GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Course – Hamble/Southampton & Scotland
The GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) is the highest level marine radio qualification required for officers working on commercial vessels worldwide. This MCA-approved GOC course, delivered in Southampton (Hamble) and Scotland, is essential for those progressing towards OOW and Master Certificates of Competency.
WHAT IS A GOC?
The GOC (General Operator Certificate) is the highest GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System) CoC (Certificate of Competence). It is a radio operator’s license that is recognised in every developed country in the world.. The UK GOC is often regarded as the best GOC to have. This is proven by the number of foreign seafarers who choose to come to us to study.
WHO NEEDS A GMDSS GOC GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE?
The MCA GMDSS GOC General Operator Certificate is required by officers on SOLAS vessels, yachts, workboats and fishing vessels over 24m, cargo ships over 300 tonnes and passenger vessels of any size. More specifically;
- Officers and Masters on all SOLAS (foreign going) vessels over 24m
- Master 200, 500 & 3000 candidates (yacht & workboat)
- OOW and/or Chief Mate candidates (yacht & merchant)
- Some fishing COC candidates
- Radio Operators/Medics on board offshore “jack up” rigs
- Royal Navy Officers
GOC COURSE LOCATION?
The GMDSS GOC Course is run from both our Helensburgh and Hamble Training Centres.
GMDSS GOC GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE GOC OVERVIEW
The STCW GOC is the highest level marine radio qualification within the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System). GOC Certificate of Competence holders can operate any marine radio equipment on any vessel anywhere on the planet. The certificate complies with the STCW code.
HOW LONG DOES THE GMDSS GOC COURSE TAKE?
The GOC course is 8 days including the exam. Usually candidates will take their exam in sections on days 3, 7 and 8. We run the course over 8 consecutive days (i.e. no weekend off) so you have the least time away from your ship or yacht.
WHAT ARE THE GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE PRE REQUISITES?
- Candidates must be fluent in the English language
- Minimum age 18
- Have learnt the Phonetic Alphabet before your course
- Bring 2 passport photos
- RYA Short Range Certificate (recommended but not essential)
WHAT IS COVERED ON THE GMDSS GOC COURSE?
- What is GMDSS & GMDSS Overview
- Marine radio regulations and licensing
- Radio Propagation and Modulation
- VHF Channels and MF/HF Frequencies
- Voice procedures and Phonetic Alphabet
- VHF and DSC
- MF and HF radio (Single Sideband Radio)
- GMDSS Portable radio
- Navtex
- ALRS and other publications
- EPIRBs and SARTs
- Battery and fuse testing.
The GOC course is approved by the MCA and includes all aspects of GMDSS. It will prepare you for the final exam. The exam is conducted as part of the course. The exam has four components
- Written Paper 1 – Radio Procedures and Regulations Area A1
- Written Paper 2 – Radio Procedures and Regulations Area A2, 3, 4
- Voice Exercise – Simulated Distress Communications on Class A equipment
- Practical Exam – Use of GMDSS Equipment
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE COURSE?
- 9 days at one of our MCA-approved GMDSS training centres
- Use of our Class A VHF, MF, HF Radios
- Use of our Transas 5000 GMDSS simulators
- Use of our live Navtex sets and other simulators
- 7.5 days of training and 0.5 day exam
- GMDSS Course Notes
- Free Tea and Coffee
- Free Parking
- GMDSS GOC Course Completion Certificate
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE GMDSS GOC COURSE?
- Lunch
- MCA certification fee (paid directly to them after your course for the issue of the Certificate of Competence).
The GOC certificate can be STCW endorsed by the MCA for those who require a Certificate of Competence to operate radio equipment onboard “GMDSS compulsory fit” vessels operating in GMDSS Sea areas (A1 – A4). This is done by completing the necessary form online after your course.
WHAT RATIO IS THE GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE (GOC) COURSE TAUGHT TO
A maximum of 12 students to 1 instructor, however we run the course with as few as 3 students, (or even 1:1 and 2:1 for bespoke courses).
The MNTB and MCA insist that GOC Training centres catering for up to eight students have at least one SSB, one Class A VHF, one Sat-C , one Fleet Broadband and one Navtex for use throughout their course. We smash those equipment ratios and in many cases have one radio per person. See GMDSS Courses for an up to date list of the equipment in our GMDSS suite.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A STCW ENDORSEMENT TO MY GMDSS CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE?
As radio personnel serving on a UK registered vessel you must apply to the Maritime Coastguard Agency to get your original global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) certificate endorsed so it meets the standards for training, certification and watch keeping (STCW) requirements. This applies to General Operator Certificates (GOC) and Restricted Operator Certificates (ROC), and is done after your course
WHO WILL BE TEACHING THE COURSE?
Chieftain Trining has a highly experienced team of AMERC/MCA Examiners who teach this course. They include The MCA’s 2 former GMDSS Chief Examiners who between them inspected all GMDSS centres and wrote the exams used by all GMDSS centres.
GMDSS GOC Course – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC)?
The GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) is the highest level marine radio qualification required for officers on commercial vessels operating worldwide. It allows you to operate all GMDSS equipment, including VHF, MF/HF and satellite communication systems.
Who needs a GOC certificate?
You need a GOC if you are working towards an MCA Certificate of Competency (CoC), serving as a deck officer on commercial vessels, operating on SOLAS vessels, or progressing from SRC or LRC to a professional maritime role.
Do I need aGOC certificate to become an OOW?
Yes both the OOW (unlimted) and OOW (yacht up to 3000 tonnes) required the GMDSS GOC Certificate of Competence.
Do I need a GOC to become a Master 200?
A Master 200 (unrestricted) requires a GOC. The Master 200 (restricted) can use a GOC or an ROC.
What is the difference between GOC, ROC and SRC?
The GOC is a professional-level qualification covering global maritime communications, including satellite systems and MF/HF radio. rs. The ROC (Restricted Operator Certificate) is a shorter version of the GOC and covers any size craft only for coastal use (VHF) in sea area A1. The SRC (Short Range Certificate) is an entry-level licence limited to VHF radio use (again area A1), typically for leisure sailors and small craft use
What is the difference between GOC and LRC?
Both certificates cover all sea areas (A1, A2, A3, A4). The LRC (Long Range Certificate) is intended for yachts and other small craft (under 300 tonnes). The GOC is required on larger craft and covers small craft as well.
How long does the GOC course take?
The GMDSS GOC course runs over 8 consecutive days, including both training and examination. It is an intensive course designed to prepare candidates for the MCA assessment.
How difficult is the GOC exam?
The GOC exam is considered challenging due to the breadth of material, including distress procedures, satellite communications and radio regulations. However, with proper instruction and practice, most candidates pass successfully.
Do I need an SRC before taking the GOC?
No, an SRC (Short Range Certificate) is not a formal prerequisite for the GOC. However, many candidates find it helpful as it introduces basic VHF procedures.
Is the GOC required for Yachtmaster Offshore or OOW qualifications?
Yes, the GOC is typically required for MCA commercial Certificates of Competency such as Officer of the Watch (OOW). It is not required for the standard Yachtmaster Offshore..
What equipment will I learn to use on the course?
You will train on VHF DSC radios, MF/HF DSC radio systems, Inmarsat and Iridium satellite equipment, EPIRBs, SARTs and NAVTEX receivers.
Where can I take the GOC course?
We offer MCA-approved GOC courses at our training centres in Hamble (Southampton) and Helensburgh (Scotland), both equipped with professional GMDSS training facilities.
What does GMDSS stand for?
GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. It is an internationally recognised system used to ensure ships can communicate distress and safety information worldwide.
Can I fail the GOC exam?
There are 4 exams conducted during the course. It is possible to fail individual elements and candidates can usually resit any sections they need to. Your first re sit is free of charge. If you have still failed then we will discuss the solution on a case by case basis
How long is a GOC certificate valid?
The UK GOC certificate Of Competence does not expire, but the STCW Endorsement needs revalidating every 5 years.
What is the STCW Endorsement?
If you work internationally on a SOLAS vessel then you wil probably require an STCW endorsement on your GOC CoC. This is done by uploading the relevent STCW basis safety and ENG1 certificates to the MCA.
What jobs can I get with a GOC?
A GOC is required for roles such as deck officer (OOW), Chief Mate or Master of commercial vessels, super-yachts, and offshore workboats. It is also requited by radio operators onboard oil rigs and offshore installations.
Do I need the STCW Endorsement if i work on a rig?
No
What equipment will i use on the GOC course
Most training centres use a computer simulator and you spend 8 days in front of it. At Chieftain you will learn on the widest range of GMDSS equipment of any training centre in the world. We use live Class A VHFs, live MH/HF sets and live Navtex, our radios have had transmitters removed so your calls and alerts wil not leave the training suitse. Weonly use computer simulators for the satellite section which is about 15% of the course.
Is the GOC course worth it?
If you are pursuing a professional maritime career, the GOC is essential. It is a mandatory qualification for many MCA Certificates of Competency and significantly improves employability in the commercial marine sector.
What is the pass rate for the GOC
Pass rates vary by provider, but candidates who attend a structured course and complete all training exercises have a high likelihood of success. Chieftain Training’s first time pass rate is 96%. The remaining 4% have had to re sit while still with us and have left the course with a pass. We have only ever had one student (0.033%) who did not leave us with the certificate.
COURSE DATES & PRCES
We generally run two GOC courses a month, one in Scotland and one in Hamble. There are limited places on each course. Please check the calendar below for available dates. If the calendar is not displaying you will need to turn off your VPN.