All mariners know that GMDSS Course Certificate tend to be one of the most important documents in deck officer’s profile. It is true since according to the existing regulations all vessels above 300 GT must be equipped with Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); therefore officers skilled in its operation must be present on board. The GMDSS Courses are available all over the world to provide necessary qualifications and certificates.

The GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) course consists of theoretical and practical modules. During the first part students are given SOLAS principles, regulations and protocols in case of emergency and distress. Practical module includes radio equipment operation and exercises in radio-telephone communication. GMDSS GOC training duration varies from 7 to 15 days in different centers. There is an exam at the end of the course.

The GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC) course is designed for deck crew those vessels operate within A1 Sea Area which is approximately 30 to 40 nautical miles (56 to 74 km) i.e. within coverage of VHF radiotelephony. Training syllabus includes VHF procedures in the maritime industry and practical knowledge of GMDSS equipment. Exam with written and simulated tasks finishes the course.

Apart from these two basic certificate courses, there are a number of other useful GMDSS associated trainings. Thus, as the initial certificates should be revalidated in 5 years there are Refresher versions of GMDSS GOC and ROC courses. The GMDSS General Operator (GOC) Refresher Course not only goes through principles of Maritime Radio Communication, Mobile and Satellite Service, but also pays attention to fault location, SAR and influence of human element on error chain. Meanwhile, GMDSS Restricted Operator (ROC) Refresher Course focuses on radio station operation, MAYDAY, PAYPAN and Securitas emergency calls, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for SRC / VHF as well as power suppliers and minor troubleshooting.

Another popular GMDSS course allows upgrading qualification from the GMDSS Restricted Operator to the General Operator Certificate. The Retraining of GMDSS Operators from ROC to GOC Certificates course eliminates gaps in programs between two courses to brings the knowledge of participants up.