General Operator's Certificate (GMDSS)
Code gmdss-goc · STCW A-IV/2
GMDSS General Operator Certificate under STCW A-IV/2 and ITU Radio Regulations Article 47 — mandatory for any officer designated to operate the GMDSS suite on a vessel in any sea area (A1, A2, A3, A4). DSC distress alerting, MF/HF and Inmarsat-C / FleetBroadband / Iridium operation, NAVTEX, EPIRB and SART maintenance.
- Prerequisites
- —
- Duration
- 84 hours
- Validity
- 5 years
- Refresher
- —
- Typical cost
- ~$1200 USD
GOC required on most foreign-going vessels with at least one designated radio operator.
Where to take this course
Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:
Related glossary terms
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.
General Operator's Certificate (GMDSS): FAQ
- What is the General Operator's Certificate (GMDSS) (GMDSS-GOC) certification?
- GMDSS General Operator Certificate under STCW A-IV/2 and ITU Radio Regulations Article 47 — mandatory for any officer designated to operate the GMDSS suite on a vessel in any sea area (A1, A2, A3, A4). DSC distress alerting, MF/HF and Inmarsat-C / FleetBroadband / Iridium operation, NAVTEX, EPIRB and SART maintenance. Referenced in STCW table A-IV/2. Category: Radio.
- Who needs GMDSS-GOC?
- GMDSS-GOC applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-IV/2. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without GMDSS-GOC, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
- How long does GMDSS-GOC take?
- Typical course duration is 84 hours (10.5 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
- How much does GMDSS-GOC cost?
- Typical cost is around US$1200 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
- Where can I get GMDSS-GOC?
- GMDSS-GOC is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
- How long is GMDSS-GOC valid?
- 5 years from issue. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.