Course Description
Students will be taught to operate the radio communications required on board GMDSS-compliant vessels. Students will become proficient with GMDSS equipment and procedural operation along with developing a knowledge of radio wave propagation. The Electronic Navigation and GMDSS Solo courses contain all of the elements contained in the GMDSS model course developed in the United States. This course satisfies the requirements necessary to earn the STCW endorsement as a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Operator. [Lab time required]
This course consists of three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab per week for a semester with a comprehensive final examination.
STCW Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following STCW elements:
- GMDSS-11.14 English language, both written and spoken, for the communication of information relevant to safety of life at sea
- GMDSS-11.14 means to prevent the transmission of false distress alerts and the procedures to mitigate the effects of such alerts
- GMDSS-11.14 procedures in the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual
- GMDSS-11.14 search and rescue radiocommunications
- GMDSS-11.14 ship reporting systems
- GMDSS-12.1 provision of radio services in emergencies - abandon ship
- GMDSS-12.1 provision of radio services in emergencies - fire on board ship
- GMDSS-12.1 provision of radio services in emergencies - partial or full breakdown of radio installations
- GMDSS-12.2 Preventive measures for the safety of ship and personnel in connection with hazards related to radio equipment, including electrical and non-ionizing radiation hazards
Topics
Lecture
- Review of FCC Element 1
- History of GMDSS and SOLAS
- 47 CFR Part 80 Rules and Regulations - FCC sub element A
- Communication Procedures - FCC sub element B
- Equipment Operations - FCC sub element C
- Antennas, EPIRB, SARTS, Survival Craft VHF, NAVTEX - FCC sub element D
- General Information and Systems Overview FCC sub element A
- Principles of Communications - FCC sub element B
- 47 CFR Part 80 Rules and Regulations - FCC sub element C
- DSC and Alpha Numeric ID - FCC sub element D
- Distress, Safety and Urgency Communications - FCC sub element E
- Survival Craft Equipment and SAR - FCC sub element F
- MSI & VHF DSC Equipment - FCC sub elements G & H
- IMARSAT & MF/HF Communications - FCC sub elements I & J
Laboratory
- GMDSS Laboratory Equipment familiarization - rules and safety
- VHF Radiotelephone and DSC Tutor & Manual
- VHF Radiotelephone and DSC competencies demonstration
- VHF Radiotelephone and DSC competency practice
- INMARSAT C Tutor & Manual
- INMARSAT C competencies demonstration
- INMARSAT C competencies practice
- MF/HF Radiotelephony Tutor & Manual
- MF/HF SITOR Tutor & Manual
- MF/HF competency practice
- STCW Competency Examinations INMARSAT C & VHF DSC