1st class radio Commercial telephone Radio Operators.

1. What is the Department Order that governs commercial radio operator?

Ans. Department Order No. 5 Series of 1948.

2. Who is authorized to operate a licensed radio station?

Ans. The actual operation of any radio station for which a station license is required shall be carried on
only by a licensed radio operator?

3. Who may operate a radio station without a radio operator's license?

Ans. The following may operate a radio station even without a radio operator's license:

1. Persons specifically authorized by the Secretary of Transportation and Communications or by the

NTC to operate a radio station even if they have no operator's licenses.

2. When an amateur station uses radiotelephony (Type A3 or F3) emission, the licensee may permit
any person to transmit by voice, provided a duly licensed amateur operator maintains control
over the emission by turning the carrier on and off after the transmission has been completed.
3. Radiotelephone and radiotelegraph students may operate a radio training school station under
the supervision and control of a 1st class radio operator.
4. A person without a cerificate (license) or an operator not holding an adequate certificate (license)
may be employed as a temporary operator of a ship or aircraft stations, provided his performance
as such must be limited solely to signal of distress, urgency and safety, messages relating
thereto, messages relating directly to the safety of life, urgent messages relating to the navigation
and safe movement of the aircraft. Persons employed in these cases are bound by the provisions
regarding the secrecy of correspondence.

4. What are the rules regarding unmanned radio stations?

Ans. Pursuant to Act No. 3846, as amended, EO546 series of 1979 and RA 7925 the National
Telecommunications Commission hereby exempts all unamanned radio stations from the requirements of
duly licensed radio operators, subject to the following conditions:

1. The operation and maintenance of the unmanned radio stations shall be under the direct
supervision of duly registered Electronic Communications Engineer (ECE);
2. Valid radio station licenses of the unmanned radio stations shall be posted in conspicuous place
within the premises of the radio stations;and
3. The licensee shall ensure that the unmanned radio stations are operated without any
interruption/stoppage of the service. Any stoppage/interruption in the operation of the unmanned
radio stations shall within 24 hours from the time of the stoppage/interruption be reported to the
Commission including the corrective measures undertaken for the immediate restoration of the
service which shall in all cases be within 72 hours from the time of stoppage/interruption.

Unmanned radio stations shall mean all radio stations the operation of which does not require
human intervention except the turning "on" and "off" of the power supply. (NTC MC No. 7-4-99,
Apri l 12, 1999)
5. What are classes of commercial radio operator's licenses ?

Ans.Commercial operator licenses are classified as follows:

1. Commercial radiotelephone group:

1. First class operator license

2. Second class operator license
3. Third class operator license
 2. Commercial radiotelegraph group:

1. First class operator license

2. Second class operator license
3. Third class operator license
3. Radioteletype operator license.
6. What is the term of a commercial operator license?

Ans. A commercial operator license shall be issued for a term of THREE (3) years.
7. What is the procedure to be followed by a qualified applicant for an operator's license?

Ans. An application for an operator's license must be filed in duplicate with the NTC.
8. If an application for renewal of the license is desired, within what period should it be filed?

Ans. The application for renewal of the license must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the date
of expiration together with the license to be renewed.
9. Suppose the applications for renewal of the license is filed within (not before) thirty (30) days from the
date of expiration of the license will the renewal be granted by the NTC?

Ans. As a matter of practice, the NTC requires the operator to submit a written explanation and if found
satisfactory, the renewal of the license is approved.
10. Suppose the application for renewal of the license is filed after the date of expiration of the license, will the
renewal be granted by the NTC?

Ans. Yes. But a surcharge equivalent to fifty per cent (50%) of the prescribed basic annual fee shall be
imposed for the renewal of an operator's license or permit if the application therefore is filed before six (6)
months. If such an application is filed after 6 months, the applicant shall be required to submit a
justification therefore,but in such case a surcharge equivalent to one hundred per cent (100%) of the
prescribed basic annual fee shall be imposed if said application is given due course.

11. What are the general qualifications of an applicant for a commercial radio operator license?

Ans. An applicant for commercial radio operator license must possess the following qualifications:

1. He must be a citizen of the Philippines; provided, however, that operator licenses issued to
American citizens prior to the date of effectivity of these regulations shall be valid and operative
during the terms of such licenses; provided, further, that a holder of a pilot license issued by the
Civil Aeronautics Board may be considered qualified to take an examination for third class
commercial radiotelephone operator license, irrespective of citizenship;
2. He must be at least 18 years of age;
3. He must be of good moral character;
4. He must have completed the high school course prescribed by the Department of Education;
provided, however, that experienced radio operators in the government sevice who have not
completed the high school course, may be considered qualified to take the examination if for
each year of defiency in the high school they possess two years of satisfactory service as
government radio operator;
5. He must be graduated from a radio school recognized and accredited by the Secretary of
Transportation and Communications or must have at least one year service as government radio
operator; provided, however, that applicants for radioteletype operator license shall be exempted
from the requirement of this paragraph.
12. Are American citizens qualified to take the commercial radio operator's examination?

Ans. They are not qualified; however, American citizens or other foreigners who are holder of pilot
licenses issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board may be considered qualified to take an examination for
third class commercial radiotelephone operator license.
13. When should the age of the applicant be reckoned from the date of the examination, or from thedate of the
release of the results of the examination, or from the date of the issuance of the license?

Ans.The age of the applicant should be reckoned from the date of the examination to be given. He must be
at least 18 yrs. old at the time of the examnition.
14. What are the qualifications of an applicant for first class radiotelegraph operator's license?

Ans. An applicant for a radiotelegraph first class operator license must have the following qualifications:

1. He must be at least 21 years of age;

2. He must have been a holder of a second class radiotelegraph license for at least one year, with
commercial service of at least six months in the aggregate;

or
3. He must be at least 21 years of age;
4. He must be a holder of a second class radiotelegraph operator license; and

5. He must have rendered five (5) years satisfactory service in the government prior to his having
taken the examination for first class CTO license even without first securing the six months
commercial service.

or
6.
1. He has rendered five years or more satisfactory service as radio operator in a
government radio station; and

2. He possesses the general qualifications.

Note: Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates are allowed to take the regular
commercial radiotelephone operator's examination being conducted by the NTC. The applicant
must be on ECE graduate with valid special Order No. from the Department of Education, Culture
and Sports; should have undergone a training/seminar on radio laws and regulations; and must
have a certification from his employer that he is performing the duties of a radio operator. (NTC
MC No. 11-89 August 23, 1989)

15. What are the elements (subjects) in the examination to be given by the NTC?

Ans.The six (6) examination elements are:

1. Element 1, Basic Law, Provisions of the Radio Laws and Regulations;

2. Elements 2, Basic Theory and Practice: Technical matters appropriate for every class of license;
3. Elements 3, Radiotelephone: additional matters, both legal and technical including
radiotelephone theory and practice;
4. Elements 4, Advanced Radiotelephone: Theory and Practice applicable to broadcast station
operation;
5. Elements 5, Radiotelegraph: additional matters, both legal and technical, including radiotelegraph
theory and practice;

6. Elements 6, Advanced Radiotelegraph: Radiotelegraph theory and practice of wider scope,

particularly with respect to ship radio matters (direction finders, auto-alarms, ship radiotelephone
stations, etc.)
16. Who designates the time and place of examination?
 Ans. Examination for radio operator license shall be conducted at such times and places as the NTC may
desinates.
17. What is the passing grade of the radio operator's examination?

Ans. A passing average of 70% is required on all elements of a written examination; provided, that no
rating shall be below 50% in any elements.

However, an applicant who passes the written examination elements, but fails in the code test, may be
given two chances to remove his deficiency within one (1) year from the date he is advised (informed) of
the result of his examination. Failure to remove the deficiency within the prescribed period shall invalidate
the examination.
18. If an applicant passes the examination, within what period should he secure his license from the NTC?

Ans. He should secure his license within one (1) year from the date he is advised (informed) of the result
of his examination. If he fails to secure the license within this period, the applicant shall not be issued a
license without re-examination.
19. If a holder of an operator license applies for another class of license, what examination elements should
he pass?

Ans. The holder of a license is required to pass only the added examination elements for the new class of
license.

A holder of a second class radiotelephone operator's license who applies for a first class radiotelephone
license shall be examined only on Elements 4 since he has already passed Elements 1, 2, and 3.
20. What are the guidelines for an applicant who passes the written examination element for a radioteletype
operator permit but fails in the practical operation?

Ans. An applicant who passes the written examination element for a radioteletype operator permit but fails
in the practical operation, and fails to remove his deficiency within a period of three months from the date
he is notified of the result of his examination, shall be given as many chances as necessary to remove his
deficiency in any examination venue within a period of six months from the date of his original
examination without the necessity of qualifying again in the written examination element provided an
appropriate application for examination is filed and the corresponding examination fee paid for.

Failure to remove the deficiency in practical operation within the six-month period specified above shall
invalidate the examinee's entire examination.

The radioteletype practical operation deficiency removal tests within the three- month period (mentioned
in 1st paragraph) may be taken on after the other if the applicant so desires.
21. What are the transmitting speed requirements for an applicant in the commercial radio operator's
examination?

Ans. An applicant is required to transmit correctly in the International Morse Code for one minute at the
rate of speed prescribed for the class of license applied for.
22. What are the receiving speed requirements for an applicant in the radio operator's examination?

Ans. An applicant is required to receive the International Morse Code by ear and legibly transcribe
consecutive words or code groups (mixed letters, punctuation marks, and figures) for a period of one
minute without error at the rate of the speed specified corresponding to the class of license.

Exception: An applicant for a first class radiotelegraph license is required to receive and legibly transcribe
consecutive word or code groups for a period of two minutes without errors.
23. What is the receiving test procedure to be followed in the operator's examination?

Ans.Receiving code test shall be written in long hand either in ink or in pencil, provided that in the twenty-
five words per minute code test a typewriter may be used when furnished by the applicant himself.
24. How is one word or one code group computed?

Ans. Each code group comprise five characters, each figure or punctuation mark counting as two
characters. The average word of the text in plain language shall contain five characters.
25. What examinations should an applicant for original license pass?

Ans. An applicant for original license shall required to pass the following examinations:

1. Radiotelephone third class operator license:

1. Ability to transmit and receive spoken messages in English.

2. Written Examination Elements 1 and 2.
2. Radiotelephone second class operator license:
1. Ability to transmit and receive spoken messages in English

2. Written Examination Elements 1, 2 and 3.

3. Radiotelephone first class operator license:
1. Abilty to transmit and receive spoken messages in English.
2. Written Examination Elements 1, 2, 3 and 4.
4. Radiotelegraph third class operator license:

1. Transmitting and receiving code test of twenty words per minute; plain language; and
sixteen code groups per minute.

2. Written Examination Elements 1,2 and 5

5. Radiotelegraph second class operator license:
1. Ability to transmit and receive spoken messages in English.
2. Transmitting and receiving code test of twenty words per minute; plain language; and
sixteen code groups per minute.
3. Written Examination Elements 1,2,5 and 6.
6. Radio-Telegraph first class operator license:

1. Ability to transmit and receive spoken messages in English.

2. Transmitting and receiving code test of twenty words per minute; plain language; and
sixteen code groups per minute.
3. Written Examination Elements 1,2,5 and 6.

7. Radioteletype operator license:

1. Ability to transmit and receive messages by radioteletype.

2. Written Examination Element 1.

26. How should the examination elements be graded?

Ans. Examination elements will be graded in the order listed in Section 7, Department Order No. 5 and an
applicant may, without further application, be issued the class of license for which he qualifies.

27. What are the requirements for the renewal of an operator license without examination?

Ans.
1. The applicant has had at least 90 days satisfactory service during the term of the 6 months prior
to the date the application for renewal of license is due to be filed; or
2. The applicant has had at least 6 months satisfactory service during the term of the license prior is
due to be filed; and
3. Provided, further, that holders of commercial radio operators licenses who are in the government
service as radio operators may be exempted from renewing their licenses while ( employed) in the
government service as radio operators and their licenses shall be renewed upon separation from
 the government service, provided that a certificate of satisfactory service signed by their
employers is presented together with the application for renewal of the license.
28. When are special examination given?

Ans. The following special examinations shall be given every Wednesday and Friday starting January 1996
at the NTC Central Office.

1. Every Wednesday:

1. Restricted Ship Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate

2. Restricted Aircraft Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate

3. First Class Radiotelegraph (Code Removal Only)
4. Ship Low Power Radiotelephone Operator's Permit
5. General Operator's Certificate (Code and P.E. Removal only)
2. Every Friday:

3. General Operator's Certificate (All Elements)

29. What are the typical emissions of radio stations?

Ans. The classification of typical emissions is as follows according to their symbols and type of
transmissions:

Amplitude Modulation:

A0 - With no modulation
A1 - Telegraphy without the use of a modulated audio frequency (by on-off
keying)
A2 - Telegraphy by the on-off keying of an amplitude-modulating audio
frequency or audio frequencies, or by the on-off keying of the modulated
emissions ( special case an unkeyed emissions amplitude modulated).
A3 - Telephony double sideband
A3A - Telephony single sideband, reduced carrier
A3J - Telephony single sideband, suppressed carrier
A3B - Telephony two independent sidebands
A4 - Facsimile (with modulation of main carrier either directly or by a
frequency modulated sub-carrier)
A4A - Facsimile with single sideband, reduced carrier
A5C - Television, Vestigial sideband
A7A - Multichannel, vioce-frequency telegraphy, single sideband, reduced
carrier
A9B - Cases not covered by the above, e.g. a combination of telephony and
telegraphy. Two independent sidebands
30.
Frequency Modulation or Phase Modulation:

F1 - Telegraphy by frequency shift keying without the use of modulating

audio frequency: one of two frequencies being emitted at any instant.
 F2 - Telegraphy by the on-off keying of a frequency modulating audio
frequency or by the on-off keying of a frequency modulating emission
(special case: an unkeyed emission, frequency modulated).
F3 - Telephony
F4 - Facsimile by direct frequency modulation of the carrier
F5 - Television
F6 - Four-frequency diplex talegraphy
F9 - Cases not covered by the above, in which the main carrier is frequency
modulated.
31. What are the radio stations which the holders of the various classes of commercial operator licenses are
authorized to operate?

Ans.The holders of licenses are authorized to operate the following radio stations:

1. Radiotelephone first class operator license - Any station while using type A-3, A-4, A-5, A-9,
F-4, F-5, F-9, or P-3 emission; except ship stations licensed to use a power in excess of 100 watts
(output) and type A-3, emission for communicarion with coastal telephone stations.
2. Radiotelephone second class operator license - Any station while using type A-0, A-4, A-5, A-9, F-
4, F-5, F-9, and P-3 emission; but holders thereof are not authorized to act as chief operators in
standard broadcast stations, international broadcast station, or high frequency and television
broadcast stations, or ship station licensed to use power in excess of 100 watts (output) and type
A-3 emission for communication with coastal telephone stations.
3. Radiotelephone third class operator license - Any station while using A-0, A-3, A-4, F-0, F-3,
F-4 emission: Provided that,
4. Such operator is prohibited from making adjustment that may result in improper transmitter
operation.

5. The equipment is so designed that necessary to be performed during the course of formal
rendition of service may cause off-frequency operations or result in any unathorized radiations.

6. Any needed adjustments of the transmitter that may affect the proper operations of the station
are regularly made by or in the presence of an operator holding first or second class license,
either telephone or telegraph, who shall be responsible for the proper operation of the equipment.

Comment :

The following radio stations may be operated by a first class radiotelephone operator :

1. The radiotelephone station of any ship with a power of 100 watts or less.
2. Low power (50 watts or less) ship radiotelephone stations.

3. A land base radiotelephone station.

4. A fixed point-to-point radiotelephone station.
5. A land mobile radiotelephone station.
6. Aircraft stations equipped with a radio-telephone installation but not equipped for
radiotelegraphy.
7. Coastal radiotelephone stations.
8. Broadcast and Television stations.

A second class radiotelephone operator may operate the following :

9. Radiotelephone ship station with a power not exceeding 100 watts.

 10. Land mobile radiotelephone station.
11. Fixed point-to-point radiotelephone station.
12. Broadcast and television stations.
13. Land base radiotelephone stations.

A third class radiotelephone operator may operate the following :

14. Land mobile radiotelephone stations.

15. Relay broadcast stations.

16. Other radiotelephone stations provided there is compliance with the restrictions
provided by the Regulation ( D.O. No. 5, Sec. 21a)

A first class radiotelegraph operator may operate the following radio stations :

17. Ship radiotelegraph stations;

18. Relay broadcast stations;

19. All classes of radiotelegraph stations;
20. All classes of radiotelephone stations whose power do not exceed 100 watts output

A second class radiotelegraph operator may operate the following radio stations;

21. Ship radiotelegraph stations (however, a first class radiotelegraph operator is usually
preferred to operate a ship radio-telegraph stations);

22. All classes of radiotelephone stations whose power do not exceed 300 watts output;
23. Relay broadcast stations.

A third class radiotelegraph operator's license may operate the following radio stations :

24. Ship radiotelegraph stations of ships for which radiotelegraph installation is not made
compulsory by law or international agreement.
25. Radiotelephone stations of ships and aircraft for which only a restricted radiotelephone
operator's certificate is required.
26. Other classes of radiotelephone stations and facsimile service, provided that:

1. The operator is prohibited from making adjustments that may result in improper
transmitter operation.
2. The equipment is so designed that none of the operations necessary to be
performed during the course of normal rendition of service may cause off-
frequency operation or result in any authorized radiation.
3. Any needed adjustment of the transmitter which may affect proper operation of
the station are regularly made by or in the presence of an operator holding a
first or second class license, either telephone or telegraph, who shall be
responsible for the proper operation of the equipment.

Radioteletype Operator - is authorized to operate radioteletype printer.

32. What is the responsibility of an operator who maintains and operates a radio transmitter?

Ans.

The licensed operator responsible for the maintenance and operation of a transmitter may permit other
 persons to adjust the transmitter in his presence for the purpose of carrying out tests or making
adjustments requiring specialized knowledge or skill, provided that he shall not be relieved thereby from
responsibility for the improper operation of the equipment.
33. Who should supervise the operation and maintenance of any radio communications system which
comprises of six (6) or more of any type of land and radio stations?

Ans. The operation and maintenance of any radio communications system comprised of six (6) or more
of any type of land radio stations shall be under the supervision of a duly registered Electronics and
Communications Engineer.
34. Who should supervise the operation and maintenance of a broadcast system or network?

Ans. The operation and maintenance of any broadcasting system or network shall be under the effective
supervision of a duly registered Electronics and Communications Engineer.
35. What should be the operator do if his license or permit has been lost, multilated or destroyed?

Ans. He shall immediately notify the NTC, embodying a statement attesting to the facts of the loss thereof.
If a license has been lost, the application must state reasonable search has been made for it, and that in
the event that it be found, either the original or the duplicate will be returned for cancellation. The
applicant must also give a statement about the services obtained under the lost license.
36. Where should the operator's license be posted?

Ans. The license of each station operator, except aircraft radio station operators and operators of a
portable mobile station, shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the room occupied by such operator
while on duty.

The holder of a first or second class radiotelegraph or radiotelephone operator's license who is employed
as a service and maitenance operator at stations operated by holders of their class of operator's licenses
shall post at such station his operator license or a verified statement from the Radio Control Office in lieu
of thereof.

In case of lost license or a license which has been submitted for renewal, the application for duplicate or
renewal shall be exhibited by the licensee.

37. What are the causes for the suspension or revocation of an operator's license?

Ans.

1. Violating any provision of Act No. 3846 (Also Act 3396) as amended or any regulations
promulgated thereunder;
2. Making any false statement in the application for a license or in any reports required to be
submitted by these regulations;

3. Failing to comply with the conditions under which a license is issued; and
4. Maliciously and intentionally causing damage to the radio equipment in a radio station.

Note : Before an operator's license will be revoked or suspended, he must be given a hearing.

38. What are the guidelines in the issuance of a radio electronic certificate (REC)?

Ans. Pursuant to Act No. 3846, as amended, Executive Order No. 546, the provisions STCW Convention
and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations that provides for the issuance and
use of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Certificates, the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) hereby promulgates the following guidelines for the training,
qualification, examination and the issuance of a Radio Electronic Certificate (REC).

1. A Radio Electronic Certificate holder shall have passed the required NTC examination and have
shown knowledge and professional competence and qualification in the following aspects:
1. Knowledge of the principles of electricity and the theory of radio and electronics
sufficient to meet the requirements specified in ITU Radio Regulation, Article 55, Section
IIIA;
 2. Theoretical knowledge of GMDSS radiocommunication equipment, including narrow-
band direct-printing telegraph and radiotelephone transmitter and receivers, digital
selective calling equipment, ship earth stations, emergency position-indicating
radiobeacons, marine antenna system, radio equipment for survival craft together with
all auxilliary items, including power supplies, as well as general knowledge of the
principles of other equipment generally used for radionavigation, with particular
reference to maintaining the equipment in service;
3. Practical knowledge of the operation and knowledge of the preventive maintenance of
the equipment ;
4. Practical knowledge necessary for the location and repair (using appropriate testing
equipment and tools) of faults in the equipment which may occur during a voyage.
5. Detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment;
6. Ability to send and receive correctly by radiotelephone and direct-printing telegraphy;
7. Detailed knowledge of the regulations applying to the radiocommunications, knowledge
of the documents relating to charges for radiocommunications and knowledge of those
provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of life at Sea which relate to
radio;

8. Sufficient knowledge of one of the working languages of the Union. Candidates should
be able to express themselves satisfactorily in that language, both orally and in writing.

2. General Qualification of the Applicant

An applicant for Radio Electronic Certificate shall possess the following qualifications to be able
to take the REC examination.
1. He must be a Filipino citizen.
2. He must be at least 21 years old.
3. He must be of good moral character.

4. He must have attended the prescribed training course on REC offered by a duly
accredited radio training center.

5. He must be a holder of a valid First Class Radiotelegraph Operator Cerificate and

General Operator Certificate.
6. If a graduates of BSECE or licensed ECE, he must have at least one (1) year experience
on board a commercial vessel or training ship either as an electrician, electronic
engineer, or radio electronic trainee and a holder of a training certificate on
Radiotelephony, GMDSS, Inmarsat and Radio Electronic Course.
3. Examination Elements - Written examination shall comprise questions from one or more of the
following elements:
1. Elements 1 (Basic Electronics) - Basic theory applicable to understanding electronic
components and parts.
2. Elements 2 (Electronic Devices) - Theory and practice on electronic devices, rectifiers,
amplifiers and oscillators.
3. Elements 3 (Electronics Communication and Digital Electronics) - Theory on Amplitude
and Frequency Modulation, receivers, transmitters, wave propagation and antennas.
4. Elements 4 (Computer and Maintenance of GMDSS and Electronic Navigational Devices)
- Theory and practice on computers and standards on the maintenance of GMDSS and
electronic navigational aids.
4. Examination Requirements - An applicant for a Radio Electronic Certificate is required to pass the
elements as follows:
1. First Class Radio Electronic Certificate (Elements 1, 2, 3 and 4)
2. Second Class Radio Electronic Certificate (Elements 1, 2 and 3)
5. Passing-Grade - A passing average of 70% of a possible 100% is required on all elements of
written examination provided that no rating shall be below 50% in any element. An applicant who
fails in the examination for the class of license applied for maybe granted a license of a lower
class if he obtains a general average of at least 70% on the elements required for that lower class.

An applicant who passed in an examination, but fails to secure a license within one (1) year from
the date he is advised of the result of his or her examination, will not be issued a license without
re-examination.

6. Fees

a. The following shall be charged by the

Commission
b. Examination Fee. P50.00
c. Certification Fee per year P180.00
d. Duplicate Fee P120.00
7.

8. All applicants shall adhere strictly to the provisions of the herein perscribed guidelines and any
misrepresentation made by an applicant shall be grounds for the revocation or suspention of the
certificate issued.