GMDSS Radio Maintenance

The GMDSS Radio Maintenance course is approved by AMERC to meet the requirements of STCW 1978, as amended, for the purposes of Table A-III/6, ETO Certificate of Competency.

The course is also suitable for marine electrical engineers who have a knowledge of electrical and electronic principles and wish to apply it to a range of radio and communications equipment.

Together with the practical elements the course also covers the operation and block functional mode of operation of each piece of communications equipment. Functional interfacing with other items of equipment is performed where applicable.

Personal safe working practices when working on radio equipment and safety of the vessel when working with equipment used for communicating purposes are covered.

The range of equipment & principles covered by the course:

• Radio Communications (Terrestrial and Satellite),

• M/F, H/F and VHF Transmitters and Receivers,

• Amplitude and angle modulation,

• Principles of electromagnetic and transverse radiation and propagation,

• Circuit knowledge of all SOLAS equipment

• EPIRBs

• Practical fault location

It is strongly advised by South Shields Marine School that you complete the AMERC Electronic Principles and Applications course or obtain an exemption letter from IAMI before attending this course.

To obtain an AMERC GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate you must have one of the following:

• a Department of Transport (DoT) Radar Maintenance Certificate or 

• an IAMI Exemption letter for AMERC Electronic Principles and Applications or

• a pass letter for the AMERC Electronic Principles and Applications exam or

• a Nautical College action plan showing exemptions of the equivalent competence.

You must bring one of these with you when attending the AMERC GMDSS Radio Maintenance course.

100% attendance on the course is a requirement for successful completion and certification.

Examination is by a written exam which covers relevant theory and a practical exam on a range of relevant equipment.

Successful candidates will gain a college course completion certificate and an MCA recognised AMERC GMDSS Radio Maintenance certificate.

AMERC GMDSS Radio Maintenance certification is an optional requirement for a UK Experienced and Alternative Electro Technical Officer Certificate of Competency (ETO CoC). The MCA will negatively endorse your CoC if this course is not completed. 

To apply for this course please telephone the Marine Booking Centre on 0191 427 3772 or alternatively E-mail marine@stc.ac.uk