WHO NEEDS A GMDSS ROC RESTRICTED OPERATOR CERTIFICATE?
The MCA Restricted Operator Certificate (GMDSS ROC course) is one of our GMDSS courses and is specifically required by Officers and Masters on the following vessels operating in Sea Area A1 (up-to about 35 miles from a coast station);
- Yachts, workboats and fishing vessels (over 24m)
- Cargo ships (over 300 tonne)
- All passenger vessels
More specifically
- Master 200 (code vessel, limited area) candidates
- Master of hovercrafts COC (less than 500 tonnes, near coastal) candidates
- OOW (less than 500 tonnes, near coastal) candidates
- Master (less than 500 tonnes, near coastal) candidates
- Master (less than 3000 tonnes, domestic voyages only) candidates
- Some fishing COC candidates
- Local Pilots
- Harbour Masters, VTS radio operators
- Wind farm and workboat operators in Sea Area A1
- Radio Operators/ Medics on board static rigs in sea Area A1
Those seafarers operating on SOLAS ships beyond Sea Area A1 (i.e. operating more than about 35NM from a coast radio station) will require the GMDSS STCW GOC General Operator Certificate.
The ROC trumps the RYA SRC Short Range Certificate so can also be used on small craft and leisure craft.
WHERE IS THE GMDSS RESTRICTED OPERATOR CERTIFICATE (ROC) COURSE RUN?
- Hamble, Southampton, Solent
- Helensburgh, Scotland
The GMDSS ROC Course is run from both our Helensburgh and Hamble Training Centres.
HOW LONG IS THE GMDSS RESTRICTED OPERATOR CERTIFICATE (ROC) COURSE?
3 Days, which includes the MCA ROC exam on the final day. The GMDSS ROC course typically runs Monday to Wednesday or Friday to Sunday.
WHAT ARE THE PRE REQUISITES FOR THE GMDSS ROC (RESTRICTED OPERATOR CERTIFICATE)?
- Candidates must be fluent in the English language
- Minimum age 18
- Learn the Phonetic Alphabet
- Bring 4 passport photos
WHAT IS COVERED ON THE GMDSS RESTRICTED OPERATOR CERTIFICATE COURSE?
The ROC course covers all aspects of GMDSS for Sea Area A1and prepares you for the exam on day 3. Content includes;
- Safety of life at sea (SOLAS)
- General radio regulations
- Pro words and phrases
- Distress, Urgency and safety working
- Log-keeping
- Battery charging
- Fuse testing
- Class A Marine VHF and DSC
- Voice procedures
- Navtex
- EPIRB
- SART
The exam has three components;
- Written Paper – Radio Procedures and Regulations
- Voice Exercise – Simulated Distress Communications
- Practical Exam – Equipment Performance Test
You will have plenty of opportunity during the three days to practice the various components of the exam.
INCLUDED IN THE COURSE?
- Use of our Class A VHF Radios
- Use of our Transas 5000 GMDSS simulators
- Use of our live Navtex sets
- 3 days of training (including the exam)
- Course Notes
- Tea and Coffee
- Free (on street) parking
- GMDSS ROC Course Completion Certificate
NOT INCLUDED IN COURSE?
- Lunch
- MCA certification fee (paid directly to them after your course for the issue of the Certificate of Competence).
WHAT IS THE TEACHING RATIO FOR GMDSS ROC RESTRICTED OPERATOR CERTIFICATE COURSES?
Maximum of 12 students per course . We have more live kit than any other training centre so you will not be sat waiting your turn.
How do I apply for a STCW Endorsement to my GMDSS ROC Certificate of Competence
If serving as an officer on a UK registered vessel you must apply to the Maritime Coastguard Agency to have 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).