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
$621.17
International fees are typically 3.25 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
Spring/Summer 2026
Below are two offerings of GMDS 1500 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70484
Dates
Apr 27 - Apr 30 Loading
- CRN 70484
- $621.17 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27 - Apr 30 | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | 08:00 - 15:00 | Marine BMC Rm. 223 |
Duration
4 days
Instructor
Chris Gardiner
Course outline
Important information
- Physical (printed, spiral bound) course manuals can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore. Purchased manuals may be shipped to the Marine Campus Library for pick up, or your home address. Manuals are available to students in digital format (PDF) only on the Learning Hub. This resource must not be printed on campus.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
CRN 70485
Dates
Apr 27 - Apr 30 Loading
- CRN 70485
- $621.17 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27 - Apr 30 | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | 15:00 - 22:00 | Marine BMC Rm. 223 |
Duration
4 days
Instructor
Chris Gardiner
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Physical (printed, spiral bound) course manuals can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore. Purchased manuals may be shipped to the Marine Campus Library for pick up, or your home address. Manuals are available to students in digital format (PDF) only on the Learning Hub. This resource must not be printed on campus.
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.