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The main function of this professional is to act as head of any maritime radio station for maritime vessels without limitation of category. In addition, the maintenance of equipment in the radio section, namely, telecommunications equipment (defined as a transmission or reception of signals, writings, signs, images, sounds or information of any kind ) transmitted through radio waves, and other equipment assigned to it. They perform professional services at maritime radio stations ashore or aboard civilian vessels.
The Maritime Radio System (SRM) consists of a network of ground stations that regulate vessel traffic. These communications are subject to the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the International Radio Regulations.
Traditionally, these professionals were known as telegraphists, but technology has evolved and the roles and responsibilities of this position have changed.

• Perform maintenance of maritime radio station equipment, electronic radio procedures, transmitters and receivers for communications, radar, probes, etc.
• Handle all of the ship¿s external communication systems.
• Perform maintenance of positioning and electronic navigation systems, as well as data acquisition systems, the latter of which range from satellite systems to those found in the ship's engine room and navigation equipment.
• Manage Local Area Networks (LAN Manager and network trouble-shooter), i.e, carry out the maintenance of internal communication systems and ensure the integrated operation of onboard computer equipment.
• Perform electronic radio management tasks both at sea and ashore.
• Carry out communications necessary for the safety of the ship, as well as commercial and private operations.

Regulated training and graduates

The training profile of a Radio officer is very specific and requires an advanced professional merchant navy qualification. The formal training required is:

• Naval Radio Electronics Engineering.

In accordance with the Bologna guidelines, this training programme lasts 4 years, in addition to a period of work placement that can be performed onboard ships of the merchant marine or shore-based companies. Of these, the first year is common to all trainees and valid for any engineering speciality, the second is common but exclusive to the three nautical engineering specialities, and the third and fourth-year courses are in the specialty of each engineering speciality. In addition, students can choose to study a Master¿s programme in a speciality area.

• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes electrònics
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes TIC
• Grau: Enginyeria telemàtica
• Grau: Enginyeria de xarxes de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria electrònica de telecomunicació
• Grau: Tecnologies de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria en sistemes i tecnologia naval

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Proficiency in English is recommended as is having the ability to analyse and synthesise, as well as having perceptive skills and being innovative, given the constant changes in technology.

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 1

Analytical thought: Level 2

Conceptual thought: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Technician

People who show an interest in the technical field find fulfilment in carrying out activities related to the design and manufacture of objects, machines, vehicles and/or infrastructures. These activities require the application of scientific and technical knowledge (laws of physics, calculations and mathematical formulas, properties of the materials, etc). Creativity is also necessary when coming up with optimal solutions for the functional requirements of the products to be designed. Therefore, the pragmatic application of scientific knowledge in order to develop solutions for the benefit of human beings is the main function of occupations in the technical field.

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Navigation system specialist

Common infrastructure engineer

Radio frequency and microwave engineer

Avionics software engineer

Satellite assembly technician

• Work hours

  Continuous work availability, i.e. long working hours (10-12 hours a day and 7 days a week), as a radio officer works throughout the duration of the voyage at sea.
  In the case of radio officers working ashore, the workday is usually 8 hours per day 5 days a week in rotating shifts.

• Salary

  Remuneration is calculated according to the hours worked and proven experience. However, earnings are between €30,000 and €45,000 gross per annum. Final remuneration is subject to experience and the type of vessel worked on: oil tankers, container ships, ferries, etc.