Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems GMDSS

Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems GMDSS

(SCQF level 6)

Part-time, Nautical Studies and Marine Engineering

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Overview

This AMERC (MCA) approved course provides theoretical and practical training for anyone wishing to operate Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) radio systems. It is a mandatory requirement for the issue of an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (COC).

Using GMDSS Wartsila simulation, you will have your own virtual radio station. You will also undertake a variety of interactive activities, supported by Canvas our virtual learning environment (VLE)

The aim is to give those onboard ship who require a GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate or Restricted Operator’s Certificate an Authority to Operate the essential education and training meeting the Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements set out in the STCW. It also covers the current CEPT syllabus and the requirements of Chapter IV of the International Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention 1974 as amended, and relevant ITU Radio Regulations.

The General Operators Certificate (GOC) is the highest level GMDSS radio operator qualification and is suitable for professional mariners including Merchant Navy deck officers, offshore radio operators serving on mobile platforms, and commercial yacht masters.

Holders of the GMDSS GOC are certified to operate all licensed marine radio equipment, including radiotelephony, digital selective calling, radio telex, and satellite mobile earth stations. The certificate can be STCW endorsed and permits the holder to operate the radio installation on GMDSS equipped vessels operating in any of the GMDSS sea areas (A1-A4)

The Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC) GMDSS qualification is designed for mariners who will be operating within GMDSS Area A1 (VHF range) only (the GOC is required for those who will be operating outside A1 areas).

The ROC is also the minimum GMDSS qualification the MCA will accept for certificate of competency revalidation.

Minimum entry requirements

There are no pre-requisites for entry onto our GMDSS course. However, you should be 18 years of age to be issued with a General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) or Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC).

You are not expected to have any prior knowledge of radio systems. A general understanding of geography and measurements of latitude/longitude scales is helpful, but not essential.

What you study

This intensive ten-day course will prepare you for the GMDSS GOC external exam. The course is delivered by a highly experienced team of professionals, providing both breadth and depth of operational and technical knowledge gained in the industry. Course instructors are also experienced AMERC GMDSS examiners who can provide targeted guidance and support to students.

The course is a mix of theory and practical application and covers three main areas:

  • Radio regulations and procedures relating to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
  • Practical operation of GMDSS systems.
  • Radiotelephone procedures.

You will gain detailed practical knowledge of the equipment of ship stations including digital selective calling (DSC), the principles of telex over radio, and to Inmarsat systems.

You'll study:

  • Use of VHF, MF, HF R/T & DSC.
  • Use of Satellite Equipment.
  • Use of EPIRB & SART.
  • Use of NAVTEX.
  • How to Send and Receive Calls and Messages.

There are eleven outcomes to the training:                                                                                       

  • Outcome 1: The learner knows the overall provisions and context of the GMDSS.
  • Outcome 2: The learner will be able to initiate and maintain distress communications.
  • Outcome 3: The learner will be able to initiate and maintain Urgency communications.
  • Outcome 4: The learner will be able to initiate and maintain safety communications.
  • Outcome 5: The learner will be able to transmit and receive general radio communications.
  • Outcome 6: The learner will be able to obtain maritime safety information.
  • Outcome 7: The learner understands the requirements for and is able Lo maintain continuity of radio service.
  • Outcome 8: The learner knows the provisions of emergency radio services for search and rescue or after abandoning ship and is able to maintain on scene communications.
  • Outcome 9: The learner knows and can apply the general principles and basic factors necessary for safe and efficient use of all sub-systems and equipment required in the GMDSS.
  • Outcome 10: The learner is able Lo conduct effective radio communications by application of regulations and the efficient operation of ancillary GMDSS services.
  • Outcome 11: The learner will be able to communicate effectively using radio communication systems.

After the course

It is a mandatory requirement for the issue of an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (COC).

The GMDSS GOC or ROC certificate will be issued by MCA which permits the holder of GOC to operate the radio installation on GMDSS equipped vessels operating in any of the GMDSS sea areas (A1-A4) & holder of ROC to operate within GMDSS Area A1 (VHF range) only.

How the course is taught

The course is taught using modern teaching and learning pedagogy where the students can be in control of their learning & structured around the outcomes. On enrolment students will be provided with the learning material on canvas & copy of notes prior commencement of course.

Interactive classroom sessions will be delivered using full audio, visual, multimedia aids. Students will also have hands on exposure to the use of all GMDSS equipment's.

The course is taught for duration of 2 weeks, over a 10-day period, Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1800.

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