Now that the ARRL-RRI Memorandum of Agreement is implemented and coordination is functioning smoothly, it is possible to move forward with the Certified Radio Operator appointments. This post outlines the implementation process.
New CRO Database Manager:
Radio Relay International is pleased to announce the appointment of a Certified Radio Operator Database Manager. The CRO Database Manager will be the point-of-contact for those submitting applications for an appointment as a Certified Radio Operator. The process follows:
If you have already submitted your application:
Over the next month, we will review CRO applications already received. You should receive an email notification by no later than September 30 stating that your CRO application has been received and approved. If you do not hear from RRI by September 30, please resubmit your application to the CRO Database Manager.
New CRO Applications:
All CRO applicants must meet the necessary training requirements. These are outlined on the following registration form:
https://radiorelay.org/files/registration/RRI-CRO-Application.pdf
Please note that this form has yet to be updated. DO NOT Send it to the email address indicated. Instead, please send the form to the new CRO Database Manager at:
Meeting the Requirements:
A training schedule is published each Autumn by RRI. Attendance at a live course (as opposed to recorded) is preferred.
Upon having attended the specified training courses (conducted on-line), one must complete the form and submit it. All courses should be completed before submitting your application.
Some courses can be waived based on professional credentials. For example, if one is employed as an IT security consultant, we can waive the IT security courses. Likewise, if one is a professional emergency manager or active in the Fire Service, we can likely waive the FEMA independent study courses. Please attach a copy of your resume to justify the waiver.
Once the standards have been met, please submit your application to:
Rick Blackburn (KI7IF) rri.cro.manager@gmail.com
Acknowledgment:
Upon review of your application, an acknowledgment will be transmitted to you. At a later date, you will receive a “Certified Radio Operator” certificate in the mail suitable for framing.
Checking into Nets:
Certified Radio Operators are asked to indicate their status when checking into traffic or public service nets; for example “This is W6RRI Certified Radio Operator, no traffic” or “This is W1AW, CRO, no traffic.”
Purpose of the Program:
Certainly, one purpose of the program is to acknowledge the effort of the individual appointee to improve one’s operating skill. A CRO certificate is something to be proud of. However, the other purpose is quite practical; it indicates to the Net Control station that the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to properly and responsibly handle communications traffic.
From an operational standpoint, CROs should be the preferred operator to whom Certified, Welfare, Priority or Emergency precedence traffic should be relayed. However, the CRO is at liberty to route the traffic to a trusted operator without CRO credentials. In doing so, he/she simply performs a “quality control” function by ensuring the traffic operator responsible for the last-mile relay and delivery is fully qualified.
As we move forward, CRO appointments will be required for key functions, such as Digital Traffic Station or Winlink-RRI Gateway operators. More details on how the program works may be found here:
https://radiorelay.org/files/news/Certified_Radiogram_Implementation_Announcement_2025-5-26.pdf
Thank you for your patience!
Over the past year, RRI has gone through a variety of changes in personnel, programs, and of course, navigating how we will work in concert with the ARRL (and vice versa). We had hoped to have this program implemented in 2025, but delays occurred. Thank you for your patience and continued support of RRI and NTS.