Licence arrangements for visiting hams

Australia is undoubtedly experiencing a tourism boom.
The annual Lonely Planet Traveller's Pulse Survey recently found that 'down under' is the world's most desired travel destination.

With a look at how virtually all visiting radio amateurs can continue their hobby while on holiday, here is Jim Linton VK3PC.

Report:
Due to efforts over many decades by the Wireless Institute of Australia and other IARU radio societies, there is a series of bi-lateral reciprocal licence agreements between Australia and other countries. In addition, Australia is part of the common licence recognition provided through the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications (CEPT).

Not all licence types are part of a reciprocal agreement or the CEPT system. But if a licence is included in these then a radio amateur with that licence can apply for a VK licence. (The reverse applies to VK radio amateurs visiting overseas.)

Australia will introduce some time this year a 'class licence' that is expected to automatically allow CEPT licence holders to operate portable for short-term visits to Australia, without the need to apply for and obtain a VK licence.

Visiting CEPT licence holders are then expected to be able to operate portable using their home callsign /slash the VK* call area in which they are located - for example, G2XYZ/VK3. Until the change is made, CEPT licence holders must obtain a VK licence and callsign.

In addition to the reciprocal licence agreements, the ACA also has a list (Table B) of overseas licences it recognises and as equivalent to VK licences, and for which it will grant a licence.

Holders of either a Japanese "telegraph" or "telephone" class certificates will be granted a licence for operation on all bands above 30MHz.

Most visiting radio amateurs with their homeland licence documentation who are not covered by a reciprocal licence agreement, or the ACA equivalent recognition list, can still obtain a conditional 2m band FM licence, to get them on air, during their holiday.

Other conditions also apply in relation to operation from Australia DX entities. Full details of about Australia's licence requirements can be found on the ACA website

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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