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The GMDSS Operator's License qualifies personnel as Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio operators for the purposes of operating GMDSS radio installations including some basic equipment adjustments. It also confers the operating authority of the Marine Radio Permit (MP). The GMDSS is also required for operation of the new satellite-based marine emergency equipment.
GMDSS operators are in the process of replacing all radiotelegraph operators as Morse code is being phased out on the high seas. Unlike Amateur Radio licenses which convey both operating and repairing, constructing, and maintaining privileges, holders of the GMDSS Operators license may NOT repair or maintain GMDSS equipment.
To qualify, you must:
- be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
- be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
- pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.
The GMDSS Radio Operator's License term was a period of five (5) years. for all licenses issued prior to 2008.
An FCC rule making effective March 25, 2008 established LIFETIME license terms for MROP, GMDSS, and Restricted GMDSS licenses. Renewed licenses issued after 3/25/08 will be renewed as a LIFETIME license. Those licenses that remain a 5 year term license( Radio Telegraph) have a 5 year grace period for renewal. After the five year grace period expires, applicants must retake the requisite written and/or telegraphy examination(s). An expired certificate is not valid for any
radio operations.
To obtain the GMDSS/O you must pass written examinations covering radio law (Element 1), and GMDSS radio operating practices (Element 7). Applicants must submit, to the Commission, proof of passing written and/or telegraphy Elements as illustrated in the following table.
| About Written Elements |
| There are seven written elements in the COLE System numbered 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. All questions are multiple choice with four possible answers - only one of which is correct. Here is a list of the written examination elements, the number of questions within each question pool, the number of exam questions and the passing mark. You need to get 75% of the questions correct in order
to pass. |
|
| Element |
Overview |
Questions
in Pool |
Questions
in Exam |
Passing
Mark |
| 1 |
Basic radio law and operating practice |
170 |
24 |
18 |
| 7 |
GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: general information, narrow band direct printing, INMARSAT, NAVTEX, digital selective calling, and survival craft. |
600 |
100 |
75 |
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