How Do I Obtain an MROP (Marine Radio Operator Permit)?

A Marine Radio Operator’s Permit is required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard certain vessels that sail the Great Lakes, are more than 300 gross tons, as well as vessels that carry more than six paying passengers in the open sea or tidewater area in the US. It is also required to operate certain aviation radiotelephone stations and coast radiotelephone stations. 

An (MP) is issued for the holder’s lifetime. 

To qualify, you must: 

• Be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States 
• Be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English 
• Pass a written exam (Element 1) 

You will need to fulfill the written requirement by taking the Element 1 Exam. 

• Element 1- Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions.  

With online testing, you will be required to take the exam on a laptop or desktop with a working webcam, microphone, and a strong Wi-Fi connection. It is important to know the exam is closed books/notes. 

Here is a video to explain the process for testing online. As well as a breakdown of the tools available through MLS. 

Once you passed your final exams, an email was sent to you to fill out two forms and return them to our FCC department for us to submit to the FCC on your behalf. 

Here are the forms:  

• Form 605 
• Schedule E 

Check out this article about FCC submission. 

Most boaters know whether they need a Marine Radio Operator Permit due to the nature of their work. In some cases, the Coast Guard will notify you that an (MP) is required. To learn more about our FCC licensing course/exams, feel free to give us a call at (609) 303-0664.