GMD611 STCW Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Course code

GMD611A
Locations and dates

Nelson:

23 June 2025
Length

2 weeks
Fees

Tuition: 2141.00

Student levy: 32.00
Credits

10

Keep yourself and your crew safe at sea with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

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The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is the international radio safety system mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for ships at sea. The primary purpose of GMDSS is to automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.

This course will provide you with the ability to transmit and receive information using GMDSS subsystems and equipment and to fulfil the functional requirements of the GMDSS.

What will I learn?

Course Content

Topic 1: Statutory Framework of the Maritime Mobile Service
Topic 2: Radio Regulations
Topic 3: Search and Rescue Radio communications
Topic 4: False Distress alerts
Topic 5: Ship reporting systems
Topic 6: IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases
Topic 7: Hazards

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Apply an understanding of the statutory framework of the Maritime Mobile Service and Radio Regulations
Operate GMDSS equipment for search and rescue purposes, including following procedures in the IAMSAR manuals
Manage the prevention of false distress messages
Demonstrate an understanding of ship reporting systems and methods of transmission
Demonstrate an understanding of radio medical services and methods of transmission
Use the International Code of Signals and IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases
Provide radio services for:
Abandon ship
Fire on board a ship
A partial or complete breakdown of radio equipment
Manage the hazards associated with radio equipment, including electrical and non-ionising radiation hazards

This course is aligned with the requirements of STCW-F 1995 appendix to Regulation 2 and STCW 1978 as amended Table A-IV/2.

Useful links

International Maritime Institute of New Zealand

This course is conducted by the International Maritime Institute of New Zealand (IMINZ) and is part of NMIT.

Since opening in 1976, the School has become a leading maritime and fisheries training provider. Our staff are experienced seafarers with many years of combined experience between them.

We offer a wide range of statutory and non-statutory courses for the fishing, marine tourism and marine transport industries, as well as customised training packages and consultancy services designed to suit the needs of national and international clients.

Entry requirements

Course information

Course Information

This course is offered to experienced seafarers who wish to upgrade radio skills and qualifications to include the use and operation of INMARSAT SYSTEM C and associated equipment. Candidates who complete the course and pass the examination will be awarded the Ministry of Commerce and Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) GENERAL OPERATORS CERTIFICATE with GMDSS endorsement. This qualification meets with international requirements for operators of GMDSS.

Course Contents

The course covers use of INMARSAT C terminals, MF/HF radios and Digital Selective Calling (DSC). GMDSS use for safety, routine messages, position reporting and group calling is also covered. Emphasis is placed on distress procedures and practical operation and maintenance of equipment and ancillaries. The course is evenly divided between theory and classroom sessions and practical use of equipment. A full syllabus for the course is available from the International Maritime Institute of NZ. (IMINZ)

Examination

The exam is carried out on the last day of the course and comprises a written multi-choice and short answer test. Students are also required to demonstrate operation of equipment.

Fee information