WHO REQUIRES 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
WHERE IS THE GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE (GOC) COURSE RUN?
- Chieftain Training, Hamble, Southampton
- Chieftain Training, Helensburgh, Scotland
The GMDSS GOC Course is run from both our Helensburgh and Southampton 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 on day 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?
The GOC course is approved by the MCA and includes all aspects of GMDSS. It will prepare you for the final exam. The exam has three components
- Written Paper – Radio Procedures and Regulations
- Voice Exercise – Simulated Distress Communications
- Practical Exam – Use of GMDSS Equipment
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE COURSE?
- 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 (on street) parking
- 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 on the last day of 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