Official Observer (OO)
Official ARRL Field Organization Appointment Description: Official Observer
The Official Observer (OO) program has been sponsored by the ARRL for more than 85 years to help Amateur Radio operators assist each other to operate their stations in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
Official Observer appointees have assisted thousands of Amateur Radio operators to maintain their transmitting equipment and comply with operating procedures and regulations. The object of the OO program is to notify amateurs of operating and technical irregularities before they come to the attention of the FCC and to recognize good operating practices.
The OO program serves as the first line of "eyes and ears" for the FCC. It is the backbone of the Amateur Auxiliary. OOs are certified in the Auxiliary by passing a mandatory written examination.
The OO performs his/her function by observing rather than transmitting. They keep watch for such things as frequency instability, harmonics, hum, key clicks, broad signals, distorted audio, over deviation, out-of-band operation and other potential problems. The OO completes his/her task once the notification card is sent.
In substantive rule violations cases, OOs refer problems to ARRL HQ. After review by HQ staff, the OO may be requested to provide additional information that may be forwarded to the FCC for possible enforcement action.
To become an OO, an amateur must:
- Have the recommendation of their ARRL Section Manager
- Pass an examination based on study of the ARRL's Amateur Auxiliary Training Manual.
- Be an ARRL Full Member and have held a Technician Class or higher license for at least four years.
OO Responsibilities include:
- Reporting to the ARRL Section OO Coordinator monthly on Form FSD-23.
- Sending out advisory notices as needed.
- Submiting good operator reports as warranted.
The OO program is one of the most important functions of the ARRL. A sincere desire to help their fellow amateurs is required for an appointment.
To learn more about becoming an ARRL Official Observer: Online Application