This course is required for officers who serve on vessels equipped with GMDSS equipment. The GMDSS course prepares the student for and administers the taking of Element 7 exam.

Students successfully completing this course will be able to efficiently operate the GMDSS equipment, and be able to assume primary responsibility for operation of the Distress equipment during an incident.

Subjects & Equipment Include:

• Satellite Systems
• Terrestrial Communications
• Transmission and Reception of Distress Alerts and Messages
• Maritime Safety Information
• INMARSAT A/B/C
• MF/HF Transceivers (Single Side Band)
• MF/HF NBDP – Narrow Band Direct Printing Modems
• MF/HF DSC – Digital Selective Calling Controllers
• VHF DSC – Digital Selective
• Calling Controllers
• NAVTEX Receivers
• 406 MHz EPIRBS – Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacons
• Search & Rescue Transponders (SARTS)
• Survival Craft Transceivers
• Reserve Sources of Energy with Integrated Chargers
• Antenna Systems (terrestrial and satellite)