Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (Amendment) (Cth)

STATUTORY RULES.

1929. No. 81.

 

REGULATIONS UNDER THE WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ACT 1905-1919.

I, THE DEPUTY OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the undermentioned amended Regulations under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, to come into operation forthwith.

Dated this twenty-second day of July, 1929.

D. R. S. de CHAIR

Deputy of the Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

W. G. GIBSON

Postmaster-General.

 

Amendment of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations.

(Statutory Rules 1924, No. 101, as amended to this date.)

1. Regulation 3 of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is amended—

(a)by omitting from the definition of “Australia” the word “of” (second occurring);

(b)by inserting, after the definition of “Minister”, the following definition:—

“ ‘Mobile station’ means a ship station or an aircraft station”;

(c) by inserting, after the definition of “The Chief Inspector”, the following definitions:—

“ ‘The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea’ means the Convention signed at London on the 20th day of January, 1914, and the Regulations made thereunder, and includes any modification of the Convention or Regulations made from time to time;

‘The mobile service’ means the radio communication service effected between mobile stations and stations, other than mobile stations, used for radio communication with mobile stations, and between mobile stations themselves”; and

(d)by inserting, after the definition of “The Radiotelegraph Convention”, the following definition:—

“ ‘The Radiotelegraph Convention, 1912’ means the Convention signed at London on the 5th day of July, 1912, and the Service Regulations made thereunder, and includes any modification of the Convention or Regulations made from time to time”.

2. Regulation 25 of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is amended by omitting sub-regulation (2) thereof.

3. Regulation 27 of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is amended by omitting sub-regulation (2) thereof.

4. Regulation 37 of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is amended by omitting sub-regulation (3) thereof.

5. After regulation 79 of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations the following regulation is inserted in Division 1 of Part III.:—

Class A Station Licences not to be issued or renewal.

“79a. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Division, the Postmaster-General shall not, from and after the coming into operation of this Regulation, issue or renew any licence for a Class A Station, but the Postmaster-General—

(a)may make contracts, on such terms and conditions as he thinks proper, for the establishment, erection, maintenance or use of wireless broadcasting stations or appliances on his behalf; and

(b)may, for the purpose of using any wireless broadcasting stations or appliances established, erected or maintained by him or on his behalf, make contracts, upon such terms and conditions as he thinks proper, for the provision of programmes from such stations or by such appliances.”

6. Regulation 83 of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is amended by adding at the end thereof the following sub-regulation:—

“(4) The whole of the Territory described in the Second Schedule to the Seat of Government Acceptance Act 1909 and the whole of the Territory described in clause 1 of the Agreement set out in the Schedule to the Jervis Bay Territory Acceptance Act 1915 shall be in Zone 1”.

7. Regulation 111 of the Wireless Telegraph Regulations is amended by omitting the words “an Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency as provided in Part VII.” and inserting in their stead the words “a Certificate of Proficiency as provided in regulation 129”.

8. Part VI. of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is repealed and the following part inserted in its stead:—

“Part VI.—Proficiency Certificates for Operators and Watchers.

Qualifications operators of licensed stations.

“126. Subject to these Regulations, every station in respect of which a licence is issued shall be operated by a person or persons qualified to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General or an authorized officer.

Conditions as to Commercial Operators’ Certificates.

“127. (1) Commercial Operator’s Certificates of Proficiency, in accordance with Form 11 or 12 in the Schedule to these Regulations, as the case requires, shall be issued to candidates over 18 years of age who have passed an examination in accordance with this regulation.

“(2) The Certificates shall be of two classes, namely—

(a) First Class, indicating that the holder has—

(i) a knowledge of the general principles of electricity, of the theory of radio-telephony, and of the practical working of all apparatus used in the mobile service;

(ii) a theoretical and practical knowledge of the working of the accessory apparatus used in the operation and adjustment of the apparatus specified in the last preceding sub-paragraph;

(iii) a practical knowledge necessary to effect, with the means available on board, the repair of damage which may occur to the apparatus during a voyage;

(iv) a detailed knowledge of the regulations applying to the exchange of radio-electric communications, knowledge of the documents relative to the assessment of the charges for radio-telegrams, knowledge of the radio-telegraph part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, and, in the case of air navigation, knowledge of the special provisions governing the radioelectric service in air navigation; and

(v) a knowledge of the general geography of the five parts of the world, and particularly the principal electric connexions by wire and wireless;

and that he has passed in—

Correct morse transmission and correct morse reception by ear of code groups (mixed letters, figures, and punctuation marks) at a speed of 20 (twenty) groups per minute, and of a plain language passage in the mother tongue at a speed of 25 (twenty-five) words per minute. Each code group shall comprise five characters, each figure or punctuation mark counting as two characters. The passage in plain language shall average five characters to the word; and

(b)Second Class, indicating that the holder has—

(i) an elementary theoretical and practical knowledge of electricity and radiotelegraphy, and knowledge of the adjustment and working of the apparatus used in the mobile service;

(ii) an elementary theoretical and practical knowledge of the working of the accessory apparatus used in the operation and adjustment of the apparatus mentioned in the last preceding subparagraph;

(iii) a practical knowledge sufficient for effecting minor repairs in case of damage occurring to the apparatus;

(iv) a knowledge of the regulations applying to the exchange of radioelectric communications, knowledge of the documents relative to the assessment of the charges for radiotelegrams, knowledge of the radiotelegraph part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, and, in the case of air navigation, knowledge of the special provisions governing the radioelectric service in air navigation; and

(v) an elementary knowledge of general geography in relation to communications by wire and wireless;

and that he has passed in—

Correct morse transmission and correct morse reception by ear of code groups (mixed letters, figures and punctuation marks) at a speed of 16 (sixteen) groups per minute and of a plain language passage in the mother tongue at a speed of 20 (twenty) words per minute. Each code group shall comprise five characters, each figure or punctuation mark counting as two characters. The passage in plain language shall average five characters to the word.

Conditions as to Limited Certificates of Proficiency in Radio-telegraphy and Radio-telephony

“128. (1) Where such a course is deemed desirable by the Postmaster-General, Limited Certificates of Proficiency, in accordance with Form 17 in the Schedule to these Regulations, in Radio-telegraphy or Radiotelephony may be issued to candidates over 18 years of age who have passed an examination in accordance with this regulation.

“(2) A Limited Certificate of Proficiency in Radiotelegraphy shall indicate that the holder has—

(a) an elementary knowledge of the working and adjustment of radio-telegraph transmitting and receiving apparatus; and

(b)a knowledge of the regulations applying to the exchange of radiotelegraph traffic;

and that he has passed in—

Morse transmission and morse reception by ear of messages in plain language at a speed of 16 words per minute.

“(3) A Limited Certificate of Proficiency in Radiotelephony shall indicate that the holder has—

(a) an elementary knowledge of the adjustment and working of radio-telephone transmitting and receiving apparatus; and

(b) a knowledge of the regulations applying to the exchange of spoken messages;

and that he has passed in—

Correct reception and transmission of spoken messages by radio apparatus.

“(4) A Limited Certificate of Proficiency in Radiotelegraphy and Radiotelephony shall indicate a satisfactory knowledge with regard to all the subjects in sub-regulations (2) and (3) of this regulation.

Conditions as to Amateur Operator’s Certificates of Proficiency.

“129. (1) Certificates of Proficiency, in accordance with Form 14 in the Schedule to these Regulations, may be granted to any person over the age of sixteen years authorizing him to operate an experimental transmitting station in accordance with Part IV. of these Regulations.

“(2) The certificate shall indicate that the holder has—

(a) an elementary knowledge of the working and adjustment of low powered apparatus; and

(b)a knowledge of the principal abbreviations, and regulations laid down by the International Radio Telegraph Convention;

and that he has passed in—

Morse transmission and morse reception by ear at a speed of not less than twelve words per minute (five letters being counted as one word).

Watchers Proficiency Certificates.

“130. (1) A Certificate of Proficiency as a Watcher issued by the Postmaster-General, in accordance with Form 13 in the Schedule to these Regulations, shall authorize a person to act as a Wireless Telegraphy Watcher in accordance with the provisions of section 231 of the Navigation Act 1912-1920.

“(2) It shall certify that the holder is capable of receiving and understanding the Radiotelegraph Distress Signal and the Alarm Signal, and has sufficient knowledge of the apparatus on which he will be required to keep watch, to know, by means of a buzzer or other simple test, that it is in proper condition to receive signals.

“(3) A Certificate of Proficiency as a Watcher shall not be issued to any person under sixteen years of age.

 

Fees.

“131. (1) The fee for examination shall be in accordance with the following scale on each occasion on which the candidate is examined:—

s.	d.
For a Commercial Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency	10	0
For a Limited Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency.....................................	10	0
For an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency, under regulation 129.	5	0
For a Watcher’s Certificate........................................................................	5	0

“(2) The fee for the issue of a certificate shall be in accordance with the following scale:—

s.	d.
For a Commercial Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency	5	0
For a Limited Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency.....................................	5	0
For an Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency, under regulation 129.	2	6
For a Watcher’s Certificate........................................................................	2	6

“(3) In the event of a certificate being lost, the fee for the issue of a new certificate shall be double the fee for the first issue:

Provided that the Postmaster-General may authorize the issue of a duplicate or copy of a certificate without charge where it is shown that the original certificate has been lost or destroyed in circumstances over which the holder had no control.

“(4) In cases where an applicant produces satisfactory evidence of qualifications equivalent to those required of a holder of any certificate, the examination may be waived and a certificate issued on payment of the appropriate fee prescribed in sub-regulation (2) of this regulation.

Exchange of Certificates.

“132. (1) The Postmaster-General will exchange Certificates of Proficiency issued under the Radiotelegraph Convention, 1912, in accordance with the following conditions:—

(a) A First Class Certificate issued under the Radiotelegraph Convention, 1912, will be exchanged on application, without charge, and without examination for a Second Class Certificate issued under the Radiotelegraph Convention, to which it is equivalent;

(b)A Second Class Certificate issued under the Radiotelegraph Convention, 1912, will be exchanged for a Second Class Certificate issued under the Radiotelegraph Convention, provided that the holder passes the operating test of the new Second Class standard, viz.:—transmitting and receiving by ear, messages in plain language at a speed of twenty words a minute, and in code groups at a speed of sixteen groups a minute A charge of 10s. will be made for the examination but no charge will be made for the issue of the new certificate; and

(c) Until the 31st day of December, 1931, a First Class Certificate issued under the Radiotelegraph Convention will be issued to any person who held a First Class Certificate issued under the Radiotelegraph Convention, 1912, provided he can satisfy the following conditions, by examination in the case of sub-paragraph (i), and by examination or actual experience in the case of subparagraphs (ii) and (iii):—

(i) That he passes the operating tests for the new certificate, viz., Transmitting and receiving by ear, messages in plain language at a speed of twenty-five words a minute, and in code groups at a speed of twenty groups a minute;

(ii) That his existing certificate has been endorsed for Continuous Wave, or that he has had twelve mouths’ actual sea service on board ships fitted with Continuous Wave transmitting and receiving apparatus; and

(iii) That he has had twelve months’ actual sea service on board ships fitted with Director Finding apparatus.

A charge of 10s. will be made for all or any portion of the examination, but no charge will be made for the issue of the certificate.

Re-examination of unsuccessful candidate.

“133.—In case of failure, a candidate shall not ordinarily be re-examined in any system until after the lapse of three months.

Minister may withdraw, cancel or suspend certificates.

“134. If a person to whom a Certificate of Proficiency has been issued—

(a) is convicted of a criminal offence; or

(b) is, on account of incompetence, or for any other reason, considered by the Postmaster-General to be unsuitable to continue to hold the certificate,

the Postmaster-General may withdraw, cancel, or suspend the certificate.

Nationality of operators and watchers.

“135. (1) Except with the consent of the Defence Authorities, a Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with Form 11 or 12 in the Schedule to these Regulations shall not be granted to any person who is not a natural born or naturalized British subject.

“(2) In case of urgency a special certificate may be granted to Watchers of other than British nationality for one voyage only.”

Schedule.

9. The Schedule to the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations is amended—

(a)by omitting Forms 11 and 12 and inserting in their stead the following forms:—

Form 11.

Certificate No.

“COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.

Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919.

Regulation 127.

commercial operator’s certificate of proficiency in radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony.

Granted by the Postmaster-General.

First Class.

This is to certify that, under the provisions of the International Radiotelegraphy Convention of Washington, 1927, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, Mr. has been examined in Radiotelegraphy and Radiotelephony, and has demonstrated that he has—

(a) a knowledge of the general principles of electricity, of the theory of radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony, and of the practical adjustment and operation of all apparatus (Spark, Continuous Wave, Interrupted Continuous Wave, and Direction Finding), and accessory apparatus used in the ship service;

(b) a detailed knowledge of the regulations applying to the exchange of radiotelegraph traffic, of the documents relative to the charges for radiotelegrams, and of the radiotelegraph part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea; and

(c) a knowledge of the principal wire and wireless routes of the world;

and that he has also passed in—

(d)transmitting, and receiving by ear, messages in plain language at a speed of 25 words a minute, and in code groups at a speed or 20 groups a minute.

It is also certified hereby that the holder has made a legal declaration that he will preserve the secrecy of correspondence.

Signature of Certifying Officer—

—Director-General,

Posts and Telegraphs.

Date—

Chief Inspector (Wireless).

Date—

Signature of holder—

Date and place of birth—

N.B.—This certificate may be endorsed or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Minister, in cases of incompetence, misconduct, or breach of the Regulations on the part of the holder. Unless so withdrawn itwill continue to be valid so long as the Regulations under the Radiotelegraph Convention, Washington, 1927, are in force.

Fee for issue. 5s.

 

Form 12.

Certificate No.

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.

Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919.

Regulation 127.

commercial operator’s certificate of proficiency in radiotelegaphy.

Granted by the Postmaster-General.

Second Class.

This is to certify that, under the provisions of the International Radio-telegraphy Convention of Washington, 1927, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, Mr. has been examined in Radiotelegraphy,

and has demonstrated that he has—

(a)an elementary theoretical and practical knowledge of electricity and radiotelegraphy, as well as knowledge of the practical adjustment and operation of Spark, Continuous Wave, and Interrupted Continuous Wave apparatus and accessory apparatus used in the ship service;

(b) a knowledge of the regulations applying to the exchange of radiotelegraph traffic, of the documents relative to the charges for radiotelegrams, and of the radiotelegraph part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea; and

(c) a knowledge of the principal wire and wireless routes of the world;

and that he has also passed in—

(d)transmitting and receiving by ear, messages in plain language at a speed of 20 words a minute, and code groups at a speed of 16 groups a minute.

It is also certified hereby that the holder has made a legal declaration that he will preserve the secrecy of correspondence.

Signature of Certifying Officer—

—Director-General,

Posts and Telegraphs.

Date—

Chief Inspector (Wireless).

Date—

Signature of holder—

Date of birth— Place of birth—

N.B.—This certificate may be endorsed or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Minister, in cases of incompetence, misconduct, or breach of the Regulations on the part of the holder. Unless so withdrawn it will continue to be valid so long as the Regulations under the Radiotelegraph Convention, Washington, 1927, are in force.

Fee for issue, 5s.”;

(b)by omitting Form 14 and inserting in its stead the following form:—

Form 14.

Regulation 129.

Certificate No.

“COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.

Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919.

amateur operator’s certificate of proficiency in radiotelegraphy.

Granted by the Postmaster-General.

This is to certify that, under the provisions of Wireless Telegraph Regulations made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, Mr. has been examined in Radiotelegraphy and has remonstrated that he has—

(a)an elementary knowledge of the working and adjustment of low powered apparatus; and

(b) a knowledge of the principal abbreviations, and regulations laid down by the Radiotelegraph Convention;

and that he has also passed in—

(c) transmission and reception by ear at a speed of not less than twelve words per minute (five letters being counted as one word).

—Chief Inspector (Wireless),

Postmaster-General’s Department.

Date 192 .

Certifying Officer—

Radio Inspector.

Date—

Signature of holder—

Date and place of birth—

N.B.—This certificate may be endorsed, or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Postmaster-General in case of misconduct or breach of the Regulations on the part of the holder. Unless so withdrawn it will continue to be valid so long as the Regulations governing its issue under the Wireless Telegraphy Act1905-1919 remain in force.

Fee for issue, 2s. 6d.”; and

(c)by adding at the end thereof, the following form:—

Form 17.

Regulation 128.

Certificate No.

“COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.

Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919.

operator’s limited certificate of proficiency in radiotelegraphy/radiotelephony.

Granted by the Postmaster-General.

This is to certify that, under the provisions of Wireless Telegraphy Regulations made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, Mr. has been examined in and has demonstrated that he has—

(a) an elementary knowledge of the working and adjustment of the apparatus; and

(b)a knowledge of the regulations applying to the exchange of and that he has also passed in—

(c) .

It is also certified hereby that the holder has made a declaration that he will preserve the secrecy of correspondence.

Signature of Certifying Officer—

Radio Inspector.

—Chief Inspector (Wireless).

Date—

Signature of holder—

Date and place of birth—

N.B.—This certificate may be endorsed or withdrawn at the discretion of the Minister in case of incompetence, misconduct, or breach of Regulations on the part of the holder. Unless so withdrawn it will continue to be valid so long as the Regulations governing its issue under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919 remain in force.

Fee for issue. 5s.”

 

By Authority: H. J. Green, Government Printer, Canberra.