The rating was originally created in 1921.

In 1997, under the direction of Chief of Naval

Operations, Admiral Mike Boorda, the ratings merged with the Data Processing
Technician (DP) rating to form the International Systems Technician (IT) rating. Both radio
officers and Data Processing Technicians in the Navy undergo general rate training and
take a computer-based examinations in order to be designated into the new (IT) rating.
In 1996, the submarine force merged radiomen with Electronics Technicians/ Electronic
warfare specialist. The coast guard rating was renamed Telecommunication Specialists
(TC) in 1195, which split in July 2003 to make up the Information System Technician (IT)
and Operation Specialists (OS) ratings. There are varied positions found on the Radio
Shack. It includes broadcast operators, who are responsible for keeping track of incoming
and outgoing message traffic. The Task group Orestes Operator, responsible for the
operation of teletypewriter circuit, and the use of signals while communicating with ships
in the general operating area of designated task force. TGO would coordinate the
transmission of message inter-task force and on occasions would also help coordinate
the position, course and speed of approaching replenishment vessels. Message Center
or Main-communication supervisor, the on supervising the message center. MAINCOM
would hold quarters before the team went in to take cover from the previous watch section.
The Facilities control Supervisor, responsible for almost the same job as the MAINCOM
supervisor except the safe operation on ship board electronic radio equipment and
associated peripheral equipment such as quality monitoring system as well as the
maintenance and upkeep of the communications plan and the operational frequency
board.

The profession of radio officer is very important in the Maritime field; but it is something
that has been going low for quite some time now. A radio officer is a person who helps
monitor and keeps track of communications in the ship. The name came into existence
because of the olden days, where radios were used as tools of communication between
the coast guard and the ship. Before an individual becomes a radio operator, a basic high
school certificate is required to apply for post of radio officers. In addition to that, one also
needs to have a clear written examinations to get the licensing for the post of a radio
officer. Such license are known as the Radio-Telegraph Operator’s License. There are
specific grades assigned to this license which are known as First class or Second class.
The licensing exam is a very extensive exam as it encompasses subjects like how to send
and receive message through Morse code, the different marine rule set up by coast
guards of various countries and most importantly, the operating system of the coast guard
and other naval authority in different countries. The reason why these subjects are
included is because the radio officer, an individual required to operate not just the local
waters but also international oceanic sea-limits as well. In today’s time, the radio
operator’s job, as part of the merchant marines has become much more varied. These
days, the radio operator does not only work with radios but also with advance and
essential gadgets like computers in which different cases apply where the need for the
knowledge of a radio operator is not applied or used. It has been noted that the profession
of radio officers requires round-the-clock alertness and vigilance, which is why radio
operators work on a shift system. The shift system includes two-three-four hour rotations
once in the morning and another one in the evening. Radio operators are understood to
be not just part of the passenger ship. They are also essential to cargo vessel because
of its very nature. Ships vary in size, shape and in the cargo it holds, thus different
maintenance and procedures are needed, on which the skill of a radio officer is required.
Where the vessel is at or what comes in its way are all delivered by radio officers.

With all of the hardships gone through by radio officers, all the requirement and
extensive test just to be a radio officer. It is highly unthinkable that the position becomes
obsolete with the coming of age. The real problem would be, even though it requires a lot
of things before an individual becomes a radio officer, the salary is not that high compared
to higher ranking officers. Not only that, the rank of radio officer these days are fading
away or being phased out. Not an individual ever mentioned this and is a quite mysterious
disappearance. Although the name of radio operator is not heard of in the local waters,
each were a valuable member in the crew which helped in the delivering of goods from
nation to nation with the used of high powered vehicles that travels on water, one which
requires great care and maintenance.
OBJECTIVES:

A. Know the reasons behind the decreasing number of crew in a ship.

B. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of fewer crew in a ship.
C. How the decreasing number of crew affect the maritime industry.