Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to have my certificate endorsed?
- Do I have to revalidate my radio certificate?
- How much does a replacement certificate cost?
- Do I have to do a course before the exam?
- Is it best to do the ROC before the GOC?
- Can I do the exam at a different place to where I took the course?
- Do I have to book an examination separately?
- How long can I expect to wait before receiving my new GMDSS certificate?
- I have years of military experience as an operator, does this count for anything?
- I am a licensed radio amateur. Can I use a marine transceiver with this licence?
- I want to work on rigs. Which certificate do I need?
- I have a yacht with an SSB radio, which certificate should I have?
- I intend to fit a VHF and Iridium Sat phone on my yacht. Do I need the LRC?
- How is the SRC different to all the other radio certificates?
- What are the requirements for the photographs I need to provide for my certificate?
1. Do I have to have my certificate endorsed?
All officers who have to comply with the requirements of the STCW Code must have their GMDSS Certificate endorsed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). STCW Endorsement does not apply to Long Range or Short Range Certificates (LRC or SRC).
2. Do I have to revalidate my radio certificate?
To revalidate your Certificate of Competence - Deck (CoC), you require a radio certificate (GOC/ROC as applicable) with valid STCW endorsement. Your radio certificate STCW endorsement remains valid provided you have at least 12 months sea service within a 5 year period. If a GOC/ROC certificate holder does not have the required one year in the last five years sea-time, he/she will be required to retake the UK GOC/ROC examination (as applicable). LRC and SRC certificates are valid for life as they are not STCW endorsable, and so do not need to be revalidated.
3. How much does a replacement certificate cost?
Currently a replacement certificate costs £56. You will need to complete a Lost Certificate form.
4. Do I have to do a course before the exam?
You MUST do an MCA approved course before the ROC or GOC examination. You are strongly advised to do an approved course prior to any of the radio examinations.
5. Is it best to do the ROC before the GOC?
The radio exams are designed to examine your competence on equipment that you will use in various sea areas. It is not a requirement that you must hold a SRC or ROC before attempting the LRC or GOC
6. Can I do the exam at a different place to where I took the course?
You will receive a course completion certificate to show that you have completed an approved MCA course. In theory you can present this at any Regional Examination Centre and sit the exam. In practice this is not to be recommended as centres may use different manufacturer's equipment and all of the exams have a practical operation element, so your chances of success would be lower.
7. Do I have to book an examination separately?
Your course provider will normally make arrangements with the Regional Examination Centre (REC) for the examination. Candidates do not make direct contact with examiners prior to the examination.
8. How long can I expect to wait before receiving my new GMDSS certificate?
Typically you should expect to receive your certificate within 6-8 weeks of the examination. If you are concerned about any delays, speak in the first instance to your course provider.
9. I have years of military experience as an operator, does this count?
See question 4.
10. I am a licensed radio amateur. Can I use a marine transceiver with this licence?
No. Your amateur licence does not cover you on the maritime frequencies. Nor does the marine certificate allow you to use the amateur bands for transmitting.
11. I want to work on rigs. Which certificate do I need?
First decide what you want to do on a rig! Crane operators often hold an SRC. Medic/radio operator may have an LRC. A Radio operator on a 'Jack-up' may need a GOC. You need a certificate "appropriate to the equipment fitted on the platform". If you think that you may work on a 'Jack-up' this comes under the Maritime Mobile regulations and is regarded as a Ship. It is advisable to speak to the company that you intend to work for and ask what they require. It could be any of the four radio certificates.
12. I have a yacht with an SSB radio, which certificate should I have?
The LRC.
13. I intend to fit a VHF and Iridium SAT phone on my yacht. Do I need the LRC?
No. You need a SRC to cover operation of the VHF. You do not need an operators certificate for the Iridium.
14. Why is the SRC different to all the other radio certificates?
The SRC differs from the other radio certificates in three main respects -
[i] It is administered by the RYA. Not AMERC.
[ii] the exam is by continuous assessment during the course, with a short written paper
[iii] It is not compulsory to do a course before the examination.
15. What are the requirements for the photographs I need to provide for my certificate?
Photographs must meet the requirements of the UK Identity and Passport Service. More...