Restricted Operator Certificate Examination Format

The ROC examination consists three parts as follows:

1. Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) examination paper
2. Radio Regulations / Operations Test
3. Radiotelephone Communications (R/T) exercise simulating a Distress situation

To pass the examination, you must pass each of the above parts. There is a facility to resit any failed part (at the discretion of the Examination Co-ordination Centre - ECC), provided this is done within seven working days of the first attempt and at the same ECC.

The SOLAS paper consists of one long question and 14 multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 75%.

Equipment Operation and Radio Regulations are tested together. Equipment includes VHF transceiver, VHF DSC, NAVTEX receiver and portable survival equipment (EPIRB, SART and VHF handheld radio). General topics covered include care and maintenance of antennas & batteries. The radio regulations are tested by oral examination as part of the practical examination. Pass mark is 75%.

The Radiotelephone Communications exercise involves a number of candidates taking the role of ships at sea. The examiner takes the role of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). Candidates are required to use correct verbal and written procedures at appropriate times during the execution of the scenario. Pass mark is 75%.

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ROC Syllabus

The GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) will be awarded to applicants who have, by means of satisfactorily completing the appropriate standard written and practical tests, demonstrated their knowledge and ability in the following areas:

The basic features of the Maritime Mobile Service

• The general principles and basic features of the maritime mobile service
• The general principles and basic features of the GMDSS

Practical skills to use a Ship Station:

• Radio installation
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• NAVTEX

Operational procedures

• Distress, urgency and safety communication for DSC and radiotelephony
• Other means of alerting and locating
• Search and Rescue (SAR) communication
• Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
• Routine communication

Miscellaneous skills

• Regulations and agreements
• Documentation and publications
• Ability to use English language, both written and spoken, for the satisfactory exchange of communications relevant to the safety of life at sea
• Voyage planning
• Traffic charges

See AMERC Administration Handbook for detailed ROC syllabus information.

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ROC Providers

See the full list of ROC course providers.