The General Operator's Certificate is the highest level of radio operator’s licence available to the professional mariner. It meets all STCW conditions and is a requirement for unlimited MCA Certificates of Competence.

The GOC permits the holder to operate the radio installation on board any vessel operating in any Sea Area, with additional responsibility for equipment testing and undertaking any emergency communications. 

Pre- Course Requirements

Candidates must be over 18, have a good command the English Language and know the phonetic alphabet.

GOC Course Content

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) masterplan, components and how they work together.

SOLAS procedures for transmission and reception of Distress, Urgency and Safety Communication across all platforms.

Practical operation of:

• MF/HF/VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• MF/HF Transceiver
• VHF Radio
• Fleet F77 Voice
• Inmarsat C Telex
• Navtex Receiver
• Inmarsat C EGC
• Portable survival equipment - EPIRB, SART, AIS-SART, Handheld VHF.
• Distress communications and logkeeping.
• General radio regulations, systems and good practice.
• Battery maintenance.

GOC Course Delivery

Classroom teaching for the GOC is mixed with multiple practical sessions to consolidate the skills and procedures taught to achieve the required standard.

Live equipment is used for practical sessions on MF/HF/VHF, DSC and NAVTEX operation, each student also has their own Transas GMDSS simulation station for mastering Inmarsat equipment.

Mock exam papers are provided for private study in preparation for the written exam.

Assessment and Certification

The GOC is assessed by an external AMERC examiner, there are 3 components to the exam.

1. Radio Communication and Logkeeping (Practical and Written)
2. Solas Procedures and Radio Regulations (Written)
3. Operational Performance (Practical)

The examiner will advise candidates of their result on completion of all 3 modules, the exam papers are then sent to AMERC for verification and the GOC certificates are issued accordingly.

Client Testimonials

Really good balance of taught sessions and guided/supported study.Very clear explanations and analogies. James - GMDSS GOC Candidate, January 2019

To book onto a course click on a date, at the bottom left of the page click on 'BOOK NOW'. 

Course Cost

Course Fee £1,125.00

Exam Fee £180

Total (Inc. VAT) £ 1,305.00

Course Duration

8 Days.

Week 1 - Monday to Friday.

Week 2 - Monday to Wednesday

Exams taken in the afternoon on day 8