Station Inspections
What is a Station Inspection
A station inspection is where an authorised officer (Inspector) under the Radiocommunications Act (Act) conducts an onsite examination of equipment used by a radiocommunications licensee.
Why do ACMA conduct Station Inspections
One of the objectives of the Radiocommunications Act is to manage interference between spectrum users. ACMA field staff may need to inspect a station in order to assist in the resolution of interference problems that arise from time to time. This activity is an important tool for minimisation of interference between all spectrum users.
ACMA field staff in the normal course of their activity while working in a specific geographic may visit an amateur licensee as part of an educative program.
The process is a balance between operational efficiency of ACMA staff and the individual rights and obligations of the radio amateur.
What are the ACMA's rights During a Station Inspection
It should be noted that ACMA field staff, or sometimes they are called Radio Inspectors, acting under the Act, do not generally have automatic rights, other than common law rights, to enter an individual property unless permission is granted by the property occupier. However, in emergency situations the Act provides that they may enter premises to stop actual interference to certain safety, police and fire services.
In contrast amateur station inspections are normally a routine activity, often with an educational objective.
Ordinarily, a Radio Inspector will arrange a mutually convenient time by telephone with a licensee to inspect the licensee’s amateur station.
What are your rights During a Station Inspection
It has been agreed by the ACMA and WIA that the following steps will be taken in such cases when a Radio Inspector has been unable to make an appointment:
1. The ACMA staff will select the licensee(s) to be visited by the proximity of their station(s) to other work in an area
2. The ACMA staff will ascertain the age of each licensee to be visited.
3. If the licensee is aged under 18, contact shall be made through a parent or guardian or other adult person in the position of a parent;
4. Upon arrival the Radio Inspector shall identify themself and display their identification card. The WIA advises that the licensee should note the name(s) of the Radio Inspector(s);
5. The Inspector shall request permission to enter and to inspect the station. If it is not convenient to do so, the inspector should advise the licensee that the inspection may take place at another time more convenient to both the ACMA and the licensee
6. The ACMA staff shall always ensure that if the licensee is aged under 18 any inspection is carried out at all times in the presence of a parent or guardian or other adult person (subject to entry authorised in emergency situations)
7. The licensee shall assist the Inspector in the conduct of the inspection and possible testing of equipment.
At the conclusion of the inspection, and if there are any irregularities, the Inspector may hand an Advice or Warning Notice to the licensee identifying any irregularities and recommending any action to be undertaken by the licensee.
All amateur licensees should be aware of and must operate their station in accordance with the Act and the LCD relating to the type of licence held.
Reports or Concerns about Station Inspections
It is expected that ACMA staff and radio amateurs will work co-operatively in accordance with the above procedure and always bear in mind the individual rights of the licensee.
If you have any questions or queries about Station Inspections, please send an email to nationaloffice@wia.org.au setting out your question or concerns.
Page Last Updated: Monday 4 June 2018 at 13:49 hours by Webmaster
| 
