Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

Overview

The person operating Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment is required under the International Maritime Organisation, Safety of Life at Sea (IMO SOLAS) convention to hold a certificate to prove competences (knowledge and practical skills) to operate GMDSS equipment. In the maritime sector, operators can hold 1 of the following radio certificates:
- GOC (General Operator’s Certificate): required on SOLAS vessels operating also outside GMDSS Sea Area A1,
- ROC (Restricted Operator’s Certificate): required on SOLAS vessels operating only within GMDSS Sea Area A1,
- LRC (Long Range Certificate): required on non SOLAS vessels operating also outside GMDSS Sea Area A1,
- SRC (Short Range Certificate): required on non SOLAS vessels operating only within GMDSS Sea Area A1,
- VHF (Restricted radiotelephone operator's certificate (Very High Frequency): a certificate similar to SRC that proves only the competence to operate a VHF DSC radio - in some countries it is not recognised.

Certificates are issued by national agencies based on examination.

What you'll get

GMDSS General Operator's Certificate/Restricted Operator's Certificate/VHF Short Range Certificate.

Eligibility

Seafarers who undergo training in GMDSS and successfully pass an examination.

How to apply

Fill in the online form and submit.

Together with the following:
i) Completed application form.
ii) Processing fee.
iii) Photo of applicant.
iv) Proof of identification.
v) Examination result.
vi) Proof of Sea Service for renewal purposes.