Editing Morse code (section)

== Operator proficiency ==
[[File:Bencher paddle.jpg|thumb|A commercially manufactured iambic paddle used in conjunction with an electronic keyer to generate high-speed Morse code, the timing of which is controlled by the electronic keyer.{{efn|
These modern "iambic" keys are operated by one or two "paddles" pressed left and right, instead of pressing down a lever, as in the traditional telegraph keys, pictured at the start of this article. Operating paddle keys is similar to using the old [[Vibroplex]] clockwork telegraph keys: Pressing the paddle to the right generates a series of repeated ''dits'' until the paddle is released; pressing the paddle to the left produces a similar series of ''dahs''; and with two-paddle electronic keys, squeezing the two paddles from both sides produces an alternating {{nowrap| ''dit dah dit dah'' }} sequence.
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For left-handed operators, the actions of the two paddles are often reversed.
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Morse code speed is measured in [[words per minute]] ({{sc|wpm}}) or characters per minute ({{sc|cpm}}). Characters have differing lengths because they contain differing numbers of ''dits'' and ''dahs''. Consequently, words also have different lengths in terms of dot duration, even when they contain the same number of characters. For this reason, some standard word is adopted for measuring operators' transmission speeds: Two such standard words in common use are '''{{sc|PARIS}}''' and '''{{sc|CODEX}}'''.<ref name=Perera-W1TP-Teleg-Mus/> Operators skilled in Morse code can often understand ("copy") code in their heads at rates in excess of 40&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}}.

In addition to knowing, understanding, and being able to copy the standard written alpha-numeric and punctuation characters or symbols at high speeds, skilled high-speed operators must also be fully knowledgeable of all of the special unwritten Morse code symbols for the standard [[Prosigns for Morse code]] and the meanings of these special procedural signals in standard Morse code [[communications protocol]].

International contests in code copying are still occasionally held. In July&nbsp;1939 at a contest in [[Asheville, North Carolina]] in the United States, Theodore Roosevelt McElroy ('''{{sc|W1JYN}}''') set a still-standing record for Morse copying, 75.2&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}}.<ref name=Pierpont-N0HFF-2004/> Pierpont (2004) also notes that some operators may have passed 100&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}}.<ref name=Pierpont-N0HFF-2004/> By this time, they are "hearing" phrases and sentences rather than words. The fastest speed ever sent by a straight key was achieved in 1942 by Harry Turner ([[call sign|'''{{sc|W9YZE}}''']]) (d. 1992) who reached 35&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} in a demonstration at a U.S. Army base. To accurately compare code copying speed records of different eras it is useful to keep in mind that different standard words (50&nbsp;dit durations versus 60&nbsp;dit durations) and different interword gaps (5&nbsp;dit durations versus 7&nbsp;dit durations) may have been used when determining such speed records. For example, speeds run with the '''{{sc|CODEX}}''' standard word and the '''{{sc|PARIS}}''' standard may differ by up to 20%.

Today among amateur operators there are several organizations that recognize high-speed code ability, one group consisting of those who can copy Morse at 60&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}}.<ref name=Morsecode-NL-EHSC/> Also, Certificates of Code Proficiency are issued by several amateur radio societies, including the [[American Radio Relay League]]. Their basic award starts at 10&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} with endorsements as high as 40&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}}, and are available to anyone who can copy the transmitted text. Members of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] may put a Morse interpreter's strip on their uniforms if they meet the standards for translating code at 5&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}}.

[[File:Seaman send Morse code signals.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A U.S. Navy [[Signalman (rank)|signalman]] sends Morse code signals in 2005.]]

Through May&nbsp;2013, the First, Second, and Third Class (commercial) Radiotelegraph Licenses using code tests based upon the '''{{sc|CODEX}}''' standard word were still being issued in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission. The First Class license required 20&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} code group and 25&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} text code proficiency, the others 16&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} code group test (five letter blocks sent as simulation of receiving encrypted text) and 20&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} code text (plain language) test. It was also necessary to pass written tests on operating practice and electronics theory. A unique additional demand for the First Class was a requirement of a year of experience for operators of shipboard and coast stations using Morse. This allowed the holder to be chief operator on board a passenger ship. However, since 1999 the use of satellite and very high-frequency maritime communications systems ([[GMDSS]]) has made them obsolete. (By that point meeting experience requirement for the First was very difficult.)

Currently, only one class of license, the Radiotelegraph Operator License, is issued. This is granted either when the tests are passed or as the Second and First are renewed and become this lifetime license. For new applicants, it requires passing a written examination on electronic theory and radiotelegraphy practices, as well as 16&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} code-group and 20&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} text tests. However, the code exams are currently waived for holders of Amateur Extra Class licenses who obtained their operating privileges under the old 20&nbsp;{{sc|wpm}} test requirement.