Course Overview
The GMDSS was developed by the International Maritime Organization and put in force on February 1, 1992 under the SOLAS Convention amendments. The GMDSS is intended to provide an efficient SAR rescue system and also provide for Urgency, Safety, and Routine communications and dissemination of Maritime Safety Information. The material presented in this course covers the scope of the examination for the Restricted Operator’s Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC) for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The Restricted Operator’s Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC) is intended for the mariners, serving on compulsorily-fitted commercial ships within the North American A1 sea areas. It is compliant with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended in 1995 (STCW 95 Regulation IV/2). The certificate is obtained by completing an abbreviated version of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Model Course consistent with the “Near Coastal Voyage” option (STCW 95 R1/3).
Prerequisite(s)
- Candidates must be 18 years of age or older. Familiarity with basic computer keyboarding skills.
Credits
1.5
Domestic fees
$634.12
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the basic features of the Maritime Mobile Service.
- Explain the concept of the GMDSS.
- Explain the GMDSS regulations relevant to Sea Area A1.
- Use the basic GMDSS equipment of a ship station in Sea Area A1.
- Use the GMDSS sub-system equipment of a ship station in Sea Area A1.
- Use proper procedures for Distress, Safety and Routine Communications.
Effective as of Fall 2003
Related Programs
Restricted Operator's Certificate - Maritime Commercial (GMDS 1500) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Transportation
- Bridge Watch Rating
Associate Certificate Full-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below are two offerings of GMDS 1500 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 52331
Dates
Dec 01 - Dec 04 Loading
- CRN 52331
- $634.12 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01 - Dec 04 | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | 08:00 - 15:00 | Marine BMC Rm. 223 |
Duration
4 days
Instructor
Agnelo Lucio Pereira
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Textbooks can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore, and may be shipped to the Marine Campus Library for pick up, or your home address.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
CRN 53132
Dates
Dec 01 - Dec 04 Loading
- CRN 53132
- $634.12 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01 - Dec 04 | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | 15:00 - 22:00 | Marine BMC Rm. 223 |
Duration
4 days
Instructor
Aladin Hafez
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Textbooks can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore, and may be shipped to the Marine Campus Library for pick up, or your home address.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Winter 2027
Below are two offerings of GMDS 1500 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 93444
Dates
Mar 09 - Mar 12 Loading
- CRN 93444
- $634.12 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 09 - Mar 12 | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | 08:00 - 15:00 | Marine BMC |
Duration
4 days
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- You must purchase the required manuals and text(s) from the BCIT Bookstore: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/ Physical (printed, spiral bound) manuals can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore and shipped to the Marine Campus library for pick up or directly to your home address. Note: If you have BCIT login issues for your myBCIT email or Learning Hub, please contact BCIT Tech Help or call 604-412-7444, option 1.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
CRN 93454
Dates
Mar 09 - Mar 12 Loading
- CRN 93454
- $634.12 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 09 - Mar 12 | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | 15:00 - 22:00 | Marine |
Duration
4 days
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- You must purchase the required manuals and text(s) from the BCIT Bookstore: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/ Physical (printed, spiral bound) manuals can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore and shipped to the Marine Campus library for pick up or directly to your home address. Note: If you have BCIT login issues for your myBCIT email or Learning Hub, please contact BCIT Tech Help or call 604-412-7444, option 1.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.