GMDSS Operators License (DO)

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

Only subscribers have access to these tests.

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

Jump to
Element 1
 
Each test consists of 24 questions from a pool of 144 questions.  To pass you must successfully answer 18 of those questions from this testing element.

 

Element 1 - Random Tests by Sub-element  
  Rules and Regulation - includes
    Equipment Requirements
    License Requirements
    Watchkeeping
    Logkeeping
    Log Entries
    Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations
 
 
  Communications Procedures - includes
    Bridge-to-Bridge Operations
    Operating Procedures
    Distress Communications
    Urgency and Safety Communications
    GMDSS
 
  Equipment Operations - includes
    VHF Equipment Controls
    VHF Channel Selection
    MF-HF Equipment Controls
    MF-HF Frequency & Emission Selection
    Equipment Tests
    Equipment Faults
 
  Other equipment - includes
    Antennas
    Power Sources
    EPIRBS
    SARTS
    Survival Craft VHF
   NAVTEX
 

 

Element 7
   
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.

 

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.