Our 70-hour course satisfies the training requirements found in Section A-IV/W of the STCW Code. Students successfully completing this course will be eligible for an endorsement on their STCW Certificate as "Valid for service on vessels operating in the GMDSS system."

In addition to meeting international and U.S. regulatory requirements, the object of the course is to train students who will operate radio equipment on vessels participating in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. This is accomplished through a combination of classroom lectures, simulation, practical demonstrations, and hands-on exercises.

Students learn how to operate GMDSS radio equipment in both emergency and routine situations. Emphasis is placed on procedures to transmit a DISTRESS call in time of emergency, procedures to mitigate the transmission of false distress alerts, and procedures to facilitate successful search and rescue operations at sea. Other topics will be covered that describe the routine use of GMDSS radio equipment to receive Maritime Safety Information (MSI), communicate by Narrow Band Direct Printing, and use INMARSAT satellite equipment to send and receive routine messages.

February 21 - March 6, 2010

Linthicum, Maryland

Tuition: $1,895.00

Lodging and meal package: $175.00/day

FCC Test fees: $50.00

August 22 - September 4, 2010

Linthicum, Maryland

Tuition: $1,895.00

Lodging and meal package: $175.00/day

FCC Test fees: $50.00