Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:46 PM AWST

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Transmit and receive information by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

Transmit and receive information by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

Unit of competency
National Code
MARO011
State Code
OCG86
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/10/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/04/2021
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
09/04/2021
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to transmit and receive information by Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) subsystems and equipment.This unit applies to people performing radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS.This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:Master of a commercial vessel less than 500 gross tonnage (GT)Master of a commercial vessel UnlimitedWatchkeeper Deck.Licensing/Regulatory InformationThis unit is equivalent and delivers the objectives of the following STCW provisions:STCW Reg IV/2 and Code Section A-IV/2, Table A-IV/2. Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit.This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Master of a commercial vessel less than 500 gross tonnage (GT), Master Unlimited or Watchkeeper Deck and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Operate GMDSS subsystems and equipment to send and receive messages
  • 1.1 GMDSS communication equipment is operated to send and receive various types of signals according to manufacturer instructions, established GMDSS procedures and regulatory requirements
  • 1.2 GMDSS procedures appropriate for the sea area concerned are correctly applied according to regulatory requirements
  • 1.3 Regulations and procedures applicable to vessel stations equipped with GMDSS communication equipment and digital selective calling facilities are applied during radio communication
  • 1.4 Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and hazard control strategies and the application of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code are applied
2 Maintain radio equipment
  • 2.1 Routine maintenance checks are conducted on GMDSS equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures
  • 2.2 Out-of-specification performance and faults are investigated using fault-finding techniques
  • 2.3 Identified faults and defective equipment and component parts are rectified or replaced according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures
3 Provide radio services
  • 3.1 Emergencies are correctly identified according to organisational procedures
  • 3.2 Organisational procedures are conformed with when taking initial actions in the event of an emergency or abnormal situation
  • 3.3 Communications are established with others using GMDSS communication equipment to facilitate the emergency response process
  • 3.4 Contact is maintained at all times with others to keep them briefed on the emergency response process
  • 3.5 Radio procedures as defined in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual are applied during the emergency
4 Maintain records
  • 4.1 Records are completed and maintained, as required, according to regulatory and organisational requirements
  • 4.2 Relevant records are sent to appropriate bodies and copies are filed according to regulatory and organisational requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WH884 MARO003 Transmit and receive information by the global maritime distress and safety system Unit of competency