The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, commonly referred to as GMDSS, is an essential framework designed to enhance safety at sea. This maritime distress safety system ensures that ships are equipped to communicate distress signals effectively. So, what is GMDSS? It is a comprehensive set of regulations and technologies that facilitate maritime safety, allowing vessels to send and receive crucial information during emergencies.

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Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

Maritime Distress and Safety Communications for the 21st Century: Understanding the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is crucial for ensuring safety at sea. The Global Maritime Distress Safety System is designed to enhance maritime safety and facilitate effective communication during distress situations. So, what is GMDSS? It is a comprehensive maritime distress safety system that integrates various communication technologies to provide reliable assistance and information to vessels in need.

Modern maritime communication system with screens, phones, and keyboards.

gmdss licensing & certification

U.S. Requirements

US COAST GUARD / STCW CERTIFICATION

The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring compliance with the international Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchstanding (STCW) convention. These standards mandate that officers-in-charge of a navigation watch on compulsory Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) vessels complete a 70-hour U.S. Coast Guard approved GMDSS training course. Upon successful completion of this required training, the Coast Guard will endorse the mariner's Merchant Marine Credential, indicating their qualification in the Global Maritime Distress Safety System.

FCC LICENSING

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that two licensed radio operators be present on all GMDSS certified ships. These operators must possess a valid FCC GMDSS Radio Operator's license. To obtain this license, candidates must pass two written examinations (FCC Element 1 and Element 7).

ELEMENT 1

The Element 1 exam addresses the basics of radio regulations and operating procedures that every maritime radio operator should be familiar with. To pass this exam, the examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions.

ELEMENT 7

The Element 7 exam focuses on GMDSS Radio Operating practices, procedures, regulations, and equipment, providing enough detail to demonstrate the examinee's knowledge of all aspects of the maritime distress safety system. The exam includes questions from the following categories:

* General information

* Narrow-Band Direct-Printing

* INMARSAT Satellite

* Maritime Safety Information

* Digital Selective Calling

* Survival Craft Equipment

To successfully pass this exam, the examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.

World-Class Training

At GMDSS Academy we aren't like the other guys. Here's why:

* We focus on one thing - the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

(GMDSS is not a sideline - it's all we do)

* Our instructors are experts in the field.(They teach one course - GMDSS)

* We use an integrated, building-block approach to training. Each day, you gain extensive knowledge of a specific GMDSS topic in the morning and practice with the equipment that afternoon. This positive reinforcement helps you master the topic in a shorter period of time.

* Our GMDSS labs are laser-focused on USCG performance standards. You will rapidly gain proficiency with GMDSS equipment and be fully prepared to demonstrate your ability to meet USCG competency requirements.

* Our teaching facilities are state-of-the art. You will practice hands-on skills with real and simulated GMDSS equipment. It's the best of both worlds.

For more than 30 years we have helped our students succeed with GMDSS training and certification. Let us be part of your success!

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

Welcome

gmdss licensing & certification

U.S. Requirements

World-Class Training