GMDSS Radio Operator Course

Objective

To qualify the student, not a seafarer, to perform the tasks of General Radioperator, according to Rule IV/2 of the International Convention STCW-1978 and its amendments and Table A-IV/2 of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW-1978 Code and its amendments and the Brazilian Maritime Authority Standards.

Target Group

Workers who wish to work as General Radioperators.

Prerequisites

– RG and CPF;
– Passport (expatriate);
– Be more than eighteen (18) years old;
– Have completed high school or technical school;
– Occupational health certificate (ASO) or certificate of good physical and health condition; and
– Present a diploma, certificate, or declaration that possesses knowledge of English and computer skills, at a basic level, which allows one to obtain knowledge in order to perform onboard communications in the international technical language.

Examination

The students will be given an initial 1-hour assessment for the purpose of leveling them. At the end of the sixth day, the student will go through a second 2-hour evaluation at the end of the Communications Systems and Procedures subject. And at the end of the course, the student will undergo a 4-hour practical evaluation of the transmission/reception test in critical emergency, rescue, and safety situations.

Validity: 5 years

Course Contents

Communications Systems and Procedures – 43 hours
1. Basic Principles and Characteristics of a Communications System – 06 hours
2. Power Sources and Emission from the Stations – 02 hours
3. Principles and Basic Characteristics of Maritime Mobile Satellite Service – 01 hour
4. General Principles and Basic Structures of the GMDSS – 04 hours
5. GMDSS Communication Systems – 20 hours
6. Other GMDSS Systems – 02 hours
7. Operational Procedures for General Communication – 04 hours
8. Protection of Distress Frequencies – 02 hours
9. Search and Rescue – 02 hours

Onboard Communications Systems Operation – 30 hours
1. VHF Radiotelephone Operation – 03 hours
2. MF/HF Radiotelephone Operation – 02 hours
3. Navtex Operation – 04 hours
4. Radiotelex (NBPD) operation – 04 hours
5. INMARSAT-C operation – 04 hours
6. INMARSAT-A operation – 02 hours
7. INMARSAT-B Operation – 04 hours
8. VHF/MR/HF DSC operation – 04 hours
9. EPIRB and SART operation – 01 hour
10. Discussion of Real or Hypothetical Cases Involving Emergency Messages – 02 hours

Reserve time – 08 hours
Exam time – 07 hours

Legislation: Rule IV/2 of the International Convention STCW-1978 and its amendments and Table A-IV/2 of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW-1978 Code and its amendments and the Brazilian Maritime Authority Standards.