Long Range Certificate Course

Any person operating GMDSS equipment is required under the IMO SOLAS convention to hold a certificate. These certificates prove that the holder has competences (knowledge and practical skills) and give the right to operate GMDSS equipment. In the maritime sector, operators can hold one of the following radio certificates:

• GOC (General Operator’s Certificate): required on SOLAS vessels operating also outside GMDSS Sea Area A1,
• ROC (Restricted Operator’s Certificate): required on SOLAS vessels operating only within GMDSS Sea Area A1,
• LRC (Long Range Certificate): required on non-SOLAS vessels operating also outside GMDSS Sea Area A1,
• SRC (Short Range Certificate): required on non-SOLAS vessels operating only within GMDSS Sea Area A1,
• VHF (Restricted radiotelephone operator's certificate (VHF): a certificate similar to SRC that proves only the competence to operate a VHF DSC radio - in some countries it is not recognized.

Certificates are issued by national agencies (in most countries by Telecommunications Administrations) based on examination. Examination (details, practical skills and theory) can vary between countries. Certificates are issued without time limit, except for the higher certificates (GOC, ROC), that are required on SOLAS vessels, and which need periodic refreshment.