Rob Annett, MD7FHZ

| March 14, 2024

Rob Annett, MD7FHZ from the Isle of Man, captains the Barrule, a Fishery Protection Vessel. He recently became a licensed radio amateur after taking a remote Foundation exam whilst aboard the boat.

We shared Rob’s story with the local media in the Isle of Man and are delighted that they chose to cover it in their online news – take a look!

Rob has been a commercial radio user for over 33 years and had a taste of High Frequency backpack radios when he was a member of the RNLI’s international flood rescue team between 2000 and 2014. However, it was only recently that he decided to study for his licence and take the exam.

In preparation for the exam, he used three sources of information:

Since the Covid-19 pandemic the RSGB has made exams more accessible by allowing remotely-invigilated exams, meaning prospective candidates can take their exam almost anywhere – providing they have a good internet connection.

Rob had hoped to be able to take his exam whilst he was on annual leave, but the first available date was when he was back at work on the boat. Thankfully with good WiFi Rob realised that he was able to take the exam onboard the Barrule during his lunchbreak.

Rob says: “I’ve been thinking about becoming a radio amateur for a number of years – working, and volunteering, in my industry has given me a taster of what the hobby could involve. To be able to take the exam around my working day was great and I encourage anyone thinking of finding out more about the hobby to do so. I’ve already started looking into Summits on the Air, as well as Bunkers on the Air to keep me active – there really is something for everyone.”

RSGB Director and Exam Invigilator, Dave Wilson, M0OBW who invigilated Rob’s exam via Teams says: “Allowing people to take their exams from the comfort of their home – or in Rob’s case, aboard the Barrule – is brilliant. It opens up the exam process to people who live remotely, to those who don’t have amateur radio clubs near them, or to anyone who just prefers to take the exam online. Rob taking his exam aboard the Barrule shows that your location shouldn’t be an obstacle to taking your exam and becoming a radio amateur”.

Rob has also taken a closer look at amateur radio with POTA, SOTA and BOTA, which he sees as a great way of getting out of the house and keeping fit when not working. He is currently studying for his Intermediate Licence.

Category: Student stories