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Overview of Radio Operators by Qualifications

1.Japan's Radio Operators System

  1. General Rules Based on Qualification Principles (Article 39, Section 1)
    • Only radio operators or those who are supervised by radio operators in charge are allowed to operate the radio equipment.
  2. Exceptions for Qualification-based Principles (Article 39, Section 1)
    • Easy operations specified by the ordinances of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
    • When it is not possible to supplement radio operators, such as a ship or aircraft underway
    • When an aircraft or ship purchased in a foreign country is brought to Japan, etc.
  3. Classification of Qualification and Main Factors for Ranking
    • Radio equipment operations (Communication operations and technical operations)
    • Radio station services (Maritime services, aeronautical services, amateur services, etc.)
    • Types of communication by radio stations (International communications, domestic communications, etc.)
    • Radio equipment (Antenna power, frequency, Morse telegraphy, telephony, etc.)

2.Qualifications in Japan and Main Facilities under the Qualification System

Qualification Main radio equipment that can be operated
General First-Class Radio Operator for General Services All ship stations, coastal stations and aeronautical stations
Second-Class Radio Operator for General Services Ship stations for ocean fishing vessels and medium-sized coastal stations for fishing
Third-Class Radio Operator for General Services Ship stations for fishing boats and small-sized coastal stations for fishing
Maritime Maritime First-Class Radio Operator All ship stations equipped with GMDSS (on-board maintenance is possible)
Maritime Second-Class Radio Operator All ship stations equipped with GMDSS (on-board maintenance is partly possible)
Maritime Third-Class Radio Operator All ship stations equipped with GMDSS (on-board maintenance is not possible)
Maritime Fourth-Class Radio Operator Radiotelephone ship stations for fishing boats
Maritime I-Category Special Radio Operator Ship stations equipped with GMDSS for fishing boats
Maritime II-Category Special Radio Operator Ship stations for coastal fishing boats
Maritime III-Category Special Radio Operator Ship stations for coastal pleasure boats and small-sized fishing boats
Maritime Radar-Category Special Radio Operator Onboard radar
Aero-nauti-cal Aeronautical Radio Operator All aeronautical stations and aircraft stations
Aeronautical Service Special Radio Operator Aircraft stations for private aircraft
Ground First-Class Technical Radio Operator for On-the-Ground Services All ground radio stations including television broadcasting stations, MF broadcasting stations and fixed stations
Second-Class Technical Radio Operator for On-the-Ground Services Television broadcasting stations with emission power of 500W or less, MF broadcasting stations and fixed stations with emission power of 2kW or less, etc.
On-the-Ground Services I- Category Multiplexing relay stations (fixed stations) operated by telecommunications carriers, etc., and other radio stations
Special Radio Operator
On-the-Ground Services II- Category Hub stations for VSAT earth stations, etc.
Special Radio Operator
On-the-Ground Services III- Category Mobile stations, taxis, etc.
Special Radio Operator
On-the-Ground Domestic Telegraph-Category Ground Morse telegraphy stations
Special Radio Operator
Amateur Amateur First-Class Radio Operator All amateur radio stations
Amateur Second-Class Radio Operator Amateur radio stations with emission power of 200W or less
Amateur Third-Class Radio Operator Amateur radio stations with emission power of 50W or less (Restriction on frequencies)
Amateur Fourth-Class Radio Operator Amateur radio stations with emission power of 20W or less (Restriction on frequencies)

3.Qualification in Japan and Qualification under RR

Qualification in Japan Qualification under RR
First-Class Radio Operator for General Services Radiocommunications Operator's General Certificate
First-Class Radio Electronic Certificate
Radiotelephone Operator's General Certificate (aeronautical)
Second-Class Radio Operator for General Services Second-Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate
Restricted Operator's Certificate
Radiotelephone Operator's General Certificate (aeronautical)
Third-Class Radio Operator for General Services Radiotelegraph Operator's Special Certificate
Radiotelephone Operator's General Certificate (maritime)
Maritime First-Class Radio Operator First-Class Radio Electronic Certificate
Maritime Second-Class Radio Operator Second-Class Radio Electronic Certificate
Maritime Third-Class Radio Operator General Operator's Certificate
Maritime Fourth-Class Radio Operator Radiotelephone Operator's General Certificate (maritime)
Aeronautical Radio Operator Radiotelephone Operator's General Certificate (aeronautical)
Maritime I-Category Special Radio Operator Restricted Operator's Certificate

4.System For Radio Operators in Full Charge

Definition
  • A radio operator who monitors radio equipment operated by non-qualified persons
Purpose
  • In view of the enhanced reliability of radio equipment and status of radio equipment automation, to maintain the balance between the standpoints of the social role of radio stations and their influence on the orderly use of radio waves, and the standpoints of alleviating the burden on licensees and thereby further promoting the use of radio waves
Scope of Monitor
  • Scope within which the radio operator in full charge is entitled to operate under its qualification
Training Course
  • The radio station licensee must have its radio operators in full charge take, for every stated term, the training course on monitoring of radio equipment operation provided by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications.
When the Training Course Is to Be Taken
  • Within six months from the date of appointment of the radio operator in full charge
  • Within three years from the day on which the radio operator undertook the previous training
Designated Training Organization
  • The Japan Radio Institute is designated by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications to carry out the management of the training course.
Division in Charge:Radio Policy Division