GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC) Course

Lesson 1 • Operator Roles and Responsibilities

Defines the duties of a GMDSS radio operator aboard a vessel. Establishes accountability for watch-keeping, maintenance, and log-keeping.

Lesson 2 • GMDSS Sea Areas Defined

Defines the four sea areas A1 through A4 and their coverage characteristics. Determines which equipment is mandatory for each area.

Lesson 3 • Origins and Purpose of GMDSS

Traces the evolution from Morse-based distress systems to GMDSS. Provides context for why the system exists and what problems it solves.

Lesson 4 • International Regulatory Structure

Identifies the international bodies governing GMDSS and their roles. Links regulatory authority to operator certification requirements.

Lesson 1 • Frequency Bands Used in GMDSS

Surveys VHF, MF, HF, and satellite frequency allocations relevant to GMDSS. Links each band to its propagation characteristics and sea area coverage.

Lesson 2 • Interference and Noise Sources

Identifies natural and man-made sources of interference affecting GMDSS communications. Prepares operators to recognize and mitigate signal degradation.

Lesson 3 • Antenna Systems and Polarization

Describes antenna types used in maritime radio and their radiation patterns. Connects antenna selection to effective communication range and reliability.

Lesson 1 • DSC Urgency and Safety Calls

Distinguishes urgency and safety call procedures from distress and explains when each is appropriate. Builds correct decision-making for non-distress priority calls.

Lesson 2 • DSC Distress Alerting Procedures

Trains operators to initiate and respond to DSC distress alerts on Channel 70 and MF/HF distress frequencies. Covers both automated and manual alert composition.

Lesson 3 • MMSI Registration and Configuration

Covers how MMSIs are assigned and programmed into DSC controllers. Ensures operators can verify and update vessel identity data correctly.

Lesson 4 • DSC Routine and Individual Calls

Covers ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast routine DSC calling procedures. Develops proficiency in everyday DSC use beyond emergency scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Phonetic Alphabet and Prosigns

Drills the ITU phonetic alphabet and standard procedural words used in voice radio. Ensures clear, unambiguous transmission in all conditions.

Lesson 2 • VHF Channel Assignments and Watch

Maps VHF channels to their designated purposes in the maritime mobile service. Establishes mandatory watch requirements on Channel 16 and Channel 70.

Lesson 3 • Urgency and Safety Voice Procedures

Covers PAN PAN and SECURITE call formats and their appropriate use. Distinguishes these from distress and routine traffic in decision-making.

Lesson 4 • Distress Voice Procedures

Trains the full MAYDAY call sequence and subsequent distress traffic management. Covers both initiating and receiving vessel roles.

Lesson 1 • EPIRB Types, Registration, and Testing

Distinguishes float-free and manual EPIRBs and their installation requirements. Covers registration, battery replacement, and self-test procedures.

Lesson 2 • Radar Transponders: SART Operation

Explains how 9 GHz SARTs respond to X-band radar sweeps to create a locating pattern. Trains correct activation and positioning for maximum detection.

Lesson 3 • Survival Craft Radio Equipment

Identifies portable VHF radios and other communication devices required in survival craft. Trains correct use during abandonment and rescue phases.

Lesson 4 • EPIRB Technology and Cospas-Sarsat System

Explains how EPIRBs transmit distress signals and how the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network processes them. Links signal encoding to SAR response speed.

Lesson 1 • Inmarsat-C Terminal Operations

Trains operators to send and receive messages, distress alerts, and EGC broadcasts via Inmarsat-C. Covers terminal setup, polling, and position reporting.

Lesson 2 • Inmarsat Voice and Data Services

Covers Fleet Broadband and legacy voice services for ship-to-shore communication. Distinguishes service tiers and their applicability to GMDSS requirements.

Lesson 3 • Satellite Distress Alert Procedures

Consolidates distress alerting via all satellite paths available in GMDSS. Trains operators to select the appropriate satellite system under emergency conditions.

Lesson 4 • Iridium and Non-Geostationary Systems

Introduces low-Earth-orbit satellite systems as complements or alternatives to Inmarsat. Addresses polar coverage advantages relevant to high-latitude voyages.

Lesson 1 • MSI Categories and Sources

Defines the types of maritime safety information and the authorities that issue them. Establishes why continuous MSI reception is a GMDSS functional requirement.

Lesson 2 • NAVTEX Receiver Configuration and Use

Trains practical setup and operation of a NAVTEX receiver for a planned voyage. Covers station selection, message storage, and printer management.

Lesson 3 • SafetyNET and Inmarsat-C MSI

Covers satellite-delivered MSI via SafetyNET for sea areas beyond NAVTEX coverage. Trains operators to configure Inmarsat-C terminals for EGC reception.

Lesson 4 • Acting on MSI in Voyage Planning

Applies received MSI to practical navigation decisions and watch-keeping. Bridges the gap between information reception and operational response.

Lesson 1 • On-Scene Communication Procedures

Trains communication between vessels and aircraft during an active SAR operation. Covers frequency selection, message formats, and information exchange.

Lesson 2 • Integrated Distress Scenario Practice

Applies all GMDSS systems in a simulated multi-vessel distress scenario. Develops decision-making, system selection, and communication management under pressure.

Lesson 3 • SAR Organization and Coordination

Explains the structure of maritime SAR systems and the roles of RCCs and OSCs. Provides the organizational context for all on-scene communications.

Lesson 4 • Locating Signals and Homing

Covers the use of SART, AIS-SART, and portable VHF for locating survivors. Trains operators to home on signals and guide rescue assets.