GMDSS Operators License (DO)

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
-----John Wooden, Legendary
UCLA Basketball Coach

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The General Radio Operators License test comprises of element 1 and element 7.

Element 1
   
Element 7
   

Each Element 1 test consists of 24 questions from a pool of 170 questions.  To pass you must successfully answer 18 of those questions from this testing element.

Each Element 7 test consists of 100 questions from the question pool of 600 questions. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least at least 75 out of 100 questions.

Description

The DO qualifies personnel as Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio operators for the purposes of operating GMDSS radio installations including some basic equipment adjustments. 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 GMDSS Radio Operator's License is issued for the holder's lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for a GMDSS Radio Operator's License was five years. Any holder of a GMDSS Radio Operator's License that expired prior to March 25, 2008, must still file an application to renew the license within the five-year grace period after expiration.)

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 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
  • survival craft

To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.