DSC - Detailed notes

The GMDSS enables Maritime Rescue Centres and radio stations to keep automatic watch on the
distress channels. A ship equipped with a DSC apparatus can make a distress call by simply
pressing a button, which results in an automatic alarm signal at the maritime rescue centre nearest
to the vessel.
DSC can be used for all kinds of radio calls between ship-ship and ship-shore–ship. DSC calls are
made on channel 70, which means that any voice communication on this channel is not allowed.
The DSC call includes and shows the following information:
- Format or Type of Call
- Receiver or Party ID
- Call Category or Priority
- Telecommand
(follow-up radio communication)
- Working Channel
1. FORMAT OR TYPE OF CALL
One of the following are chosen on the DSC apparatus:
- distress alert / distress call in a distress
- all ships a call to all stations
- selective/individual a call to one station
(e.g. in routine calls)
- group a group of stations
- area / geographical call to stations in a
particular area

2. PARTY/RECEIVER ID (IDENTIFICATION)
The receiver of the call (Party ID) you can click either the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
number of the recediving station, a group call number or area call number. The MMSI always
contains nine digits.
Example of MMSI Number system:
MMSI Vessel Explanation
230252000 230 country code (Finland)
always three digits
252000 (ship’s number)
MMSI Coast Station Explanation
002301000 00 means coast station in general
230 country code (Finland)
number of particular coast station
1000 (Turku Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre)
3. CALL CATEGORY OR PRIORITY
- distress
- urgency
- safety
Routine Communication can be of two kinds:
- routine
- ship’s business
4. TELECOMMAND
This gives information on what kind of follow-up radio communication the sender wishes to have. It
also gives information on what kind of message the sender is giving. The most common
telecommand choices include:
- telephony G3E/F3E simplex
o voice communication on VHF
- distress acknowledgement
o request for acknowledgement of distress call
- distress relay alert
o request for relay of distress
- ship’s position
o request for a vessel’s position to be shown on DSC (routine call)
5. WORKING CHANNEL
The one who sends a DSC call can suggest a working channel for continued voice radio
communication.
NOTE: When a vessel is calling a coast station it does not suggest a working channel. The coast
station announces which radio channel to continue on.

ROUTINE COMMUNICATION WITH DSC CALL
EXAMPLE 1

A RADIO MESSAGE FOR SUOMENLINNA COAST GUARD STATION
COMPARE THE FOLLOWING TO THE EXAMPLES SENT WITHOUT DSC:
A Russian yacht Marlene is approaching the Finnish coast on its way to spend a holiday partly in
Helsinki and partly by sailing in the Finnish archipelago. According to European union laws a
foreign pleasure boat must report for passport control when she has entered the territorial waters
of one of the member states. The Marlene is a luxury yacht and is linked to GMDSS and has DSC.
It is 12.30 at Suomenlinna Coast Guard Station on a fine summer day.
The DSC at Suomenlinna starts signalling and shows the following message:
Format: SELECTIVE
Party ID: 002300005
Category ROUTINE
Telecom 1 TELEPHONY (F3E/G3E SIMPLEX)
Work channel NONE
Transmitted CH 70
NOTE: Marlene does not suggest a working channel. In communication between ship and coast
station, it is always the coast station that determines the choice of working channel.
SELECTIVE directed to a specific station only
PARTY ID 002300005 the MMSI number of Suomenlinna Coast Guard Station

The Coast Guard station sends the following acknowledgement:
Format: SELECTIVE
Party ID: 273678951
Category: ROUTINE
Telecom 1: TELEPHONY (F3E/G3E SIMPLEX)
Work Channel: 74
Transmitted: Ch 70
Party ID 273678951 = the MMSI number of Marlene
Format SELECTIVE = directed towards one station
The Coast Guard Station suggests:
Work channel 74
After this Marlene CONTINUES BY VOICE COMMUNICATION on channel 74:
Calling Finnish Coast Guard Suomenlinna, Finnish Coast Guard Suomenlinna,
This is Russian vessel Marlene, JAAA,
Russian vessel Marlene JAAA,
On VHF channel 74.
Over.

Russian Vessel Marlene JAAA,
This is Finnish Coast Guard Station
Suomenlinna,
Over.

Finnish Coast Guard station,
This is Russian yacht Marlene,
My position is: Latitude: 59° 56.9´ N Longitude : 024° 56.3´ E
I am in the approach channel passing Helsinki Lighthouse. I am proceeding to the Coast Guard
Station for passport control. REQUEST: Please give instructions to reach Suomenlinna Coast
Guard Station. Over.
Marlene,
This is Finnish Coast Guard.
INSTRUCTIONS: Proceed along the fairway. Pass Harmaja Lighthouse and proceed along the fairway
distance 1.6 miles. Take fairway depth 9.6, course 328°.
Proceed distance 0.8 miles. You can see the information on your starboard side.
I repeat: Proceed along the fairway. Pass Harmaja
Lighthouse and proceed along the fairway distance 1.6 miles. Take fairway depth 9.6, course 328°. Proceed
distance 0.8 miles. You can see the information on your starboard side. Over.
Finnish Coast Guard ,
This is Marlene.

UNDERSTOOD. I will proceed along the fairway and pass Harmaja Lighthouse. I will take fairway
depth 9.6, steering course 328°. I will proceed along the fairway distance 0.8 miles ahead. I can
see information sign on starboard side. THANK YOU AND OUT.
AS YOU NOTICED THE DSC CALL REPLACES THE INITIAL VOICE COMMUNICATION CALL
AND ANSWER ON CHANNEL 16. CHANGING TO A WORK CHANNEL ALSO HAPPENED VIA
DSC.
THUS A TRADITIONAL VOICE TRANSMISSION ON CHANNEL 16 DIFFERS SLIGHTLY IN THE INITIAL STAGE BUT RADIO PROCEDURE IS OTHERWISE THE SAME.
DSC DISTRESS COMMUNICATION

DSC DISTRESS INFORMATION:
A distress alert by Digital selective call should include the following information:
·  the nature of call is DISTRESS
·  MMSI number of vessel in distress
·  position of vessel in distress in coordinates
·  position at TIME
·  nature of distress
·  suggestion for follow up communication ( voice or text)
NOTE:
·  A distress call is always addressed at all stations.
·  Voice communication always takes place on channel 16.
NATURE OF DISTRESS
The DSC apparatus has a menu including the following choices for nature of distress:
·  fire, explosion
·  flooding
·  collision
·  grounding
·  listing in danger of capsizing
·  sinking
·  disabled and adrift
·  undesignated distress
·  abandoning ship
·  piracy/armed robbery attack
·  man overboard
·  EPIRB

EXAMPLE - DISTRESS CALL DSC
Area A1 on VHF
The DSC shows the following information:
Format: DISTRESS
Distress ID 230136780 (MMSI number of vessel)
Postion: 59 23 N 020 36 E
Pos.UTC: 1345 UTC
Nature of distress: LISTING IN DANGER OF CAPSIZING
Telecom: TELEPHONY (F3E/G3E SIMPLEX)
Transmitted: Ch 70
EXAMPLE - DISTRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT DSC
Area A1 on VHF
The Distress call is acknowledged by MRCC Turku:
The acknowledgement repeats the information in the Distress Call.
It is directed to and seen on the DSC apparatus by all ships in the vicinity.
Format: ALL SHIPS
From: 002301000
Category: DISTRESS
Telecom 1: DISTRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Distress ID: 230136780
Position: 59 23 N 020 36 E
Pos.UTC: 1345 UTC
Nature of distress: LISTING IN DANGER OF CAPSIZING
Telecom: TELEPHONY (F3E/G3E SINPLEX)
Transmitted: Ch 70
AFTER THIS FOLLOWS VOICE COMMUNICATION ON CHANNEL 16
DISTRESS MESSAGE
MAYDAY
This is 230136780
VERA
CALL SIGN JULIETT ALFA BRAVO CHARLIE
POSITION: 59º 23´ NORTH 020º 36´ EAST
Heavy leaking, danger of capsizing. Sea is rough.
Three men on board, five men in dinghy.
REQUEST: I require immediate assistance.
DISTRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
MAYDAY
VERA VERA VERA
Call sign Juliett Alfa Bravo Charlie
This is RESCUE CENTRE TURKU RESCUE CENTRE TURKU
RESCUE CENTRE TURKU
RECEIVED MAYDAY
Over
FOLLOWED BY A MAYDAY RELAY FROM THE RESCUE
CENTRE ON CHANNEL 16...
MAYDAY RELAY MAYDAY RELAY MAYDAY RELAY

ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS
This is 002301000
Rescue Centre Turku Rescue Centre Turku Rescue Centre Turku
Following received from Vera Juliett Alfa Bravo Charlie at 1200 UTC on VHF channel 16 :
Begins
Mayday
This is Vera
Juliett Alfa Bravo Charlie
In position 59º 23´ NORTH 020º 36´ EAST
Heavy leaking, danger of capsizing. Sea is rough.
Three men on board, five men in dinghy.
REQUEST: I require immediate assistance.
Ends
Ships in area report to Rescue centre Turku
Over
DSC SAFETY COMMUNICATION
The following is an example of the MESSAGE STRUCTURE of a Safety Call with DSC by Turku
Radio. This call is seen by vessels in the area.
Format: All ships
From: MMSI NUMBER (002300230)
Category SAFETY
Telecom: TELEPHONY (F3E/G3E SIMPLEX)
Work Channel 16
Transmitted: Ch 70
It is followed by a safety call by voice communication sent by Turku Radio on VHF channel 16, so
that every vessel, even smaller ones without DSC will receive the warning. The safety message is
then read on the traffic channel:
SAFETY CALL ON CHANNEL 16:
SECURITÉ SECURITÉ SECURITÉ
ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS
THIS IS: MMSI NUMBER
NAME OF STATION 1 X:
NAVIGATIONAL WARNING
PLEASE SWITCH TO TRAFFIC CHANNELS
SAFETY MESSAGE ON TRAFFIC CHANNEL:
SECURITÉ SECURITÉ SECURITÉ
ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS
THIS IS: MMSI NUMBER
NAME OF STATION 1 X:
NAVIGATIONAL WARNING ….

DSC URGENCY COMMUNICATION
A vessel or a coast station can send an urgency call (Pan-Pan call) by DSC. The DSC call contains
information on which channel the voice communication will be read (Channel 16). The call can be
directed to all stations or directly to the nearest Maritime Rescue Centre.
A Pan-Pan message may be sent in, for example, the following situations:
·  a person has fallen overboard and the ship needs help with search and rescue
·  signals have been observed that might be distress signals
·  when reporting on missing vessels
·  if a person on board a vessel needs immediate medical assistance
·  red rockets have been observed
EXAMPLE
The following is an example of an Urgency call to all stations by DSC:
A
Format ALL SHIPS
Category URGENCY
Telecom 1 TELEPHONY (F3E/G3E SIMPLEX)
Work Channel 16
Transmitted 70
A vessel can send an urgency call directly to the nearest Maritime Rescue Centre. Example of a
call sent to MRCC Turku:
B
Format SELECTIVE
Party ID 002301000
Category URGENCY
Telecom 1 TELEPHONY F3E/G3E SIMPLEX)
Work channel NONE
Transmitted CH 70

NOTE: when sending a DSC call to a Rescue Centre or Coast Station a vessel does not suggest
the working channel. This is done by the Coast Station or Rescue Centre.

Communications systems in the GMDSS

Satellite communications
Satellite communications are particularly important elements of the GMDSS.
1The Inmarsat system, which employs geostationary satellites and operates in the 1.5 and 1.6 GHz band (Lband),
provides ships fitted with ship earth stations with a means of distress alerting and a capability for two-way
communications using direct-printing telegraphy, data transmission and radiotelephone. L-Band satellite EPIRBs
are also used for distress alerting. The International SafetyNET system is used as a main means to provide MSI to
areas not covered by the International NAVTEX system.
2 A polar-orbiting satellite system, operating in the 406 MHz band using satellite EPIRBs (COSPAS–
SARSAT system), provides one of the main means of distress alerting and determining the identity and position
of the ship in distress or its survivors in the GMDSS.
Terrestrial communications
3 With terrestrial communications, DSC forms the basis of distress alerting and safety communications.
Distress and safety communications following a DSC call can be performed by radiotelephony or direct-printing
telegraphy or both.
Long-range service
4 Use of HF provides a long-range service in both the ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship directions. In areas
covered by Inmarsat it can be used as an alternative to satellite communications and outside these areas it provides
the only long-range communication capability. Frequencies have been designated in the 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 MHz
bands for this service.
Medium-range service
5 MF radiocommunications provide the medium-range service. In the ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and
shore-to-ship directions 2187.5 kHz is used for distress alerts and safety calls using DSC, and 2182 kHz is used for distress and safety traffic by radiotelephony, including SAR co-ordinating and on-scene communications. 2174.5 kHz is used for distress and safety traffic by direct-printing telegraphy.
Short-range service
6 VHF provides short-range service on the frequencies:
. 156.525 MHz (channel 70) for distress alerts and safety calls using DSC, and
. 156.8 MHz (channel 16) for distress and safety traffic by radiotelephony, including SAR co-ordinating
and on-scene communications.
There is no short-range direct-printing telegraphy service on VHF.

Portside and Starboard side

(Information collected from Net)

Most of you might have heard the term Portside and Starboard side in relation to a ship.. These are actually nautical terms which refer to the left and right side of the ship respectively when you are looking towards the Bow (the front of the ship – also known as Fore).. The rear of the ship is termed as Stern (also known as Aft)..

As per Wikipedia, before ships had rudders on their centerlines, they were steered by use of a specialized steering oar.. This oar was held by an oarsman located in the stern (back) of the ship.. However, like most of society, there were many more right-handed sailors than left-handed sailors. This meant that the steering oar (which had been broadened to provide better control) used to be affixed to the right side of the ship..

If you find yourself on a ship, how do you know which side is starboard and which side is port? As a Naval Man the answer is quite simple - Port is left and starboard is right. But if you were travelling on a ship for the first time, how could you remember that? Well, it is really quite simple. There are four letters in the words PORT and LEFT so you can easily remember that the left side of a ship is the port side.

Mnemonic devices

• The sailor left port with a red nose.
• Port and left both contain four letters.
• "No, port left"
• The common abbreviation P.S. (for postscript) can be viewed as port ("left") and starboard ("right").
• "Star light, star bright, starboard is to the right."
• A ship that is out on the ocean has "left port".
• Terms referring to the right side are longer words ("starboard", "right", and "green"), while terms referring to the other side are shorter words ("port", "left", and "red").
• The phrase "Any red port left in the can?" can be a useful reminder. It breaks down as follows:
  • The drink port is a fortified red wine—which links the word "port" with the color red, used for navigational lights (see below).
  • "Left" comes from the phrase and so port must be on the left.
  • The reference to "can" relates to the fact that port-hand buoys are "can"-shaped.
• A variation on the above is "Two drops of red port left in the bottle." Also: "Port wine is red; so is the port light."

 

Must watch the video

Duties of Radio Officer in an Oil Rig

·        Maintain radio communications with shore bases, other vessels and helicopters.

·        Maintain watch on international distress frequencies in order to be of assistance if required.

·        In the event of rig emergency maintains communication with bases and outside emergency co-ordination centers.

·        Provide helicopters with current weather information as required.

·        Maintain SAR watch whilst helicopters in transit to and from rig.

·        Liaise with Helicopter Landing Officer reference helicopter movements.

·        Relay helicopter flight information to helicopter shore base if requested by pilot.

·        Ensure compliance with requirements for radios and associated equipment during radio silence periods.

·        Advise supply vessels of helicopter movements, emergency drills and radio silence requirements.

·        Make regular PA announcements reference helicopter movements, radio silence and other safety related information.

·        Conduct planned maintenance on radio and navigation equipment.

·        Conduct weekly checks on emergency batteries (radio equip) and charger system.

·        Conduct scheduled inspections and maintenance on all radio and navigation equipment.

·        Including emergency communication and navigation equipment in lifeboats etc.

·        Assist Electronic Technician to troubleshoot and repair faulty radio an navigation equipment.

·        Make weather observations and reports if required

GOC~~ EXAMINATION SYLLABUS

GOC 5. EXAMINATION SYLLABUS
The information contained in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 has been extracted from
Annex 1 of the text of the recommendation proposed by the Working Group
“Radio Regulatory” (RR) for the Harmonised Examination Procedures for the
General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) – Recommendation T/R 31-03 E (Bonn
1993) – Edition of 1st May 1993 and ERC Decision Annex 1 of ERC/DEC/(99)01
of 10 March 1999.
GOC 5.1 Examination Syllabus for the GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC)
The examination should consist of theoretical and practical tests and shall
include at least:
5.1.1 Knowledge of the General Principles and Basic Features of:
(a) The Maritime Mobile Service.
(b) The Maritime Mobile -Satellite Service.
5.1.2 Detailed Practical Knowledge and Ability to use the Basic
Equipment of a Ship Station:
(a) Practical use of the basic equipment of a ship station.
(b) Digital Selective Calling (DSC).
(c) General principles of Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) and Telex Over
Radio (TOR) Systems. Ability to use maritime NBDP and TOR equipment
in practice.
(d) Usage of Inmarsat Systems. Inmarsat equipment or simulator in
practice.
(e) Fault locating.
5.1.3 Operational Procedures and Detailed Practical Operation of GMDSS
Systems and Sub-Systems:
(a) Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS).
(b) Inmarsat.
(c) NAVTEX.
(d) Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).
(e) Search and Rescue Radar Transponder (SART).
(f) Distress, Urgency and Safety Communication Procedures in the GMDSS.
(g) Distress, Urgency and Safety communications with non-SOLAS ships
which only use radiotelephony
(h) Search and Rescue Operation (SAR).
5.1.4 Miscellaneous Skills and Operational Procedures for General
Communications:
(a) Ability to use English Language, both written and spoken, for the
satisfactory exchange of communications relevant to the safety of life at
sea.
(b) Obligatory procedures and practices.
(c) Practical and theoretical knowledge of general communication
procedures.
GOC 5.2 Examination Syllabus Guidelines for the GMDSS GOC
5.2.1 Knowledge of the Basic Features of the Maritime Mobile Service
and the Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service:
(a) The general principles and basic features of the Maritime Mobile Service:
(i) Types of communication in the Maritime Mobile Service:
Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications
Public Correspondence
Port Operation Service
Ship Movement Service – Intership Communication
Onboard Communication.
(ii) Types of station in the Maritime Mobile Service:
Ship Stations
Coast Stations
Pilot Stations, Port Operations Station etc
Aircraft Stations
Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC).
(iii) Elementary knowledge of frequencies and frequency bands:
The concept of frequency
The equivalence between frequency and wavelength
The unit of frequency: Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz
The sub-division of the most significant part of the radio
spectrum: MF, HF, VHF, UHF, SHF.
(iv) Characteristics of frequencies:
Different propagation mechanisms: propagation in free space,
ground wave, ionospheric propagation
Propagation on MF
Propagation on different HF bands
Propagation on VHF and UHF.
(v) Knowledge of the role of the various modes of communication:
DSC
Radiotelephony
NBDP
Facsimile
Data
Morse Telegraphy.
(vi) Knowledge of the different types of modulation and classes of
emission:
Classes of emission
Carrier frequency and assigned frequency
Bandwidth of different emissions
Official designations of emissions (e.g. F1B, J3E, A3E, A1A, etc.)
Unofficial designations of emissions (e.g. TLX, SSB, AM, CW, etc.).
(vii) Frequencies allocated to the Maritime Mobile Service:
The usage of MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and SHF in the Maritime Mobile
Service
The concept of radio channel – simplex, semi-duplex and duplex
Paired and unpaired frequencies
Frequency plans and channelling systems: HF and VHF telephony
(relevant appendix of the Radio Regulations), HF NBDP (relevant
appendix of Radio Regulations)
MF telephony and NBDP for Region 1 (Geneva 85 plan)
GMDSS distress and safety frequencies
Distress and safety frequencies of the pre -GMDSS system
Calling frequencies.
(b) The general principles and basic features of the Maritime Mobile Satellite
Service:
(i) Basic knowledge of satellite communications:
Inmarsat space segment
Modes of communication: telex services, telephone services, data
and facsimile communications, store and forward operation
Distress and safety communications
Inmarsat-A/B communication services
Inmarsat-C communication services
Inmarsat Enhanced Group Call (EGC) System.
Inmarsat-M communication services
(ii) Types of station in the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service:
Land Earth Station (LES)
Network Co-ordination Station (NCS)
Mobile Earth Station (MES) Ship Earth Station (SES).
5.2.2 Detailed Practical Knowledge and Ability to use the Basic
Equipment of a Ship Station
(a) Knowledge of, and ability to use in practice, the basic equipment of a
ship station:
(i) Watchkeeping Receivers:
The controls and usage of VHF DSC watch receiver.
The controls and usage of MF DSC watch receiver and MF/HF
DSC watch receiver.
(ii) VHF Radio Installation:
Channels.
Controls.
Usage.
DSC.
(iii) MF/HF Radio Installation:
Frequencies.
Typical controls and usage, e.g. connecting the power, selected
Rx/Tx frequency, selecting ITU channel number, tuning the
transmitter, selecting the class of emission, using volume control
and squelch, using clarifier or Rx fine tuning, controlling RF gain,
using automatic gain control, using the 2182 kHz instant selector,
testing the alarm generator, using the alarm generator.
(iv) Antennae:
Antennae Isolators.
VHF Whip Antennae.
MF/HF Whip Antennae.
MF/HF Wire Antennae.
Satellite antennas.
(v) Batteries:
Types of Marine Batteries and their Characteristics.
Charging.
Maintenance of Batteries.
UPS Systems
(vi) Survival Craft Radio Equipment:
Portable Two-Way VHF Radiotelephone Apparatus.
SART.
EPIRB.
(b) Digital Selecting Calling:
(i) Call Format Specifier:
Distress Call.
All Ships Call.
Call to Individual Station.
Geographical Area Call.
Group Call.
Automatic, Semi-Automatic Service.
(ii) Call Address Selection with the MMSI Number System:
The Nationality Identification.
Group Calling Numbers.
Coast Station Numbers.
Ship Station Numbers.
(iii) Call Categorisation:
Distress.
Urgency.
Safety.
Other Communications.
(iv) Call Telecommand and Traffic Information:
Distress Alerts.
Other Calls.
Working Frequency Information.
(c) Knowledge of the General Principles of NBDP and TOR Systems.
Ability to use Maritime NBDP and TOR Equipment in practice:
(i) NBDP Systems:
Automatic Systems.
Semi-Automatic Systems.
Manual Systems.
ARQ, FEC Modes.
ISS/IRS Arrangement.
Master and Slave.
Radio Telex Number.
Answerback.
Numbering of the SSFC Selective Calling System.
(ii) TOR Equipment (Telex Over Radio):
Controls and Indicators.
Keyboard Operation.
(d) Knowledge of the Usage of Inmarsat Systems. Ability to use Inmarsat
Equipment or Simulator in Practice:
(i) Inmarsat-A/B Mobile (Ship) Earth Station.
Satellite Acquisition.
Telex Services.
Telephone Services.
Data and Facsimile Communications.
(ii) Inmarsat-C Mobile (Ship) Earth Station.
Components of an Inmarsat-C Terminal.
Entering and Updating Position.
Usage of an Inmarsat-C MES (SES).
Sending and Receiving Text Messages.
(iii) Inmarsat EGC Receiver.
Pre-programming an MES (SES) for EGC Message Reception.
Selecting Operating mode for EGC reception.
(e) Fault Locating:
Proficiency in Elementary Fault Localisation by means of built-in
Instruments or Software in accordance with Equipment Manuals.
Elementary Fault Diagnosis and Repair such as Replacement of Fuses,
Indicator Lamps, Antenna Maintenance.
5.2.3 Operational Procedures and Detailed Practical Operation of GMDSS
System and Sub-Systems.
(a) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS):
(i) Sea Areas and the GMDSS Master Plan.
(ii) Watchkeeping on Distress Frequencies.
(iii) Functional Requirements of Ship Stations.
(iv) Carriage Requirements of Ship Stations.
(v) Sources of Energy of Ship Stations.
(vi) Means of Ensuring Availability of Ship Station Equipment.
(vii) Licences, Radio Safety Certificates, Inspections and Surveys.
(b) Inmarsat Usage in the GMDSS:
(i) Inmarsat-A/B MES (SES):
Distress Communications: Use of Distress Facility, Satellite
Acquisition, Telex and Telephony Distress Calls, Procedures for
Distress Calls, Rescue Co-ordination Centres associated with
CESs.
(ii) Inmarsat-C MES (SES):
Distress and Safety Services: Designated and Undesignated
Distress Alert, Distress Priority Message, 2-Digit Code Service
Codes.
(iii) Inmarsat EGC:
Purpose of the EGC System:
All-Ships Messages and Inmarsat System Messages, Classes of
Inmarsat-C SES and their EGC reception.
(c) NAVTEX:
(i) The Navtex System:
Purpose of Navtex.
Navtex Frequencies.
Reception Range.
Message Format (Transmitter ID, Message Type, Message Number).
(ii) Navtex Receiver:
Selection of Transmitters.
Selection of Message Types.
Messages which cannot be Rejected.
Use of Operator Controls and Changing Paper.
(d) Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs):
(i) Satellite EPIRBs:
Basic Characteristics and Operation of 406 MHz and 1.6 GHz.
121.5 MHz EPIRBs including Homing Functions.
Information Contents of a Distress Alert.
Manual Usage.
Float-Free Function.
Routine Maintenance: Testing, Checking Battery Expiry Date,
Cleaning of the Float-Free Release Mechanism.
(ii) VHF DSC EPIRB:
Basic Characteristics of operation on Ch 70.
(e) Search and Rescue Radar Transponder (SART):
Primary Technical Characteristics.
Operation.
Range of a SART Transmitter.
Testing and Checking Battery Expiry Date.
(f) Distress, Urgency and Safety Communication Procedures in the GMDSS:
(i) Distress Communications:
DSC Distress Alert:
Definition of Distress Alert.
Transmission of Distress Alert.
Transmission of Shore-to-Ship Distress Relay.
Transmission of Distress Alert by Station not itself in Distress.
Receipt and Acknowledgement of a DSC Distress Alert:
Acknowledgement Procedures by Radiotelephony.
Acknowledgement Procedures by NBDP.
Receipt and Acknowledgement by a Coast Station.
Receipt and Acknowledgement by Ship Station.
Handling of Distress Alerts:
Preparations for Handling of Distress Traffic.
Distress Traffic Terminology.
Testing DSC Distress and Safety Calls.
On-Scene Communications.
SAR Operation.
(ii) Urgency and Safety Communications:
The Meaning of Urgency and Safety Communications.
Procedures for DSC Urgency and Safety Calls.
Urgency Communications.
Radio Medical services, Medical transports.
Safety Communications.
(iii) Radiotelephony Communications with Non-GMDSS Stations:
Distress Signal.
Distress Call.
Distress Message.
Acknowledgement of a Distress Message.
Distress Traffic Terminology.
Transmission of a Distress Message by a Station not itself in Distress.
Medical Advice.
Safety Signal.
(iv) Reception of Maritime Safety Information (MSI):
Reception by NAVTEX, INMARSAT EGC, HF NBDP.
The Navigational Warning Signal of the Old Distress and Safety System.
The Navigational Warnings Transmitted by Radiotelephony.
(v) Protection of Distress Frequencies:
Guard Bands.
Tests on Distress Frequencies.
Transmissions during Distress Traffic.
Avoiding Harmful Interference.
Prevention of Unauthorised Transmissions.
(g) Search and Rescue Operation (SAR):
(i) The Role of RCCs.
(ii) International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual
(IAMSAR).
(iii) Maritime Rescue Organisations.
(iv) Ship Reporting Systems.
5.2.4 Miscellaneous Skills and Operational Procedures for General Communications:
(a) Ability to use English Language, both Written and Spoken, for the Satisfactory
Exchange of Communications relevant to the Safety of Life at Sea:
(i) Use of the International Code of Signals and the IMO Standard Marine
Navigational Vocabulary/Seaspeak.
(ii) Recognised Standard Abbreviations and Commonly Used Service Codes.
(iii) Use of International Phonetic Alphabet.
(b) Obligatory Procedures and Practices:
(i) Effective Use of Obligatory Documents and Publications.
(ii) Radio Record Keeping.
(iii) Knowledge of the Regulations and Agreements Governing the Maritime
Mobile Service and the Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service.
(c) Practical and Theoretical Knowledge of General Communication Procedures:
(i) Selection of Appropriate Communication Methods in Different
Situations.
(ii) Traffic Lists.
(iii) Radiotelephone Call:
Method of Calling a Coast Station by Radiotelephony.
Ordering for Manually Switched Link Call. Ending the Call.
Special Facilities of Calls.
Method of Calling a Coast Station by DSC.
Selecting an Automatic Radiotelephone Call.
(iv) Radiotele gram:
The Parts of a Radiotelegram: Preamble
Service Instructions and Indications
Address, Text, Signature.
Addresses: Full Address
Registered Address
Telephonic Address
Telex Address.
Word Count.
Transmission of a Telegram by Radiotelephony.
Transmission of a Telegram by Radiotelex.
(v) Traffic Charges:
International Charging System.
Inmarsat Communications Charging System.
AAIC Code.
The Meaning of Land Line (LL), Coast Station (CS) and Ship Station (SS)
charges.
Currencies used in International Charging.
(vi) Practical Traffic Routines.
(vii) World Geography, especially the Principle Shipping Routes and Related
Communication Routes.
GOC 5.3 Conditions of the Awards
The GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) will be awarded to applicants who
have, by means of satisfactorily completing the appropriate standard written and
practical tests, demonstrated their knowledge and ability in the area detailed in
Sections 5.1 and 5.2.