GMDSS Radio Operator (DO)

Description: The DO qualifies the holder to operate, and make some basic equipment adjustments to, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio installations. It also confers the operating authority of the MP.

Qualifications: To qualify, you must:

• be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and

• be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and

• pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described below under Examinations.

Term of License: A DO is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for a DO was five years. Any holder of a DO that expired prior to March 25, 2008, was required to file an application to renew the license within the five-year grace period after expiration.)

How to Obtain a License: Submit FCC Form 605 along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates. Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew a license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Golden Aviation and Electronics Training will assist you with filling out these documents as part of your training package.

Examinations: To obtain an FCC Commercial Operator License, applicants must submit, to the Commission, proof of passing written element.

Written Examination Elements:

• Element 1 - Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions.

• Element 7 - GMDSS Radio Operating Practices. GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices are sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: general information, narrow-band direct printing, INMARSAT, NAVTEX, digital selective calling, and survival craft. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.

• In lieu of proof of passing Written Examination Elements 1 and 7, applicants may submit proof of passing certificate issued by the United States Coast Guard or its designee representing a certificate of competency from a Coast Guard-approved training course for a GMDSS endorsement.