Radio Officer
F3. Seafaring Life, Education, Professions and InstitutionsDefinition
Historic STCW radio operator role superseded by GMDSS operators.
The radio officer was the dedicated Morse and radiotelegraph operator carried on merchant ships before the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. SOLAS phased out the compulsory radio officer between 1992 and 1999 as GMDSS automation took over distress and safety communications, transferring radio duties to GMDSS-certificated deck officers. The grade survives mainly on specialist vessels and in maritime history.
Source: SOLAS Chapter IV (GMDSS phase-in 1992 to 1999)