Radio operator certificates and callsigns

Overview

Under national law and international agreements, most operators of radio transmitters in the aeronautical, amateur and maritime services are required to hold a relevant radio operator certificate of competency, and to use a callsign for identification purposes.

These requirements are specified in the New Zealand General User Radio Licences (GURL’s) relating to these services:

• Aeronautical General User Radio Licence
  
• Amateur General User Radio Licence
  
• Maritime General User Radio Licence
  

Applying for certificates and callsigns

Applications for certificates and callsigns (including changes of vessel callsign/ownership) must be made to an Approved Radio Examiner (ARX). These persons have been authorized by the Ministry to conduct examinations, grant radio operator certificates of competency, and issue/maintain callsigns, and the examiner may charge for these services.

For further information on certificates and callsigns, refer to PIB 46

List of Approved Radio Examiners (ARX)

Basic changes to client contact details can be made through the Radio Spectrum Management Contact Centre on 0508 RSM INFO (0508 776 463) (+64-3-962 2603 for overseas callers).

Search for certificates and callsigns

Amateur and maritime operator certificates and callsigns (including maritime MMSI and RTN numbers) can be searched in SMART.

While personal information contained in certificate records is not available to the general public, persons with a SMART Client Key and Password are able to view and print their own certificate and callsign records. To obtain a Client Key and Password call us on 0508 RSM INFO (0508 776 463).