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FCC 47cfr80.pdf.13
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Home Page > Executive Branch > Code of Federal Regulations > Electronic Code
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e-CFR Data is current as of October 1, 2007

Title 47: Telecommunication

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PART 13—COMMERCIAL RADIO OPERATORS
___________________________________

Section Contents
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.
___________________________________

Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082 as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154,
303.

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

General

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§ 13.1 Basis and purpose.

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(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.

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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).

(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.

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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 23, 80, and 87 of this chapter.

[ 63 FR 68942 , Dec. 14, 1998]

§ 13.7 Classification of operator licenses and endorsements.

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

(b) There are ten 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.

(2) Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate.

(3) Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate (radiotelegraph
operator's special certificate).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4) Marine Radio Operator Permits shall bear the following endorsement: This
permit does not authorize the operation of AM, FM or TV broadcast stations.

(5) General Radiotelephone Operator Licenses issued after December 31, 1985,
shall bear the following endorsement: This license confers authority to
operate licensed radio stations in the Aviation, Marine and International
Fixed Public Radio Services only. This authority is subject to: any
endorsement placed upon this license; FCC orders, rules, and regulations;
United States statutes; and the provisions of any treaties to which the
United States is a party. This license does not confer any authority to
operate broadcast stations. It is not assignable or transferable.

(6)(i) If a person is afflicted with an uncorrected physical handicap which
would clearly prevent the performance of all or any part of the duties of a
radio operator, under the license for which application is made, at a
station under emergency conditions involving the safety of life or property,
that person still may be issued the license if found qualified. Such a
license shall bear a restrictive endorsement as follows:

This license is not valid for the performance of any operating duties, other
than installation, service and maintenance duties, at any station licensed
by the FCC which is required, directly or indirectly, by any treaty, statute
or rule or regulation pursuant to statute, to be provided for safety
purposes.

(ii) In the case of a license that does not require an examination in
technical radio matters, the endorsement specified in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of
this section will be modified by deleting the reference therein to
installation, service, and maintenance duties.

(iii) In any case where an applicant who normally would receive or has
received a commercial radio operator license bearing the endorsement
prescribed by paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section, indicates a desire to
operate a station falling within the prohibited terms of the endorsement,
the applicant may request in writing that such endorsement not be placed
upon, or be removed from his or her license, and may submit written comments
or statements from other parties in support thereof.

(iv) An applicant who shows that he has performed satisfactorily the duties
of a radio operator at a station required to be provided for safety purposes
during a period when he or she was afflicted by uncorrected physical
handicaps of the same kind and to the same degree as the physical handicaps
shown by his or her current application shall not be deemed to be within the
provisions of paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section.

(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]

§ 13.8 Authority conveyed.

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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:

(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
Restricted Radiotelophone Operator Permit, and the Marine Radio Operator
Permit.

(b) A Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate conveys all of the
operating authority of the Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's
Certificate, the Restricted Radiotelophone 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.

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

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

[ 64 FR 53240 , Oct. 1, 1999]

§ 13.9 Eligibility and application for new license or endorsement.

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(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.

(b)(1) Each application for a new 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, Ship Radar Endorsement, Six Months
Service Endorsement, GMDSS Radio Operator's License, Restricted GMDSS Radio
Operator's License, GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License and GMDSS Radio
Operator/Maintainer License must be filed on FCC Form 605 in accordance with
§1.913 of this chapter.

(2) Each application for a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit or a
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, First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's
Certificate, Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Third Class
Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, 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 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 electronically 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.

(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: The written examination and telegraphy Element(s) required
to obtain the license held; and

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

(4) The applicant held a FCC-issued First or Second Class Radiotelegraph
Operator's Certificate 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]

§ 13.10 Licensee address.

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In accordance with §1.923 of this chapter all applications must specify an
address where the applicant can receive mail delivery by the United States
Postal Service except as specified below:

(a) Applicants for a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit;

(b) Applicants for a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit—Limited Use.

[ 64 FR 53240 , Oct. 1, 1999]

§ 13.11 Holding more than one commercial radio operator license.

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(a) An eligible person may hold more than one commercial operator license
except as follows:

(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.

§ 13.13 Application for a renewed or modified license.

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(a) Each application to renew a First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's
Certificate, Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Third Class
Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, Marine Radio Operator Permit, 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. The application must be accompanied by the
appropriate fee and submitted in accordance with §1.913 of this chapter.

(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 license within the grace period must apply for a new
license and take the required examination(s).

(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 examinations element(s) within the previous 365
days when the applicant files the application. If a COLEM files the
application electronically 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.

(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, GMDSS Radio Operator's License,
Restricted 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: The written examination and telegraphy Element(s) required
to obtain the license held; and

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

[ 58 FR 9124 , Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 27699 , May 25, 1995; 63 FR 68942 , Dec. 14, 1998; 66 FR 20752 , Apr. 25, 2001; 68 FR 46959 , Aug. 7, 2003]

§ 13.15 License term.

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(a) Commercial radio operator licenses are normally valid for a term of five
years from the date of issuance, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this
section.

(b) General Radiotelephone Operator Licenses, Restricted Radiotelephone
Operator Permits, and Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permits-Limited Use
are normally valid for the lifetime of the holder. The terms of all
Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permits issued prior to November 15,
1953, and valid on that date, are extended to the lifetime of the operator.

§ 13.17 Replacement license.

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(a) Each licensee or permittee whose original document is lost, mutilated,
or destroyed must 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, GMDSS Radio Operator's License,
Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator 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.

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

(e) 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]

§ 13.19 Operator's responsibility.

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(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 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.

(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]

Examination System

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§ 13.201 Qualifying for a commercial operator license or endorsement.

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(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) First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate.

(i) Telegraphy Elements 3 and 4;

(ii) Written Elements 1, 5, and 6;

(iii) Applicant must be at least 21 years old;

(iv) Applicant must have one year of experience in sending and receiving
public correspondence by radiotelegraph at a public coast station, a ship
station, or both.

(2) Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate.

(i) Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2;

(ii) Written Elements 1, 5, and 6.

(3) Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate.

(i) Telegraphy Elements 1 and 2;

(ii) Written Elements 1 and 5.

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

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

(6) 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.

(7) 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.

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

(9) 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]

§ 13.203 Examination elements.

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(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. Each written examination must be comprised of a question set as
follows:

(1) Element 1 (formerly Elements 1 and 2): Basic radio law and operating
practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. 24
questions concerning provisions of laws, treaties, regulations, and
operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in
communicating by means of radiotelephone stations. The minimum passing score
is 18 questions answered correctly.

(2) Element 3: General radiotelephone. 76 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,
maritime, and international fixed public radio services. The minimum passing
score is 57 questions answered correctly.

(3) Element 5: Radiotelegraph operating practice. 50 questions concerning
radio operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in
communicating by means of radiotelegraph stations primarily other than in
the maritime mobile services of public correspondence. The minimum passing
score is 38 questions answered correctly.

(4) Element 6: Advanced radiotelegraph. 100 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. The minimum passing score is 75 questions answered correctly.

(5) Element 7: GMDSS radio operating practices. 100 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 radio telephone 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; and knowledge covering the requirements set forth in IMO
Assembly Resolution on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 3. The
minimum passing score is 75 questions answered correctly.

(6) Element 7R: Restricted GMDSS radio operating practices. 50 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; and knowledge
covering the pertinent requirements set forth in IMO Assembly Resolution on
Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 3. The minimum passing score is
38 questions answered correctly.

(7) Element 8: Ship radar techniques. 50 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. The minimum passing score is 38 questions answered correctly.

(8) Element 9: GMDSS radio maintenance practices and procedures. 50
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. The minimum passing score is 38 questions answered
correctly.

(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.

(3) Telegraphy Element 3: 20 code groups per minute.

(4) Telegraphy Element 4: 25 words per minute.

[ 58 FR 9124 , Feb. 19, 1993, as amended at 69 FR 64671 , Nov. 8, 2004]

§ 13.207 Preparing an examination.

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(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.

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(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.

(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 for the class of license sought.

(2) To pass a sending telegraphy examination, an examinee is required to
send correctly for a period of 1 minute at the rate of speed prescribed in
§13.203(b) for the class of license sought.

(e) 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.

(f) 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.

(g) When the examinee is credited for all examination elements required for
the commercial operator license sought, the examinee may apply to the FCC
for the license.

(h) 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.

(i) 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.

(j) 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.

§ 13.211 Commercial radio operator license examination.

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(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.

(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 10 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.

§ 13.213 COLEM qualifications.

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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;

(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.

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The question pool for each written examination element will be composed of
questions acceptable to the FCC. Each question pool must contain at least 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 the most recent question pool made available
to the public when preparing a question set for a written examination
element.

§ 13.217 Records.

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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 1 year and the records must be made available
to the FCC upon request.
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