The information below is no longer relevant with
the introduction of amendments to the Amateur Radio regulations which
provide for other assessments to
get your ZS licence.
The following policy was agreed by the Department of Communications (formally Posts and
Telecommunications) and the SARL in 1995, and re-affirmed on 27th June 1997 by the
Department of Communications. The responsibilities of these Departments have now been
transferred to ICASA. A copy of the full policy document may be obtained by writing to the
SARL.
General conditions under which a Morse
code exemption may exceptionally be
granted.
- The applicant must have a proven auditory, physical or dyslexic handicap which prevents
him/her from learning or using morse code at the usual 12 words per minute requirement.
- The applicant must show that he/she has learnt the morse code characters (letters and
figures) and is able to demonstrate this knowledge by written or verbal
"dit-dah" form.
- The applicant must have made a serious attempt to learn to transmit and receive the
morse code, even if only at a slower speed than the pass requirement.
- Specialist medical evidence or reports must accompany the application describing the
handicap or affliction with an assessment of why the applicant is unable to pass the morse
code examination. In the case of auditory or perceptual dyslexia, it would be helpful if a
school report or assessment could be produced.
- The information requested in 2 and 3 above must be verified by both a recognised morse
code examiner and moderator who shall provide a brief report.
The application must be sent to:
SARL
PO Box 1721
Strubensvallei
1735
A copy should also be sent to ICASA to help speed up the adjudication of the
application, at the following address:
The Senior Manager
Radio and Terminal Equipment
ICASA
Private Bag X10002
Sandton
2146
The Authority will request comment from the SARL who are given 2 weeks to reply. The
application is then adjudicated by the Authority and the applicant notified of the result.
Note: Loss of auditory sensitivity is not considered sufficient reason
for an exemption, as headphones combined with increased volume will compensate. Partial
loss of frequency response is also not sufficient cause, as the pitch of the tone can be
changed to suit the most responsive pitch for the ear. It should be noted that in Britain,
morse code is taught to deaf mutes to help them communicate.
