General Operator´s Certificate, GOCLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Knowledge and understanding of and proficiency in:
- GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) and its sub-systems
- principles of using the frequencies of the global maritime distress and safety system
- correctly using all equipment of a ship radio station
- procedures of maritime radio traffic as well using the frequencies and channels of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)
- emergency, safety, and other radio communication duties on MF, HF and VHF frequency bands and via RMSS terminals in compliance with international Radio Regulations in all circumstances

The course prepares the student to pass the theory examination of the GOC qualification concerning maritime radio system and ship radio station.

Content

- principles of GMDSS
- sea areas and ships' radio equipment
- coastal radio stations
- certificates
- radio licenses
- utilization of literature related to radio station operation
- inspections at a radio station
- methods to ensure the operation of a radio station
- DSC
- MF, HF and VHF radiophones
- mobile VHF radiophones
- use of antennas
- frequencies and channels of a radio station
- radio communication duties
- RMSS
- SART
- EPIRB
- MSI receiving methods
- procedures in emergency situations, procedures defined in the Radio Regulations concerning emergency and safety radio communications on MF, HF and VHF frequency channels, and in RMSS: distress traffic, urgent traffic, safety traffic, radio medical traffic
- routine maritime radio communications on MF, HF and VHF frequency channels and via RMSS terminals
- use of frequencies and channels
- making of necessary entries in the radio log
- reception and interpretation of MSI messages

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student achieves the objectives at a good level and successfully completes the GMDSS exam.

Materials

- Short range certificate, SRC
- Radio English
- Simulator training at the management level 1
- Approved training and simulator training during studies

Further information

Participation in all lessons and training sessions is obligatory.

Accomplishment methods

Students can
- use professional vocabulary and concepts in an expert way in different situations
- look for information in the key information sources of the field
- identify interrelated tasks
- choose appropriate models, methods, software and techniques according to the purpose and justify these choices

In addition, competence evaluation according to STCW code table A-IV/2 column 4 are used:
- transmission and reception of communications comply with international regulations and procedures and are carried out efficiently and effectively
- English language messages relevant to the safety of the ship, security and persons on board and protection of the marine environment are correctly handled
- response is carried out efficiently and effectively