Security Levels

National Maritime Center (NMC)
Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MLD)

CHAPTER IV

STANDARDS REGARDING RADIO PERSONNEL

General Introduction & Resolution
PART A: TOC | Intro | Ch 1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 | Ch 7 | Ch 8
PART B: TOC | Intro | Ch 1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 | Ch 7 | Ch 8

Section A-IV/1 (back to top)

Application

(No provisions)

Section A-IV/2 (back to top)

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of GMDSS radio personnel

Standard of competence

1 The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required for certification of GMDSS radio personnel shall be sufficient for radio personnel to carry out their radio duties. The knowledge required for obtaining each type of certificate defined in the Radio Regulations shall be in accordance with those regulations. In addition, every candidate for certification shall be required to demonstrate ability to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-IV/2.
2 The knowledge, understanding and proficiency for endorsement under the Convention, of certificates issued under the provisions of the Radio Regulations are listed in column 2 of table A-IV/2.
3 The level of knowledge of the subjects listed in column 2 of table A-IV/2 shall be sufficient for the candidate to carry out his duties.*
4 Every candidate shall provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence through:
- .1 demonstration of competence to perform the tasks and duties and to assume responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-IV/2, in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of that table; and
- .2 examination or continuous assessment as part of an approved course of training based on the material set out in column 2 of table A-IV/2.

TABLE A-IV/2

Specification of minimum standard of competence for GMDSS radio operators

Function: Radiocommunications at the operational level

COMPETENCE	KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND PROFICIENCY	METHODS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPETENCE	CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING COMPETENCE
Transmit and receive information using GMDSS subsystems and equipment and fulfilling the functional requirements of GMDSS	In addition to the requirements of the Radio Regulations, a knowledge of: .1 search and rescue radiocommunications, including procedures in the IMO Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR) .2 the means to prevent the transmission of false distress alerts and the procedures to mitigate the effects of such alerts .3 ship reporting systems .4 radio medical services .5 use of the International Code of Signals and the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary as replaced by the Standard Marine Communication Phrases .6 the English language both written and spoken for the communication of information relevant to safety of life at sea Note: This requirement may be reduced in the case of the Restricted Radio Operator Certificate	Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from practical demonstration of operational procedures using: .1 approved equipment .2 GMDSS communication simulator, where appropriate* .3 radiocommunication laboratory equipment	Transmission and reception of communications complies with international regulations and procedures and are carried out efficiently and effectively. English language messages relevant to the safety of the ship and persons on board and protection of the marine environment are correctly handled.
Provide radio services in emergencies	The provision of radio services in emergencies such as: .1 abandon ship .2 fire on board ship .3 partial or full breakdown of radio installations Preventive measures for the safety of ship and personnel in connection with hazards related to radio equipment, including electrical and non-ionizing radiation hazards	Assessment and practical demonstration of operational procedures using: .1 approved equipment .2 GMDSS communication simulator, where appropriate .3 radiocommunication laboratory equipment	Response is carried out efficiently and effectively

COMPETENCE

KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND PROFICIENCY

METHODS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPETENCE

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING COMPETENCE

Transmit and receive information using GMDSS subsystems and equipment and fulfilling the functional requirements of GMDSS

In addition to the requirements of the Radio Regulations, a knowledge of:
.1 search and rescue radiocommunications, including procedures in the IMO Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR)

.2 the means to prevent the transmission of false distress alerts and the procedures to mitigate the effects of such alerts

.3 ship reporting systems

.4 radio medical services

.5 use of the International Code of Signals and the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary as replaced by the Standard Marine Communication Phrases

.6 the English language both written and spoken for the communication of information relevant to safety of life at sea

Note: This requirement may be reduced in the case of the Restricted Radio Operator Certificate

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from practical demonstration of operational procedures using:
.1 approved equipment

.2 GMDSS communication simulator, where appropriate*

.3 radiocommunication laboratory equipment

Transmission and reception of communications complies with international regulations and procedures and are carried out efficiently and effectively.
English language messages relevant to the safety of the ship and persons on board and protection of the marine environment are correctly handled.

Provide radio services in emergencies

The provision of radio services in emergencies such as:
.1 abandon ship

.2 fire on board ship

.3 partial or full breakdown of radio installations

Preventive measures for the safety of ship and personnel in connection with hazards related to radio equipment, including electrical and non-ionizing radiation hazards

Assessment and practical demonstration of operational procedures using:
.1 approved equipment

.2 GMDSS communication simulator, where appropriate

.3 radiocommunication laboratory equipment

Response is carried out efficiently and effectively

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