The order of reception of certificates and diplomas of operators GMDSS

There are two kinds of GMDSS operator certificates: general and restricted. Holders of GMDSS general certificate can work on vessels under any flag in all ocean areas. Holders of GMDSS restricted certificate can work in coastal area covered by radio telephone communication of coastal VHF radio station.

To receive GMDSS operator certificate it is necessary to pass three stages:

1.Training at SevNTU TSSC at corresponding courses;

2.Competence test at the State Qualifying Commission of Sevastopol branch of the Training and Certifying Inspectorate of seaferers, radio personnel direction;

3. Registration of GMDSS operator certificate and endorsement  (certification) at the Certificate-Passport Department of the Harbour Master of Sevastopol Sea Merchant port.

Courses program includes theoretical training and simulator training on GMDSS TGS 4100 simulator, manufactured by " Transas Eurasia " company.

On completion of training trainees pass examination to the Qualifying Commission to meet the standard of competence stated in table IV/2 of the STCW Code. This examination is the same as qualification SQC examination, radio personnel direction (see further).

Data concerning the issued certificates are immediately passed to the State Register of Documents of Seafarers of Ukraine.

At the stage of competence test an exit session of the State Qualifying Commission, radio personnel direction - Sevastopol branch of the Training and Certifying Inspectorate of seaferers is organized on the basis of courses simulator classroom.

Schemes of both examinations (courses test and competence test at SQC, radio personnel direction) are the same and meet the requirements of the STCW Code:

first stage - candidates carry out written test, answering four questions;
second stage – is a computer test; it is offered to answer 12 questions from the approved list of 137 questions.
third stage - candidates demonstrate skills in operation of GMDSS equipment, carrying out 7 operational tasks.

Particulars of examinations:

all questions, answers and tasks for candidates for GMDSS general certificate are in English, for candidates for GMDSS restricted certificate – only questions of  written test and answers to them;
each of theoretical stages of examination is considered passed if 75 % of the given answers are correct;
the operational test is considered passed if a candidate switches on, adjusts and  carries out regulated kinds of tests of all equipment correctly; is able to transfer and receive distress calls, carries out correct distress radio exchange; performs all procedures for prevention and canceling of false distress calls; is able to perform other kinds of work, using the equipment.

On successful pass of the qualification test, radio personnel direction, at the State Qualifying Commission a candidate receives Session Examination Record which is the basis for Certificate-Passport Department of Harbour Master of Sevastopol Merchant Sea Port to issue GMDSS certificate and endorsement, samples of which are approved by Ministry of Transport of Ukraine.

Groups of training are formed weekly. The period of training: Wednesday - Tuesday, examination - Tuesday.

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