COURSE OVERVIEW:

The Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems (GMDSS) – GOC (General Operator's Certificate) course is a mandatory technical program for deck officers and maritime communication specialists. This course examines the automated system of terrestrial and satellite communications used worldwide to alert shore-based rescue authorities and nearby vessels in the event of an emergency. It provides the legal and technical proficiency required to operate all GMDSS sub-systems in all Sea Areas (A1, A2, A3, and A4).

The scope of this training involves the mastery of Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Inmarsat satellite terminals, and NAVTEX receivers. Participants will explore the hierarchy of maritime communications, ranging from Distress (Mayday) and Urgency (Pan-Pan) to Safety (Securite) and Routine traffic. The program emphasizes the practical skills needed to initiate and coordinate Search and Rescue (SAR) communications, ensuring that distress alerts are accurately transmitted and acknowledged according to ITU and IMO regulations.

Coverage includes the maintenance and testing of emergency equipment such as EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and SARTs (Search and Rescue Transponders). The course addresses the legal requirement for maintaining a radio logbook and the prevention of "False Distress Alerts," which can divert critical rescue resources. By providing hands-on training with GMDSS simulators and live equipment, this course ensures that participants are fully qualified to maintain a continuous radio watch and respond effectively to maritime emergencies globally.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Identify the GMDSS sub-systems and their operational sea areas.
2. Operate VHF, MF, and HF radio equipment using Digital Selective Calling (DSC).
3. Manage Inmarsat-C and FleetBroadband satellite communication terminals.
4. Execute Distress, Urgency, and Safety communication procedures correctly.
5. Interpret NAVTEX and SafetyNET maritime safety information (MSI).
6. Perform routine and emergency testing of EPIRBs and SARTs.
7. Maintain an accurate and legal GMDSS Radio Logbook.
8. Coordinate Search and Rescue (SAR) communications as an On-Scene Coordinator.
9. Prevent and cancel "False Distress Alerts" according to international protocols.
10. Utilize Portable GMDSS VHF radios for survival craft communications.
11. Explain the role of MRCCs (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers).
12. Manage vessel power supplies and batteries for emergency radio use.
13. Navigate the ITU Radio Regulations and GMDSS operational procedures.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Deck Officers, Shipmasters, Radio Operators, Marine Communication Technicians, and Offshore Installation Managers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.