During a Pacific Ocean voyage, 34 cadets earned amateur radio licenses with support from volunteer examiners on shore

Hundreds of miles from shore, cadets aboard Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s training ship Golden Bear took an unusual kind of exam this summer, earning federal amateur radio licenses while crossing the Pacific Ocean.

The June 29 testing session marked the second consecutive year that the Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club (CPARC) helped administer Federal Communications Commission amateur radio licensing tests at sea, giving cadets an opportunity to build their communication skills during the academy’s Summer Sea Term.

Of the 34 cadets who earned entry-level Technician licenses, 13 went on to earn General Class licenses. One cadet advanced even further, passing all three exams to earn the Amateur Extra license after beginning the voyage without an amateur radio license.

Volunteer examiners from CPARC and the Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group (GLAARG) administered the tests remotely through Zoom. Aboard the Golden Bear, David Satterwhite, an associate professor at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, Luke Garner and cadet Lucas Cheung assisted with proctoring and coordination to ensure the testing met FCC requirements.

GLAARG also covered all examination expenses, including FCC application fees, allowing cadets to participate at no cost.

Beyond earning a license, amateur radio offers maritime students practical experience with electronics and radio communications while strengthening skills that can prove valuable during emergencies. Licensed operators can also communicate with amateur radio enthusiasts around the world.

The at-sea testing initiative, first conducted in 2025, has become a recurring collaboration between the maritime academy and amateur radio volunteers. With support from CPARC and GLAARG, the program continues to give cadets an opportunity to expand their technical knowledge while preparing for careers at sea. 

Top photo: Cadets aboard Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s training ship Golden Bear gather with a banner from the Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group, which helped administer amateur radio licensing exams remotely during the 2026 Summer Sea Term. The testing, conducted with support from the Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club, resulted in 34 cadets earning Technician licenses.