[CW] Early Radio Operator Licensing

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

I remember Slidell Radio advertising for operators, they always had
the highest standards, I also remember seeing advertisements for "The
Great White Fleet" in "QST" when I was young.  These high standards
didn't start late in the century, far from it, this is from Department
of Commerce Radio Service Bulletin May 1916.

COMMERCIAL EXTRA FIRST-GRADE LICENSES FOR OPERATORS ON UNITED FRUIT CO. SHIPS.

Under date of January 26, 1916, the Tropical Radio Telegraph Co.
issued the following circular pointing out to operators on United
Fruit Co. ships the desirability of securing commercial extra first
grade licenses:

TO ALL OPERATORS:

Ship operators are again reminded that it is highly desirable to hold
the extra first-grade commercial operators' licenses issued by the
Department of Commerce.

The possession of such a license is a distinct mark of ability, and in
considering men for promotion to positions as chief operators on board
ship, as well as trick operators at shore stations, those holding an
extra grade license will be given preference regardless of their
length of service.

In general, it should be the aim of every radio operator on board a
United Fruit Co.
ship to hold an extra grade license.

Operators who obtain an extra grade license should notify the general
office promptly, giving the license number and date issued.

Yours very truly,

GEO. S. Davis,
General Superintendent.

The commercial extra first-grade license is the highest class of
license, and is issued by the Department of Commerce to radio
operators who pass a special examination demonstrating unusual
experience and skill. These licenses are given consideration by the
Civil Service Commission in examinations for positions requiring
knowledge of radiotelegraphy when experience is rated as a part of
such examinations. To be eligible for the examination for the
commercial extra first-grade license applicants must hold commercial
first-grade licenses, and their certificates of skill in radio
communication, issued under the act of June 24, 1910, or licenses
under the act of August 13, 1912, must record 18 months' satisfactory
commercial service at sea or at land stations, either or both, during
the two years previous to the filing of the application for
examination, as shown by endorsement on the license service records,
or other satisfactory evidence, and provided that the applicants have
not been penalized for a violation of the radio laws and regulations.

A speed of at least 30 words per minute, Continental Morse, and 25
words per minute, American Morse (five letters to the word), must be
attained. The technical questions and the questions of the radio laws
and regulations will be considerably wider in scope than those for
commercial first grade, and a higher percentage will be required.

All examination papers, including the code test sheets, are marked and
forwarded to the Commissioner of Navigation with a recommendation by
the radio inspector or examining officer. Examination papers are
marked upon the basis of 100, and licenses are recommended only if 80
or better is attained.

30 WPM Continental Morse, and 25 WPM American Morse!

73
DR