
         a written explanation as to the circumstances involved in the loss, mutilation, or destruction of the original
         document.

     (c) Each application for a replacement Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit or Restricted
         Radiotelephone Operator Permit-Limited Use must be on FCC Form 605.

     (d) A licensee who has made application for a replacement license may exhibit a copy of the application
         submitted to the FCC or a photocopy of the license in lieu of the original document.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 63 FR 68942, Dec. 14, 1998; 68 FR 46959, Aug. 7, 2003; 78 FR 23154, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.19 Operator's responsibility.
     (a) The operator responsible for maintenance of a transmitter may permit other persons to adjust that
         transmitter in the operator's presence for the purpose of carrying out tests or making adjustments
         requiring specialized knowledge or skill, provided that he or she shall not be relieved thereby from
         responsibility for the proper operation of the equipment.

     (b) In every case where a station operating log or service and maintenance log is required, the operator
         responsible for the station operation or maintenance shall make the required entries in the station log. If
         no station log is required, the operator responsible for service or maintenance duties which may affect the
         proper operation of the station shall sign and date an entry in the station maintenance records giving:

           (1) Pertinent details of all service and maintenance work performed by the operator or conducted under
               his or her supervision;

           (2) His or her name and address; and

           (3) The class, serial number, and expiration date (if applicable) of the license when the FCC has issued
               the operator a license; or the PPC serial number(s) and date(s) of issue when the operator is
               awaiting FCC action on an application.

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                                                                                                                 47 CFR 13.19(c)
Commercial Radio Operators

     (c) When the operator is on duty and in charge of transmitting systems, or performing service, maintenance
         or inspection functions, the license or permit document, or a photocopy thereof, or a copy of the
         application and PPC(s) received by the FCC, must be posted or in the operator's personal possession, and
         available for inspection upon request by a FCC representative.

     (d) The operator on duty and in charge of transmitting systems, or performing service, maintenance or
         inspection functions, shall not be subject to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section at a station,
         or stations of one licensee at a single location, at which the operator is regularly employed and at which
         his or her license, or a photocopy, is posted.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 27700, May 25, 1995; 78 FR 23154, Apr. 18, 2013]

                                                   EXAMINATION SYSTEM

§ 13.201 Qualifying for a commercial operator license or endorsement.
     (a) To be qualified to hold any commercial radio operator license, an applicant must have a satisfactory
         knowledge of FCC rules and must have the ability to send correctly and receive correctly spoken
         messages in the English language.

     (b) An applicant must pass an examination for the issuance of a new commercial radio operator license,
         other than the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit and the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator
         Permit-Limited Use, and for each change in operator class. An applicant must pass an examination for the
         issuance of a new Ship Radar Endorsement. Each application for the class of license or endorsement
         specified below must pass, or otherwise receive credit for, the corresponding examination elements:

           (1) Radiotelegraph Operator License.

                 (i)   Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2;

                 (ii) Written Elements 1 and 6.

           (2) General Radiotelephone Operator License: Written Elements 1 and 3.

           (3) Marine Radio Operator Permit: Written Element 1.

           (4) GMDSS Radio Operator's License: Written Elements 1 and 7, or a Proof of Passing Certificate (PPC)
               issued by the United States Coast Guard or its designee representing a certificate of competency
               from a Coast Guard-approved training course for a GMDSS endorsement.

           (5) Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator License: Written Elements 1 and 7R, or a Proof of Passing
               Certificate (PPC) issued by the United States Coast Guard or its designee representing a certificate
               of competency from a Coast Guard-approved training course for a GMDSS endorsement.

           (6) GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License: Written Elements 1, 3, and 9.

           (7) Ship Radar Endorsement: Written Element 8.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 3795, Jan. 27, 1994; 68 FR 46959, Aug. 7, 2003; 78 FR 23154, Apr. 18, 2013]

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                                                                                                           47 CFR 13.203
Commercial Radio Operators

§ 13.203 Examination elements.
     (a) A written examination (written Element) must prove that the examinee possesses the operational and
         technical qualifications to perform the duties required by a person holding that class of commercial radio
         operator license. For each Element, the Commission shall establish through public notices or other
         appropriate means the number of questions to be included in the question pool, the number of questions
         to be included in the examination, and the number of questions that must be answered correctly to pass
         the examination. Each written examination must consist of questions relating to the pertinent subject
         matter, as follows:

           (1) Element 1: Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should
               be familiar. Questions concerning provisions of laws, treaties, regulations, and operating procedures
               and practices generally followed or required in communicating by means of radiotelephone stations.

           (2) Element 3: General radiotelephone. Questions concerning electronic fundamentals and techniques
               required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers at stations licensed by the
               FCC in the aviation and maritime radio services.

           (3) Element 6: Advanced radiotelegraph. Questions concerning technical, legal and other matters
               applicable to the operation of all classes of radiotelegraph stations, including operating procedures
               and practices in the maritime mobile services of public correspondence, and associated matters
               such as radio navigational aids, message traffic routing and accounting, etc.

           (4) Element 7: GMDSS radio operating practices. Questions concerning GMDSS radio operating
               procedures and practices sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all
               GMDSS sub-systems and equipment; ability to send and receive correctly by radiotelephone and
               narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy; detailed knowledge of the regulations applying to radio
               communications, knowledge of the documents relating to charges for radio communications and
               knowledge of those provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea which
               relate to radio; sufficient knowledge of English to be able to express oneself satisfactorily both orally
               and in writing; knowledge of and ability to perform each function listed in § 80.1081 of this chapter;
               and knowledge covering the requirements set forth in IMO Assembly Resolution on Training for
               Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 3.

           (5) Element 7R: Restricted GMDSS radio operating practices. Questions concerning those GMDSS radio
               operating procedures and practices that are applicable to ship stations on vessels that sail
               exclusively in sea area A1, as defined in § 80.1069 of this chapter, sufficient to show detailed
               practical knowledge of the operation of pertinent GMDSS sub-systems and equipment; ability to
               send and receive correctly by radio telephone and narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy; detailed
               knowledge of the regulations governing radio communications within sea area A1, knowledge of the
               pertinent documents relating to charges for radio communications and knowledge of the pertinent
               provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea; sufficient knowledge of
               English to be able to express oneself satisfactorily both orally and in writing; knowledge of and ability
               to perform each pertinent function listed in § 80.1081 of this chapter; and knowledge covering the
               pertinent requirements set forth in IMO Assembly Resolution on Training for Radio Personnel
               (GMDSS), Annex 3.

           (6) Element 8: Ship radar techniques. Questions concerning specialized theory and practice applicable
               to the proper installation, servicing and maintenance of ship radar equipment in general use for
               marine navigational purposes.

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                                                                                                            47 CFR 13.203(a)(7)
Commercial Radio Operators

           (7) Element 9: GMDSS radio maintenance practices and procedures. Questions concerning the
               requirements set forth in IMO Assembly on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 5 and IMO
               Assembly on Radio Maintenance Guidelines for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
               related to Sea Areas A3 and A4.

     (b) A telegraphy examination (telegraphy Elements) must prove that the examinee has the ability to send
         correctly by hand and to receive correctly by ear texts in the international Morse code at not less than the
         prescribed speed, using all the letters of the alphabet, numerals 0–9, period, comma, question mark, slant
         mark, and prosigns AR, BT, and SK.

           (1) Telegraphy Element 1: 16 code groups per minute.

           (2) Telegraphy Element 2: 20 words per minute.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 69 FR 64671, Nov. 8, 2004; 73 FR 4479, Jan. 25, 2008; 78 FR 23154, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.207 Preparing an examination.
     (a) Each telegraphy message and each written question set administered to an examinee for a commercial
         radio operator license must be provided by a COLEM.

     (b) Each question set administered to an examinee must utilize questions taken from the applicable Element
         question pool. The COLEM may obtain the written question sets from a supplier or other COLEM.

     (c) A telegraphy examination must consist of a plain language text or code group message sent in the
         international Morse code at no less than the prescribed speed for a minimum of five minutes. The
         message must contain each required telegraphy character at least once. No message known to the
         examinee may be administered in a telegraphy examination. Each five letters of the alphabet must be
         counted as one word or one code group. Each numeral, punctuation mark, and prosign must be counted
         as two letters of the alphabet. The COLEM may obtain the telegraphy message from a supplier or other
         COLEM.

§ 13.209 Examination procedures.
     (a) Each examination for a commercial radio operator license must be administered at a location and a time
         specified by the COLEM. The COLEM is responsible for the proper conduct and necessary supervision of
         each examination. The COLEM must immediately terminate the examination upon failure of the examinee
         to comply with its instructions.

     (b) Each examinee, when taking an examination for a commercial radio operator license, shall comply with
         the instructions of the COLEM.

     (c) No examination that has been compromised shall be administered to any examinee. Neither the same
         telegraphy message nor the same question set may be re-administered to the same examinee.

     (d) Passing a telegraphy examination. Passing a telegraphy receiving examination is adequate proof of an
         examinee's ability to both send and receive telegraphy. The COLEM, however, may also include a sending
         segment in a telegraphy examination.

           (1) To pass a receiving telegraphy examination, an examinee is required to receive correctly the
               message by ear, for a period of 1 minute without error at the rate of speed specified in § 13.203(b).

           (2) To pass a sending telegraphy examination, an examinee is required to send correctly for a period of
               one minute at the rate of speed specified in § 13.203(b).
47 CFR 13.209(d)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 11 of 13
47 CFR Part 13 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 13.209(e)
Commercial Radio Operators

     (e) The COLEM is responsible for determining the correctness of he examinee's answers. When the examinee
         does not score a passing grade on an examination element, the COLEM must inform the examinee of the
         grade.

     (f) No applicant who is eligible to apply for any commercial radio operator license shall, by reason of any
         physical disability, be denied the privilege of applying and being permitted to attempt to prove his or her
         qualifications (by examination if examination is required) for such commercial radio operator license in
         accordance with procedures established by the COLEM.

     (g) No applicant who is eligible to apply for any commercial radio operator license shall, by reason of any
         physical handicap, be denied the privilege of applying and being permitted to attempt to prove his or her
         qualifications (by examination if examination is required) for such commercial radio operator license in
         accordance with procedures established by the COLEM.

     (h) The COLEM must accommodate an examinee whose physical disabilities require a special examination
         procedure. The COLEM may require a physician's certification indicating the nature of the disability before
         determining which, if any, special procedures are appropriate to use. In the case of a blind examinee, the
         examination questions may be read aloud and the examinee may answer orally. A blind examinee wishing
         to use this procedure must make arrangements with the COLEM prior to the date the examination is
         desired.

      (i)   The FCC may:

            (1) Administer any examination element itself.

            (2) Readminister any examination element previously administered by a COLEM, either itself or by
                designating another COLEM to readminister the examination element.

            (3) Cancel the commercial operator license(s) of any licensee who fails to appear for re-administration
                of an examination when directed by the FCC, or who fails any required element that is re-
                administered. In case of such cancellation, the person will be issued an operator license consistent
                with completed examination elements that have not been invalidated by not appearing for, or by
                failing, the examination upon re-administration.

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 78 FR 23154, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.211 Commercial radio operator license examination.
     (a) Each session where an examination for a commercial radio operator license is administered must be
         managed by a COLEM or the FCC.

     (b) Each examination for a commercial radio operator license must be administered as determined by the
         COLEM.

     (c) The COLEM may limit the number of candidates at any examination.

     (d) The COLEM may prohibit from the examination area items the COLEM determines could compromise the
         integrity of an examination or distract examinees.

     (e) Within 3 business days of completion of the examination Element(s), the COLEM must provide the results
         of the examination to the examinee and the COLEM must issue a PPC to an examinee who scores a
         passing grade on an examination Element.

     (f) A PPC is valid for 365 days from the date it is issued.
47 CFR 13.211(f) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 12 of 13
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                                                                                                        47 CFR 13.213
Commercial Radio Operators

[58 FR 9124, Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 78 FR 23154, Apr. 18, 2013]

§ 13.213 COLEM qualifications.
No entity may serve as a COLEM unless it has entered into a written agreement with the FCC. In order to be eligible
to be a COLEM, the entity must:

     (a) Agree to abide by the terms of the agreement;

     (b) Be capable of serving as a COLEM;

     (c) Agree to coordinate examinations for one or more types of commercial radio operator licenses and/or
         endorsements;

     (d) Agree to assure that, for any examination, every examinee eligible under these rules is registered without
         regard to race, sex, religion, national origin or membership (or lack thereof) in any organization;

     (e) Agree to make any examination records available to the FCC, upon request.

     (f) Agree not to administer an examination to an employee, relative, or relative of an employee.

§ 13.215 Question pools.
The question pool for each written examination element will be composed of questions acceptable to the FCC. Each
question pool must contain at least five (5) times the number of questions required for a single examination. The
FCC will issue public announcements detailing the questions in the pool for each element. COLEMs must use only
currently-authorized (through public notice or other appropriate means) question pools when preparing a question
set for a written examination element.

[73 FR 4479, Jan. 25, 2008]

§ 13.217 Records.
Each COLEM recovering fees from examinees must maintain records of expenses and revenues, frequency of
examinations administered, and examination pass rates. Records must cover the period from January 1 to
December 31 of the preceding year and must be submitted as directed by the Commission. Each COLEM must
retain records for 3 years and the records must be made available to the FCC upon request.

[78 FR 23154, Apr. 18, 2013]

47 CFR 13.217 (enhanced display)                                                                         page 13 of 13