Course Details
Review the course structure, delivery arrangements, entry requirements, assessment information, fees and available enrolment options.
The nationally recognised unit MARC059 Transmit and receive information by marine VHF radio within Australian Territorial Waters is recognised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as the Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ).
The unit develops the skills and knowledge required to operate marine very high frequency (VHF) radio equipment on a vessel in accordance with applicable procedures and regulatory requirements. It also includes the operation of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
Training and assessment covers:
- Selecting and operating marine VHF radio equipment.
- Transmitting and receiving routine marine radio messages.
- Using correct distress, urgency and safety communication procedures.
- Applying marine radio protocols and digital selective calling (DSC) procedures.
- Accessing search-and-rescue radio services and communicating required information.
- Checking, maintaining and operating EPIRBs in accordance with manufacturer instructions and regulatory requirements.
The AWQ is for marine VHF radio use within the Australian territorial sea and on inland waterways. The Australian territorial sea generally extends to 12 nautical miles from the coastal baseline.
MARC059/AWQ does not authorise HF marine radio operation and does not replace an SROCP, LROCP, GMDSS certificate or another radio qualification where one of those qualifications is specifically required.
View MARC059 on training.gov.au View ACMA Marine Radio Qualifications
Marine radiocommunications are regulated under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and current ACMA instruments. The current Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station) Class Licence 2025 recognises the Australian Waters Qualification for marine VHF operation within the Australian territorial sea.
A Statement of Attainment for the Australian Waters Qualification satisfies the Class Licence qualification requirement for operating a marine VHF station within the Australian territorial sea, subject to the applicable licence conditions and operating requirements.
The current Class Licence also permits a person to operate a VHF maritime ship station within the Australian territorial sea under the supervision of a person who holds an accepted qualification.
Earlier MARC059 material refers to the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station - 27 MHz and VHF) Class Licence 2001. The current instrument is the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station) Class Licence 2025, as amended. Current legislation should be relied upon where older training-package material has not yet been updated.
Current Maritime Ship Station Class Licence ACMA Australian Waters Qualification
The correct marine radio qualification depends on the equipment being operated, where it will be operated and whether a separate AMSA Certificate of Competency has a specific radio-certificate requirement.
For marine VHF radio operation within the Australian territorial sea and inland waterways, subject to the applicable operating conditions.
An internationally recognised VHF certificate required for some AMSA Near Coastal Certificates of Competency, including Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal.
An internationally recognised VHF and MF/HF certificate required for certain higher-level AMSA Near Coastal Certificates of Competency, including Master less than 24 metres and Master less than 45 metres.
MARC059/AWQ should not be advertised as a substitute for an SROCP or LROCP where AMSA specifically requires one of those certificates. If your goal is an AMSA Certificate of Competency, confirm the radio qualification required for that certificate before enrolling.
PTG offers MARC059 through a blended delivery model combining online pre-learning, trainer-supported study, a face-to-face practical workshop and competency-based assessment.
Students are provided up to three months to complete the required training and assessment activities. The unit may be completed earlier where the student completes the required learning and demonstrates all competency requirements sooner.
Online pre-learning and formative activities identified by PTG must be completed before the applicable face-to-face practical assessment activities.
Trainer and assessor support is available during the enrolment period. Where additional learning, practice or evidence is required, PTG may arrange further training or assessment opportunities in accordance with the student's needs and PTG policies.
Additional attendance does not alter the competency requirements and does not guarantee a successful outcome.
To be assessed as competent, the student must demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills required by MARC059. Activities may include:
- Selecting VHF radio equipment for operation.
- Transmitting and receiving normal radio messages.
- Distress, urgency and safety communications.
- Correct calling, replying and relaying procedures.
- Digital selective calling awareness and procedures.
- Use of correct channels and marine radio protocols.
- Accessing VHF search-and-rescue facilities.
- Providing and receiving required information.
- Checking EPIRB operational capability.
- Understanding 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz homing functions.
- Operating an EPIRB in a distress situation.
Attendance alone does not result in a competent outcome. The student must satisfactorily demonstrate all applicable knowledge and performance requirements of MARC059.
MARC059 has no prerequisite unit. ACMA also lists no minimum age for the Australian Waters Qualification. PTG's own enrolment, identity, safeguarding and participation requirements still apply.
Before enrolment is finalised, PTG reviews whether the unit, blended delivery model and available support are suitable for the prospective student.
- Reason for undertaking MARC059.
- Existing boating, maritime or VHF radio experience.
- Previous relevant units or radio qualifications.
- Intended recreational, commercial or AMSA outcome.
- Language, literacy and numeracy proficiency appropriate to marine radio communications.
- Digital literacy sufficient to access online learning.
- Access to suitable technology and internet.
- Any support or reasonable-adjustment requirements.
Tell PTG which AMSA certificate you intend to apply for before enrolling. Some AMSA certificates specifically require an SROCP or LROCP rather than the AWQ.
Students must provide a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) before nationally recognised certification documentation can be issued, unless a lawful exemption applies.
Paradigm Training Group
Building A05, 1 Boatworks Drive
Coomera QLD 4209
- Computer or tablet.
- Reliable internet connection.
- Current web browser.
- Active email address.
- Basic digital skills, with support where appropriate.
- Training and assessment resources.
- Marine VHF radio equipment or approved simulation resources required for assessment.
- EPIRB training resources.
- Trainer and assessor support.
PTG will advise students before the practical workshop if any additional personal items are required.
A student assessed as competent in MARC059 will receive nationally recognised AQF certification documentation for:
Unlike the SROCP and LROCP pathways, the MARC059 Statement of Attainment issued by an appropriately authorised RTO is itself the Australian Waters Qualification recognised by ACMA.
$140.00 is payable to PTG prior to commencement and access to the applicable online training platform.
The PTG unit fee covers the MARC059 training and assessment services and the training resources provided by PTG for this offering.
Successful completion results in PTG issuing the nationally recognised Statement of Attainment that is recognised as the Australian Waters Qualification. There is no separate AMC examination or certificate-issue process for the AWQ.
Any costs associated with other radio qualifications, AMSA Certificates of Competency, vessel licensing, radio equipment, travel or other external requirements are not included in the $140 MARC059 unit fee unless PTG expressly advises otherwise.
PTG's applicable refund, withdrawal and cancellation arrangements are set out in the Paradigm Training Group Student Handbook and associated published policies. Students should review these requirements before enrolment and payment.
Prospective students who already hold MARC059, the superseded equivalent MARC019, an SROCP, LROCP, MROVCP, MROCP, GMDSS certificate or another potentially relevant radio qualification should contact PTG before enrolling so unnecessary duplicate training can be avoided.
Credit Transfer may be available where valid AQF certification documentation or an authenticated USI transcript demonstrates successful completion of MARC059 or an officially equivalent unit, including where applicable MARC019.
RPL may be considered where sufficient, valid, authentic and current evidence demonstrates all requirements of MARC059. PTG will advise the applicant about evidence and assessment requirements before proceeding.
Paradigm Training Group provides support according to the student's individual needs and the requirements of MARC059.
- Language, literacy and numeracy support.
- Digital-literacy and online-learning support.
- Assistance accessing training resources.
- Additional trainer guidance and feedback.
- Reasonable adjustment where appropriate.
- Further training or assessment opportunities in accordance with PTG policy.
- Referral to external support or wellbeing services where appropriate.
Information about fees, refunds, privacy, complaints and appeals, student responsibilities and support is available in the Paradigm Training Group Student Handbook. Prospective students should review the applicable information before enrolment or payment.
Training-product requirements, radiocommunications legislation, ACMA requirements, AMSA Certificate of Competency requirements and operating conditions may change. Where information on this page differs from the current National Register, current legislation, ACMA or AMSA requirements, the current authoritative requirements prevail. Paradigm Training Group does not guarantee successful unit completion, eligibility for a separate AMSA Certificate of Competency, employment or any outcome outside PTG's control.
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Course Intake
MARC059 Transmit and Receive Information by Marine VHF Radio witin Australian Territorial Waters (FFS23) |