Maritime and Offshore - GMDSS and Radio

All personnel who operate radio transmitting equipment at sea must hold the appropriate operators Certificate of Competence. This ensures that equipment is operated under the supervision of qualified personnel and keeps interference to a minimum.

Lowestoft College has many years experience in the training of radio operators both for the Merchant Navy and Offshore Industry. Each year many Merchant Navy Officers, fishermen and yachtsmen obtain their radio operator's certificates on successful completion of the appropriate course held at the College.
The College is a member of AMERC (Association of Marine, Electronics and Radio Colleges), an association which has been at the forefront of education and training in radio communications for many years.

The radio courses are run in a purpose-built communications room which includes satellite communications simulators, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment and a range of terrestrial based transmitters and receivers.

The College caters for all nationalities and operates an equal opportunities policy.
Name
Description
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Objectives
To train delegates in preparation for the CAA Offshore Operators Cetificate.

Content
  • Distress urgency safety communications
  • Routine helicoptering communications
  • CAA theory from CAP 452 publication
Prerequisites
Delegates must hold a valid ROC or GOC Certificate

Maximum Numbers
8 delegates

Duration
1 day

Fees £195.00>
Name
Description
Combined GMDSS Restricted and CAA Offshore Radio Course
This course covers the syllabus for the marine restricted operator’s certificate suitable for offshore operators and fishermen in sea area A1. It also covers the theory syllabus for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) offshore operator’s certificate allowing communications with helicopters. The course is combined because most offshore operators need to be capable of operating both marine and aeronautical equipment.

For marine use only it is not necessary to take the CAA theory examination. The ROC can be STCW endorsed.

Course content:
  • Marine safety at sea (SOLAS)
  • General radio regulations
  • Distress communications and log-keeping
CAA theory from CAP 452 publication Practical operation of
  • Marine VHF
  • VHF DSC
  • Navtex
  • EPIRB
  • SART
  • Battery charging equipment


Duration: 4 Days

Fees: Please contact the College

Course Dates: Please contact the College
Name
Description
GMDSS General Operators Certificate
This certificate permits the holder to operate a GMDSS radio installation, including satellite communications equipment, on compulsorily fitted vessels sailing in any of the GMDSS sea areas, A1, A2, A3 or A4, and can be STCW endorsed.

The Course is suitable for Merchant Navy deck officers, commercial Yachtmasters, and off-shore radio operators serving on mobile platforms.

Course Content:
  • Safety of life at sea (SOLAS)
  • General radio regulations
  • Distress communications and log-keeping

    Practical operation of

  • MF/HF terrestrial transceiver
  • VHF transceiver
  • Navtex
  • HF/MF/VHF DSC equipment
  • Inmarsat C System
  • Inmarsat B
  • SART & EPIRB
  • Battery charging & maintenance


Duration: 2 Weeks

Fees: £795.00 + VAT
£120 Examination Fee

Course Dates:
  • 11 - 22 October 2010

Name
Description
GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate
This certificate is suitable for pilots, port control operators, offshore operators, fishermen operating within sea area A1. The certificate can be STCW endorsed.

Course Content
  • Safety of life at sea (SOLAS)
  • General radio regulations
  • Distress communications and log-keeping

    Practical Operation of

  • Marine VHF transceiver
  • VHF DSC controller
  • Navtex
  • EPIRB
  • SART
  • Battery charging equipment

    Duration: 3 Days

    Fees: £465.00 + VAT
  • Examination fee £95.00

    Course Dates: Please contact college for further details
    • 15 - 18 November 2010

    • Name
    Description
    Long Range Certificate
    This certificate is suitable for yachtsmen, operating outside sea area A1 (VHF range). The certificate is only valid for voluntarily fitted vessels. It is not STCW endorsed.

    Course content:
    • Safety of life at sea (SOLAS)
    • General radio regulations
    • Distress communication and log-keeping Practical operation of
    • MF/HF terrestrial transceiver
    • VHF transceiver
    • Navtex
    • HF/MF/VHF DSC equipment
    • Inmarsat C system (optional*)
    • SART & EPIRB
    • Battery charging equipment
    *Please note that holders of existing MF Radiotelephony Restricted Certificates may convert their certificate to a Long Range Certificate by completing a DSC module.

    Duration: 5 Days

    Fees: £210.00 plus VAT

    Course Dates: Please contact the college for further details
    Name
    Description
    Long Range Certificate Modules
    It is possible to convert an existing MF Restricted Radiotelephony Certificate to a Long Range Certificate by completing the DSC module.

    DSC Module

    It is possible to convert an existing MF Restricted Radiotelephony Certificate to a Long Range Certificate by completing the DSC module.

    This covers SOLAS and regulations in preparation for the short written papers and practical training on a DSC encoder, Navtex receiver, EPIRB and SART.

    You will receive a minimum of half a days tuition with further time as required for individual operation of equipment.

    It would be expected that the examination would take place at the end of the days tuition, although this may be deferred to a more convenient time.

    Course Fee - £150
    Exam Fee - £33


    Satellite Module

    This module may be taken at the same time as LRC at no extra cost. It is not a requirement for conversion. This module is offered as an option for those who are likely to operate satellite equipment. You will receive tuition in preparation for two short written papers and practical tuition on the satellite simulator.

    Course Fee - £150
    Exam Fee - £33

    Duration: 1 Day Each Module

    Course Dates: Please contact the College
    Name
    Description
    Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Short Range Certificate
    This certificate, administrated by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association), is suitable for operators who use marine VHF equipment on the international marine VHF channels. This includes yachtsmen, offshore & crane operators.

    Note: This certificate is not acceptable by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and is not STCW endorsed.

    Course Content
    • Marine safety at sea (SOLAS)
    • General radio regulations
    • Practical operation of marine VHF equipment to contact coastal radio stations, coastguards and other ships.

      Equipment Used

    • Simrad RD 68
    • Sailor and Furuno DSC Controllers
    • Lightmaster VHF/DSC simulator


    Duration:1 Day

    Fees: £170 + VAT

    Course Dates:
    • 5 November 2010