GMDSS - GOC

This course is designed to equip candidates with the knowledge, operational understanding, and practical competence required to serve as a GMDSS General Operator and to carry out distress, urgency, safety, and routine radio communications within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. The course covers the correct use of GMDSS communication equipment and procedures applicable to GMDSS operations, including Sea Areas A1, A2, A3, and A4, in accordance with STCW Regulation IV/2, STCW Code Section A-IV/2, SOLAS Chapter IV, the ITU Radio Regulations, and IMO Model Course 1.25 – General Operator’s Certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

9 days | 72 hours
Theoretical & Practical

Be at least 18 years old.

Have adequate English language proficiency, basic computer literacy, and familiarity with the international phonetic alphabet used in maritime radiocommunications.

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.

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

Participants will be assessed through a theoretical written examination and practical competency assessment, in accordance with STCW A-IV/2 and IMO Model Course 1.25.

A minimum passing grade of 70% is required.

Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion for GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) Training, confirming that they have achieved the required theoretical knowledge and practical competence in accordance with STCW Regulation IV/2, STCW Code Section A-IV/2, and IMO Model Course 1.25.