GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO)
Credential: GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO)
Credentialing Agency: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Renewal Period: Lifetime
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO) is an entry- level license that qualifies the holder to operate and make some basic equipment adjustments to Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio installations and confers the operating authority of the MP. The Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft. FCC requires candidates to be a legal resident of the United States and be fluent in the English language. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: Lifetime
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: (888) 225-5322
Fax: (866) 418-0232
Email: fccinfo@fcc.gov
Other REQUIREMENTS
The GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidate must be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States.
- Candidate must be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English.
Written Exam Element 1 - Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice
-
Rules and Regulations
- Equipment Requirements
- License Requirements
- Watchkeeping
- Logkeeping
- Log Entries
- Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations
-
Communications Procedures
- Bridge-to-Bridge Operations
- Operating Procedures-1
- Operating Procedures-2
- Distress Communications
- Urgency and Safety Communications
- GMDSS
-
Equipment Operations
- VHF Equipment Controls
- VHF Channel Selection
- MF-HF Equipment Controls
- MF-HF Frequency and Emission Selection
- Equipment Tests
- Equipment Faults
-
Other Equipment
- Antennas
- Power Sources
- EPIRBs
- SARTs
- Survival Craft VHF
- NAVTEX
Written Exam Element 7 - GMDSS Radio Operating Practices
- General Information and System Overview
- Principles of Communications
- F.C.C. Rules and Regulations
- DSC and Alpha-Numeric ID
- Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications
- Survival Craft Equip and S.A.R.
- VHF-DSC Equipment and Communications
- Maritime Safety Information (M.S.I.)
- Inmarsat Equipment and Communications
- MF-HF Equipment and Communications
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO) examination:
-
Best Sources
- Element 1 – Question Pools and Study Guides
- Element 3 – Question Pools and Study Guides
- Element 6 – Question Pools and Study Guides
- Element 7 – Question Pools and Study Guides
- Element 7R – Question Pools and Study Guides
- Element 8 – Question Pools and Study Guides
- Element 9 – Question Pools and Study Guides
- Exam Requirements for FCC Licenses
- FCC License Testing Locations
- General References
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
-
Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) testing process, visit the agency website.
RECERTIFICATION
GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO)
Renewal Period: Lifetime
Additional considerations for the GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO) include:
- To obtain a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, candidates must submit FCC Form 605 and FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) along with the appropriate Proof of Passing Certificates for the required written exam elements.
- The FCC does not administer commercial operator license examinations. To obtain a new or upgraded FCC commercial operator license, the candidate must pass an examination administered by a Commercial Operator License Examination Manager (COLEM).