Global Maritime Distress And Safety System | General Operator's Certificate (GOC)

This course is designed to prepare candidates for the General Operator’s Certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) by developing the knowledge, understanding, and practical competence required to operate GMDSS radio communication systems safely and effectively.

The course supports the mandatory standards of competence for GMDSS radio operators and is delivered in accordance with the STCW Convention and Code, the ITU Radio Regulations, and the principles of IMO Model Course 1.25.

5 days

40 hours per week

·        Candidates should have a working knowledge of English, sufficient to read, understand, and use maritime radio communication procedures, safety messages, equipment instructions, and standard GMDSS terminology.

·        Candidates should be able to communicate clearly in written and spoken English for maritime safety, distress, urgency, safety, and routine radio communications.

·       Candidates should meet any additional entry requirements set by the relevant flag State, national authority, or approved training centre.

Upon successful completion of this course, trainees will be able to: 

• Efficiently operate GMDSS equipment in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Convention and Code, the ITU Radio Regulations, and applicable GMDSS procedures.

• Assume primary responsibility for radio communications during distress incidents, including the correct transmission, reception, acknowledgement, relay, and cancellation of distress alerts.

• Transmit and receive information using GMDSS subsystems and equipment, fulfilling the functional requirements of GMDSS.

• Provide radio services during emergencies, including abandon ship situations, fire onboard, and partial or full breakdown of radio installations.

• Apply correct distress, urgency, safety, and routine communication procedures using VHF, MF/HF, DSC, INMARSAT, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART/AIS-SART, and portable radio equipment.

• Maintain radio watchkeeping and radio records in accordance with SOLAS, the Radio Regulations, and shipboard operational requirements.

• Use English language communication effectively for safety of life at sea, including IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases, the International Code of Signals, Q-codes, and the phonetic alphabet.

• Support search and rescue radiocommunications, including communication procedures related to the IAMSAR Manual and coordination with MRCC/MRSC and other SAR units.

• Prevent false distress alerts and apply the correct procedures to mitigate their effects if an unintended alert is transmitted.

• Observe safety precautions related to radio equipment, including electrical hazards, antenna safety, and non-ionizing radiation hazards.