GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

• The general principles and basic features
• System overview of the GMDSS structure
• Search and Rescue 
• Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE OF RADIO EQUIPMENT 

• VHF Radio Installation
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• Antennas, interfacing and power sources 

PROCEDURES AND PRACTICAL OPERATION OF SUBSYSTEMS

• DSC distress, urgency and safety communication procedures
• Protection of distress frequencies
• Alerting, Communication and Locating Signals 

RADIOTELEPHONY PROCEDURES

• Ability to exchange communications relevant to the safety of life at sea
• Practical & Theoretical knowledge of radiotelephony procedures

REGULATIONS FOR VHF COMMUNICATIONS 

• Regulations, obligatory procedures and practices 

Course subjects include:

• routine operation of marine VHF radio including Digital Selective Calling
• the correct VHF channels (frequencies) to be used for each type of communication
• distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
• ship to shore communication
• practical use of Marine VHF DSC radios
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
• Search and Rescue Transponders (SART)