Entry requirements
You must be aged 18 or over.
Why take this course?
This certificate is held by Masters, Deck Officers or other shipboard personnel who perform radio communication duties on ships fitted with GMDSS equipment.
This course provides detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment. You will gain the ability to send and receive correctly by radiotelephone and narrow band direct printing (telex).
What you will experience
This is a mixture of theory and practical application as part of the GMDSS examinations.
- Safety of life at sea (SOLAS) – General Radio regulations; Distress communications and log-keeping
- Practical operation of:
- MF/HF terrestrial transceiver;
- VHF transceiver;
- Navtex;
- HF MF/VHF/DSC equipment;
- Inmarsat C System;
- Inmarsat F77 Systems;
- SART and EPIRB
Identification
You are required to provide photographic identification (driving license or passport) and 2 passport size photographs on the first day of the course.
Progression & ancillary courses
This is one of the additional ancillary courses required to obtain the Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing) Certificate of Competency.
Student Stories
Jack Smith
Maritime
Trainee Deckhand (NPA Maritime Studies)
“Within a month of finishing I was away on my first trip onboard the Grampian Cavalier.”
Read more about Jack's story
Finn Buchanan
Maritime
Deck Officer Cadet Programme (SCQF Level 7)
“All of the lecturers know their stuff – they are previous seagoers so they are not just teaching they are sharing.”
Read more about Finn's story
Murray Macpherson
Maritime
Trainee Deckhand and Deck Officer Cadet programme (SCQF Level 7)
“The Trainee Deckhand course has prepared me well for the first 17 weeks of training, I am actually surprised how much of the basics I already know.”
Read more about Murray's story
Andrew Emslie
Maritime
Merchant Navy Deck Officer Cadet programme
“The thought of a career where I can travel and see the world really appeals. After completing the programme I will be qualified as a Deck Officer and with sea time and further studying I can hopefully progress to Chief Officer and eventually Captain.”
Read more about Andrew's story
Wayne Walker
Maritime
Merchant Navy Deck Officer Cadet programme
“Once I’m qualified my aim is to be a Captain of a construction vessel in the renewables sector, or Captain of a platform supply vessel. I suppose the dream is to just push myself to be the best I can be.”
Read more about Wayne's story
Simon Allen
Maritime
HNC Nautical Science
“I would absolutely recommend studying at the SMA. The staff and lecturers are always approachable and helpful even when they are very busy juggling tight schedules. My blended learning co-ordinator deserves an award herself for her dedication to monitoring and co-ordinating my study program!”
Read more about Simon's story
Craig McGowan
Maritime
Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing)
“I’ve attended the Scottish Maritime Academy for almost 6 months to complete my Class 2 Deck Officer Fishing course. It is a long time to be away from my family in Kirkcudbright but I have really enjoyed the course and have been given lots of help by tutors and staff.”
Read more about Craig's story
James Stephen
Maritime
ECDIS IMO Model Course 1.27
“I have just undertaken the ECDIS course and I’m hoping to return to the Scottish Maritime Academy to enrol onto the Class 1 Deck Officer (Fishing) course.”
Read more about James's story
Jamie McKeown
Maritime
Trainee Deckhand
“I’ve just completed the 12-week trainee deckhand course which is ideal for new entrants. I have enjoyed the course, the tutors are great and the course will definitely help me get my first berth.”
Read more about Jamie's story
Jason Thornton
Maritime
Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing)
“I am studying for my Deck Officer Class 2 Fishing and although far from home (Orkney) and a big commitment, it’s been a good experience. Classes are small and there’s been lots of tutor support. I would highly recommend SMA to future seafarers.”
Read more about Jason's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Please note that this service will only accept credit or debit card payment for the full course fee.
If you are eligible for Remission of Fees then you must complete this booking form and supply the relevant fee waiver documents to one of our Campuses or Centres. Some courses are not eligible for fee waiver applications. For further information please contact our Student Advice Centre.
Scottish Maritime Academy
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Starts 31 Oct 2022
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Duration 2 weeks
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Fees £1405
Scottish Maritime Academy
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Starts 05 Dec 2022
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Duration 2 weeks
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Fees £1405
Scottish Maritime Academy
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Starts 06 Mar 2023
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Duration 2 weeks
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Fees £1405
Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to sign an enrolment form. In signing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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