Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (A
To : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Feb 08 2019 10:44 am
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2154, for Friday, February 8, 2019.
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2154, with a release date of
Friday, February 8th, 2019, to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Big changes for amateur tests and licenses in
Australia. The ARRL's emergency preparedness manager steps down -- an
amateur group prepares for serious talk about tower safety. All this
and more, as Amateur Radio Newsline Number 2154, comes your way right
now.
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BILLBOARD CART
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AUSTRALIAN AMATEUR SERVICES MOVE FROM WIA TO MARITIME COLLEGE
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: This week's top story comes from Australia, where big
changes are coming in the way amateur licenses and tests are handled.
With those details, here's Graham Kemp, VK4BB.
GRAHAM: "You probably already know that the successful tenderer was the
University of Tasmania through the Australian Maritime College.
Congratulations to the Australian Maritime College." That was the
Wireless Institute of Australia's secretary, Peter Clee, VK8ZZ,
announcing that the Wireless Institute of Australia will no longer be
giving amateur radio exams, issuing certificates of proficiency, or
assigning callsign recommendations, as it had been doing under agreement
with the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
That responsibility was transferred to the University of Tasmania's
Australian Maritime College, effective February 1st. Full services will
not begin immediately, however. Once the ACMA has signed a deed with the
college, their offices will be providing amateur services during a
phase-in period that begins on February 25th. Until that time, the ACMA
has said it will be responsible for reviewing applications for licenses,
based on certificates of proficiency. Examinations conducted by theWIA are no
longer approved, and the WIA cannot issue certificates of
proficiency any longer, nor issue callsign recommendations, according to
a statement on the ACMA website.
The WIA congratulated the college in a media release and has given a
proposal to the ACMA, for making the transition out of their deed.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB.
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The WIA issued a statement on the 2nd of February
saying: "The WIA board views this as a watershed moment in the history
of amateur radio in Australia. The expedient delivery of these services
by a skilled team, backed by a sandstone university, promises to deliver
a robust, cost-effective, and efficient qualification service, for the
Australian amateur community."
**
ARRL'S EMERGENCY PREP MANAGER STEPS DOWN
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, in the U.S., as the ARRL undergoes
restructuring at its headquarters in Connecticut, management is also
examining the league's emergency preparedness program. Its manager,
Mike Corey KI1U (Kay Eye One You) has announced he is stepping down.
Mike, who joined the league's staff in 2010, announced that his last
day on the job will be the 15th of February. He said he is leaving for
another opportunity. ARRL CEO Howard Michel (pronounced MICKEL), WB2ITX,
credited Mike with having expanded the league's Ham Aid program,
national disaster response, and rolling out ARES Connect, Michel (MICKEL)
said in a statement: [quote] The Headquarters team will miss Mike's
friendly personality, and wishes him well in his pursuits.[end quote]
