GMDSS RADIO COURSE – GOC – BASIC

Registration: This course is currently not included in our regular schedule and is only available on demand. Please send us a request at sjonam@sjonam.fo or by phone at +298 665888 and we will get back to you with an offer. The minimum number of participants per course group is 3, and the maximum is 12.

Endorsement: STCW 78 A-IV/2 incl. Manila 2010 amendments.

Applicable to: All seafarers.

Entry requirements: Comprehension of the Faroese language.

Objective:
Participants are taught the theoretical and practical aspects relating to STCW 78 A-IV/2, incl. the Manila 2010 amendments. This knowledge is required for radio operators on fishing and merchant ships in international shipping.

In accordance with Faroese law no.2 of 16 May 2004 regarding the conditions for using radio equipment in maritime radio services, as amended by law no. 1 of 26 August 2009, a written exam and an oral exam with a practical element are required.

Upon passing of the exams, the Faroese Telecommunications Agency issues a General Operator Certificate (GOC), which is a general GMDSS radio operator qualification for the use of all GMDSS equipment. GOC radio certificates are issued to persons aged 18 and above.

Contents: According to the exam register of the Faroese Telecommunications Agency, participants will be examined on the following:

1) Basic principles of maritime radio services and satellite communication, including

a) Types of communication

b) Types of stations

c) Frequencies and frequency bands

d) Distribution of radio waves

e) Communication methods

f) Transmission and modulation types

g) Antennas

h) Power supply, incl. batteries

2) The use of

a) Watchkeeping receivers

b) VHF radio equipment

c) MF/HF radio equipment

d) Search and rescue devices such as emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), search and rescue radar transponders (SART) and portable handheld VHF radio equipment

e) Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

f) NAVTEX receivers

g) Satellite communication (equipment or simulators)

h) Radio telex equipment

3) Basic fault diagnostics using built-in measuring tools and basic fault correction such as changing fuses and the like

4) Procedures for and handling of:

a) GMDSS

b) Inmarsat in GMDSS, including

   1) Inmarsat A/B

   2) Inmarsat C

   3) Inmarsat EGC

c) Emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

d) Search and rescue radar transponders (SART)

e) Emergency, urgency and safety communications in GMDSS

f) Emergency, urgency and safety communications with ships that do not use GMDSS equipment

g) Reception of maritime safety information (MSI)

h) Search and rescue services (SAR)

5) The English language, both written and spoken, for the communication of information relevant to safety of life at sea.

6) Rules and regulations applying to ships, including keeping a radio log.

7) Procedures for regular communication, including

a) Selection of appropriate communication method in different circumstances

b) Traffic lists

c) Radiotelephone exchanges

d) Radiotelex messages

e) Prices

f) Practical traffic procedures

g) The principal shipping routes

h) Identify Inmarsat coast stations

i) Identify the principal coast radio stations

Validity: 5 years.

Number of participants: Minimum 3. Maximum 12.