General SMSSM Operator

General SMSSM Operator Certificate

STCW GOC

This course qualifies you to transmit and receive information in emergencies on vessels subject to the SMSSM system in sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4 of the SOLAS Convention, and under Royal Decree 1185/2006 of 16 October.
It is COMPULSORY to obtain the extended PPER (Professional Recreational Boat Skipper) certificate.

Approved centre.

This certificate is approved by the Directorate General of the Merchant Navy and endorsed by the International Maritime Organization. To obtain it, you must take the course at an approved centre like ours, Academia Náutica Alborán.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at Captains and Officers in charge of the navigational watch on civil vessels subject to the SMSSM in any sea area except A1.
With this certificate, you can also become an instructor for PNB and PER radiocommunication classes

In-person course

Both the theory and the practical parts are held in person, and attendance is COMPULSORY to obtain the certificate. At Academia Náutica Alborán we understand that fitting a course into your schedule can be difficult. For this reason, we form groups with similar availability to adapt to your needs.

120 Hours

50 Hours of theory

70 Hours of practical training

Renewable after 5 years

Syllabus

Module on the general principles and basic features of the Maritime Mobile Service

Types of communication in the maritime mobile service
General principles and basic features of the Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service.

Module on practical knowledge and operation of a ship station's basic equipment

Basic knowledge of a ship station’s equipment
MF/HF radio installations: channels, controls, use, digital selective calling
VHF radio installations: channels, controls, use, digital selective calling
Batteries: types and characteristics. UPS systems
Antennas: types and characteristics
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Familiarisation with the general principles of NBDP and radiotelex systems
Use of INMARSAT systems
Local faults. Basic fault-finding using a measuring instrument or software

Module on operational procedures and detailed practical operation of SMSSM systems and subsystems

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (SMSSM – GMDSS)
Sea areas and the SMSSM master plan
Watchkeeping on distress frequencies
Functional requirements of stations on board vessels.
Carriage requirements for on-board stations.
Measures to ensure the availability of a ship station’s equipment.
Radio station power sources, including emergency sources.
Inspections and surveys of licences and safety certificates.
Use of INMARSAT in the SMSSM
NAVTEX: purpose, frequencies, range, use and configuration
EPIRB beacons: COSPAS-SARSAT system, purpose, frequencies, range, testing, use and configuration
SART radar transponder: purpose, frequencies, range, use and configuration
Distress communications: distress call and alert, reception and acknowledgement, false alerts, cancellation
Search and Rescue (SAR) operations: IAMSAR manual, Rescue Coordination Centres (RCC)
Urgency and Safety communications
Reception of maritime safety information (MSI)
Protection of distress frequencies
Distress, urgency and safety communications by non-SOLAS vessels

Module on operational skills and procedures for communications

Ability to use the English language, both written and spoken
Use of the International Code of Signals and the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases
Knowledge of standard abbreviations and the most commonly used service codes
Use of the international phonetic alphabet
Effective use of compulsory documents and publications
Keeping the radio log
Knowledge of the regulations of the maritime mobile service and the mobile-satellite system
Theoretical and practical knowledge of general communication procedures
Traffic charges, international charging system, AAIC code
World geography, especially the main international shipping routes and their connecting routes