The GMDSS Radio Operator’s License: A Step Toward Maritime Compliance
What is the GMDSS Radio Operator’s License (DO)?
The GMDSS Radio Operator’s License (DO) authorizes the holder to operate and perform basic equipment adjustments on Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio installations. Additionally, it grants the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP), expanding the scope of communication responsibilities for maritime professionals.
I am a mariner who needs an STCW GMDSS training certificate - what's next?
If you are a deck officer serving on a vessel equipped with the GMDSS system, you may be required to complete a 70-hour, USCG-approved GMDSS training course. During this course, the FCC examination and necessary paperwork will be completed, eliminating the need for a separate exam. Keep in mind that an FCC license obtained without the course will not fulfill the STCW certification requirements.
What does DO stand for?
The DO code is used to refer to the GMDSS Radio Operator’s License in the FCC's official documentation.
Which element exams must I pass for the GMDSS Radio Operator’s License?
To obtain the GMDSS Radio Operator’s License (DO), you must pass Element 1 and 7, which are the written exams that cover the requirements for the license.
In addition to the passing of the correct element exams, you must...
Be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States
Be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English
