Entry & progression
Governing: 46 CFR 11.604, 11.301(e), 12.623, 15.1103(a), (g); 47 CFR Part 13; NMC checklist MCP-FM-NMC5-217 (02) (28 Jul 2017); NMC STCW guidance IV (25 Sep 2019). Builds on: L1.2. Content: MCA GMDSS GOC/ROC in the xplor library.
Two agencies, two documents
| Document | Issuer | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| STCW endorsement – GMDSS Radio Operator | Coast Guard (NMC) | 46 CFR 11.604 |
| GMDSS Radio Operator’s License | FCC | 47 CFR Part 13 |
NMC guidance: “A GMDSS Radio Operator’s License issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is not required for issuance of STCW but is required for employment.”
The STCW endorsement
11.604: “Each applicant for an original endorsement must provide a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved course for operator of radio in the GMDSS meeting the requirements of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code”.
The NMC checklist (02) adds the usual general requirements: medical certificate, TWIC, application, and National Driver Register consent. It lists a minimum age of 19, a figure to confirm against the current revision. BT is not required for this endorsement. If BT evidence is supplied, the NMC adds it.
Under 11.201(h)(2)(vi) GMDSS Radio Operator is the one STCW officer endorsement that does not require Advanced Firefighting.
The FCC licences
47 CFR 13.7 lists, among others:
- GMDSS Radio Operator’s License – the general operator’s certificate (GOC equivalent);
- Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator’s License – the restricted operator’s certificate, for sea area A1;
- GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License, and a combined Operator/Maintainer.
13.201 qualifications:
| FCC licence | Route |
|---|---|
| GMDSS Radio Operator | Written Elements 1 and 7, or a Proof of Passing Certificate from a CG-approved GMDSS course |
| Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator | Elements 1 and 7R, or a PPC from a CG-approved course |
| GMDSS Radio Maintainer | Elements 1, 3 and 9 |
The Coast Guard-approved course therefore does two jobs. It produces the course certificate for 11.604 and the PPC the FCC accepts in place of Elements 1 and 7.
13.15: “Commercial radio operator licenses are normally valid for the lifetime of the holder.” A GMDSS Radio Operator’s License also conveys the authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit and the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (13.8(e)).
When the endorsement is required
- 15.1103(a) – on a seagoing vessel of 500 GT or more, 750 kW or more, or on an international voyage, no person may serve as GMDSS Radio Operator without the STCW endorsement.
- 11.301(e) – GMDSS training is not required for those serving only on ships not fitted with GMDSS; “GMDSS is a separate endorsement that will only be added if the applicant qualifies for it.”
- 15.1103(g) and 12.623 – where a SOLAS GMDSS ship relies on at-sea maintenance, the designated maintainer needs documentary evidence of competence. The STCW GMDSS At-sea Maintainer endorsement requires age 18, training to STCW B-IV/2 or an approved course, and a valid FCC GMDSS At-sea Maintainer certificate.
CAUTION – The OICNW line OICNW training lists include “GMDSS, if serving on a vessel with this equipment” (11.309(a)(4)(xv), 11.319(a)(4)(ix)). On a GMDSS-fitted yacht, a watch officer without GMDSS will carry a limitation she will soon regret.
WARNING – An MCA GOC is not an FCC licence A UK or other foreign GOC does not give you the FCC licence or the US endorsement. Budget for the Coast Guard-approved course.
TIP – Apply to both agencies in the same week Send the course certificate to the NMC with your MMC application and the PPC to the FCC at the same time. The endorsement is useless to an employer until the FCC licence arrives.