The American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties will hold an Amateur (Ham) Radio Licensing Course from Nov. 2 through Dec. 6.

The six-week class is is open to the public.

“Many amateur radio operators also volunteer with local agencies to provide back-up emergency communications,” said Kevin Kopp, Logistics Coordinator for the local American Red Cross. “In major disasters, like Hurricane Katrina and the Haitian earthquake, ham radio operators were quick to help agencies re-establish communications locally and with the outside world.”

At the completion of the course students will be able to take the Technician and General Class Amateur Radio Licensing Examinations. Morse code is no longer required for any amateur radio license.

The course requires competency in written and verbal English and proficiency in basic math is needed for those taking the General Class license test. The course fee is $10 and students are asked to purchase a licensing manual for each level they wish to test for prior to the first class. There is a $15 license examination fee required at the end of the course.

Classes will be from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Seattle headquarters of the American Red Cross, 1900 25th Ave. South.

To register for the class or obtain more information please contact Kevin Kopp at 206-720-5296 or Kevin.Kopp@seattleredcross.org.