Certificate of proficiency examinations

1. General

1. 
   The requirements of medical fitness, especially as to hearing, eyesight and speech, should be met by the candidate before training is commenced.
   

2. 
   The training should be relevant to the provisions of the STCW Convention, the Radio Regulations and SOLAS Convention currently in force, with particular attention given to provisions for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). In developing training requirements, account should be taken of at least the knowledge and training given in the following paragraphs:
   

2. Theory

1. 
   Knowledge of the general principles and basic factors necessary for safe and efficient use of all the sub-systems and equipment required in the GMDSS sufficient to support the practical training provisions given in following paragraph:
   

2. 
   Knowledge of the use, operation and service areas of the GMDSS sub-systems, including satellite system characteristics, navigational and meteorological warning systems and selection of appropriate communication circuits.
   

3. Regulations and Documentation

The operator should have knowledge of:

1 the SOLAS Convention and the Radio Regulations with particular emphasis on;
.1 distress, urgency and safety radiocommunications;
.2 avoiding harmful interference, particularly with distress and safety traffic;

.3 prevention of unauthorised transmissions;

2 Other documents relating to operational and communication procedures for distress, safety and public correspondence services, including charges, navigational warnings, and weather broadcasts in the Maritime Mobile Service and the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service; and
3 Use of the International Code of Signals and the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary as replaced by the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.

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4. Watchkeeping and Procedures

Training should be given in :

1. Communication procedures and discipline to prevent harmful interference in the GMDSS sub-systems;

2. Procedures for using propagation prediction information to establish optimum frequencies for communications;
3. Radiocommunications watch keeping relevant to all GMDSS sub-systems, exchange of radiocommunications traffic, particularly concerning distress, urgency and safety procedures and radio records;
4. Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet;
5. Monitoring a distress frequency while simultaneously monitoring or working on at least one other frequency;
6. Ship position-reporting systems and procedures;
7. Radiocommunications procedures of the IMO Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR);
8. Radio medical systems and procedures;
9. Causes of false distress alerts and means to avoid them.
5. Practical
Practical training should be given in:
1. Correct and efficient operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment under normal propagation conditions and under typical interference conditions;
2. Safe operation of all the GMDSS communications equipment and ancillary devices, including safety precautions;
3. Accurate and adequate keyboard skills for the satisfactory exchange of communications;
4. Operational techniques for:
i) receiver and transmitter adjustment for the appropriate mode of operation, including digital selective calling and direct-printing telegraphy;

ii) antenna adjustment and re-alignment as appropriate;

iii) use of radio life-saving appliances; and
iv) use of emergeny position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)
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3. Miscellaneous

Knowledge of, and/or training in:

1. the English language, both written and spoken, for the satisfactory exchange of communications relevant to the safety of life at sea;
2. world geography, especially the principal shipping routes, services of Rescue Co-ordination Centres (RCCs) and related communication routes;
3. survival at sea, the operation of life boats, rescue boats, liferafts, buoyant apparatus and their equipment, with special reference to radio life-saving appliances;

4. fire prevention and fire-fighting with particular reference to the radio installation;

5. preventive measures for the safety of ship and personnel in connection with hazards

related to radio equipment, including electrical, radiation, chemical and mechanical

hazards;
6. first aid, including heart-respiration revival technique; and
7. Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), global time zones and International Dateline

Pattern of GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate Examination
Part-I
Written paper on Technical Theory, Radio Regulations and GMDSS/SOLAS.
The Questions may be approximately 35 (consisting of 10 multiple choice objective questions in Technical Theory, 20 multiple choice objective question s in Radio Regulations and 5 questions in GMDSS/SOLAS) and the time allowed is 1 Hour.
Each question in Technical Theory and Radio Regulations carries 1 mark and the questions in GMDSS/SOLAS will carry 6 marks each.
The Pass percentage in this part is 60%.
Unless qualified in Part I, candidates will not be allowed to appear in subsequent part.
SECTION A OF PART II : COMMERCIAL WORKING TEST

(THESE QUESTIONS MAY BE TREATED ONLY AS GUIDANCE)

EXERCISE SCENARIO :
(Instructor acts as the Ship in Distress or a Coast Station sending the Distress Alert Relay)
(Candidates will work as Ship stations in the near vicinity of occurrence of Distress. Each candidate will be designated a Ship’s Name, Call-sign and MMSI number)
Instructor : MV Ritu/VWDW MMSI 4195320000 is in Distress in position 1126N 063.36E at 10:15 UTC. The vessel sends out a DSC Distress Alert on 2187.5 KHz, with nature of Distress as “Sinking” and request for subsequent communication as R/T (H3E)

Candidates 1. Alpha/ VWDA MMSI 4195322401

2. Bravo/ VWDE MMSI 4195322402

3. Charlie/ VWDC MMSI 4195322403

4. Delta/ VWDD MMSI 4195322404

5. Echo/ VWDE MMSI 4195322405

6. foxtrot/ VWDF MMSI 4195322406
Examination Procedure
1. Candidates shall be issued the GMDSS radio Log Sheets and allowed 5 minutes for the preliminary entries like voyage particulars, equipment testing, switching on of equipment etc.
2. Then transmit the DSC Distress Alert by writing either on a Black Board or on a clearly visible chart.
3. Candidates will receive the same and log the DSC A and switch to the required frequency.
4. Transmit the Distress Call and Message on R/T on appropriate R/T frequency (on 2182 kHz on MF)
5. Each candidate will then acknowledge the receipt of Distress Message by rotation and the Instructor responds asking each to Standby.
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6. candidates will be asked in the order of their acknowledgement their position. Each candidate will in turn respond with their position, speed and ETA to the position of incidence. They will then be asked to proceed for rescue or say ‘assistance not required’. This exercise will be repeated for all candidates.

7. Candidates will then be allowed to complete the log and also to make an entry in the log of having relayed the Distress Alert to the RCC ashore (if the Shore authority is not involved in the Distress procedure).
8. The candidate will finally log down the end of distress traffic signal ‘SEELONCE FEENEE’ on 2182 kHz transmitted by the instructor and signs off.
SECTION B OF PART II : PRACTICAL TEST

(these questions may be treated only as guidance)

MAIN MF/HF TRANSRECEIVER
Tune both Tx and Rx to 2182 kHz assuming distress condition Explain how alarm signal would be transmitted on 2182 kHz. Test the alarm generator.

Set up the Tx/Rx on MF working freqs. for a given station.

Set up the Tx/Rx on HF working freqs. for a given station/time.

Using documents select correct R/T freqs. for communication with a Coast Station for a given position and time.

Using appropriate documents, tune the receiver to obtain given service for a given geographical area and time. Select appropriate modes of emission and explain the difference between each class. Adjust transmit output power. Operate either simplex or duplex function and explain the difference between each mode. Adjust appropriate controls for clear reception (fine tune) Adjust the controls for indicating AF and RF gains and explain. Explain the purpose of AGC.
VHF TRANSRECEIVER
Select International Distress/Calling channel. Use Squelch and Volume controls for optimum reception. Using documents, select correct channel for communication with a given coast station. Explain dual watch facility. Using documents, select correct Port Operations Channel for a given purpose. Adjust Power output of the transmitter and explain.
NAVTEX RECEIVER

Demonstrate the On/Of functions. Display current status and explain displayed information. Demonstrate programming for given area/station. Demonstrate programming for given type of message. Explain functions of each control. State frequency of operation. Run the Self –test. Demonstrate how to change the paper roll.

DSC EQUIPMENT
Transmit Undesignated Distress Alert. Input Position, time and date. View details of received distress alert. Transmit distress acknowledgement. Transmit distress relay. Transmit ship to ship routine call. Programme the DSC Call with all appropriate information as given prior to sending the distress alert.
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TELEX
Tune the Tx/Rx for proper telex operation to a given station. Use appropriate documents for transmitting a Telex call to a given station. Explain the use of FEC and ARQ modes.

INMARSAT A
Demonstrate the initial setting up of the terminal (acquisition of the satellite). Select a particular Ocean Region. Select a particular Land Earth Station. Select a particular Ship Earch Station in a different Ocean region. Send a Distress communication to the RCC by Radio Telephone/ Telex Transmit a routine Communication to a given subscriber by Telephone/Telex.

INMARSAT C

Explain log in / logout functions.

Transmit an undesignated distress alert.

Transmit a designated distress alert prepare a distress message and initiate procedure for transmission.

Prepare a routine message and initiate procedure for transmission.

GUIDELINES

FOR APPROVAL OF

TRAINING INSTITUTES

FOR

IMPARTING TRAINING

FOR GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR’S CERTIFICATE (GOC)

GUIDELINES FOR APPROVAL/RECOGNITION OF

TRAINING INSTITUTES

FOR IMPARTING TRAINING FOR

GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR’S CERTIFICATE
COURSE INTAKE:
The number of trainees should preferably not exceed 12 in a course and subject to adequate supervision, the practical training should be undertaken in small groups not exceeding 6 trainees.
STAFF REQUIREMENTS:
All training and instructions should be given by properly trained and qualified personnel in possession of a valid General Operator’s Certificate. In addition to considerable experience in Maritime Radiocommunications, including the GMDSS, all instructors should have good general knowledge of ships and maritime safety including search and rescue matters.
TEACHING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENTS:
Ordinary class room facilities, including blackboard, white board, flip charts and overhead projector. Audio Visual materials to use video tape recording etc., adequate equipments for using the same must be made available. Both Inmarsat terminal and simulator will be required for training.
Two working areas to simulate ship and shore stations separately should be fitted with the following equipments:

1. 
   Two fully operational MF/HF Transmitter/Receiver sets for Radio Telephony, NBDP and DSC (two sets of equipment provides the advantage of being able to communicate locally by using dummy antenna or hard-wired back-to-back DSC controllers).
   

2. 
   One dedicated MF/HF watch receiver for the DSC distress frequencies.
   

3. 
   At least one dummy Satellite DPIRB (406 MHz OR 1.6 GHz)
   

4. 
   One dummy SART
   

5. 
   One EGC Receive facility
   

6. 
   One NAVTEX Receiver
   

7. 
   Two fully operational VHF transmitter/receiver for Radio telephony and DSC, incorporating a DSC watch Receiver for Channel 70.
   

8. 
   One 2182 KHz watch receiver
   

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9. 
   Two way portable VHF Radiotelephone with charging equipment
   

10. 
    One personal computer for every two students capable of running relevant programmes for simulating the operation of Inmarsat A/B, Inmarsat C, DSC and NBDP as appropriate.
    

11. 
    One battery invertor power supply of adequate capacity to provide power for eight hours of continuous operation of all equipment (not necessarily located in the working area)
    

12. 
    Signs and markings in accordance with the requirement of the Administration for GMDSS Ship stations.
    

Note: Two sets of equipment are desirable, but to start with one set would suffice as long as ship site and shore site functions are clearly demonstrated during the training.

MANUALS & OTHER PUBLICATIONS

• 
  Instructors Manual (as prescribed in IMO Model Course)
  

• 
  ITU “Manual for use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile Satellite Services”. This publication is mandatory for ship stations.
  
• 
  Other ITU publications required by the Radio Regulations
  

List of Coast Stations

List of Special Service Stations

List of Call signs and Maritime Identities

List of Ship Stations

• 
  Specific IMO Publications
  

GMDSS Hand-Book

Master Plan of the Shore based facilities for use GMDSS

• 
  Specific INMARSAT Publications
  

Inmarsat A/B User Guide

Inmarsat “Maritime Communications Handbook”

• 
  PC Programmes, including documentation, for simulation of:
  

INMARSAT –A/B Operation

INMARSAT –C Operation

Narrow-Band Direct Printing 9NBDP)

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

• 
  User manuals for all installed GMDSS equipment
  
• 
  ITU Map of Coast Radio Stations
  
• 
  IMO Model Course
  
• 
  Supplementary material:
  

Handbook for Radio Communication

Video Cassette on GMDSS

Text Books, Course Outline, Detailed teaching syllabus, Course Time table as per IMO Model Course.

APPLICATION FORM FOR APPROVAL/RECOGNITION OF

GMDSS (GOC) COURSE BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1. Name & address of the Institute : :

2. Experimental Licence No: and date : :

3. Name and address of Owner (s) : :

4. Details of the GMDSS equipments

held by the Institute : :

5. Details of the standby power supply : :

6. Are the premises owned or hired?

If hired, is it on long term basis ? :

(give details)

7. Carpet area of the Institute :

8. Faculty :(a) Permanent :
`(b) Part-time :

(give details with qualifications

and experience)

9. Has the Institute any previous experience

in coaching COP candidates(give details)

10. Students per simulator :

11. Is there any library at the Institute

(give details)

We undertake to abide by the procedures laid down by WPC Wing and supply any information sought by WPC Wing.

` We agree that recognition does not bind nor cause to bind Government to provide any financial assistance, loan, provision of land or manpower or any other support.

Date: Name and Signature

Institute:

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APPLICATION FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL WIRELESS LICENCE

(to be submitted in quadruplicate)

(Two copies to be submitted on the original form and two photocopies)
1. Name of applicant -------------------------------------------------------------------------

(in Block Letters)

2. Postal Address -------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Nature of activity in which---------------------------------------------------------------------

engaged

4. Particulars of any licence

(issued by the Ministry of ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Communications) held at present

5. Type of licence required (please tick ( ) appropriate item)

a)Radiating i)Design, development & testing of wireless apparatus. In case of manufacturers, the list of products and reference of Letter of Intent (LOI) issued by Deptt. Of Industrial Development may be furnished.

ii)Research and Experimentation. Brief details of proposed experiment may be furnished.

b)Non-radiating: i) Training/Imparting instructions to students. (indicate brief details of courses conducted).

ii) Servicing, maintenance and testing of wireless apparatus.

(The write up should cover salient points and may not exceed one page)

3. 
   Technical papameters desired:
   

Frequency range of equipment:

Preferred frequency (ies), if any, along with justification

R.F. Power Output

Emission & Bandwidth

3. 
   Details of equipment held, if any
   

8. i) Location of wireless stations/Factory (for industry)

ii)Area of operation of mobile stations, if any.

9. Hours of working desired (@Attach list on separate paper, if necessary)
DECLARATION
I/We hereby declare that (i) details above are correct & factual; (ii) the conditions imposed for the grant of licence shall be observed; (iii) no unauthorised person shall be permitted to have access to the wireless installations; (iv) I/we will not, without authorization, divulge to any person the purport of message, other than a message intended for the general use of the public which I/we may transmit or received by wireless equipments operated by me or which may come to my knowledge with the operation of the said equipment.

Place & date……………………… (Signature)

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ANNEXURE A

(To be submitted on separate sheet of paper, in quadruplicate)

1. Name & Address of the applicant

2. Purpose for which licence is required: Experimental-Radiating/Non-radiating

Design, development & testing

Research & Experimentation, Training / Imparting instructions to students Servicing, maintenance and testing of equipment

(Delete whichever is not applicable)

3. Location of wireless equipment/station

4. Equipment proposed to be used /developed
5. R.F. Power output
6. Frequency (ies) or frequency band desired
7. Type of emission
8. Proposed hours of operation: From………………….to………………………
9. Particulars of foreign nationals, if any, who will

Operate the wireless equipment. (Name, Nationality,

Home address, passport & visa No. with date of validity etc.)

ANNEXURE – B

PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF OWNER/MANAGING DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

1. Name in full :
2. Father’s Name :
3. Designation :
4. Nationality :
5. Date of birth :
6. Place of birth :
7. Permanent address :
8. Present Address :
9. Passport No., if any :

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(WPC WING)

APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO IMPORT WIRELESS TRANSMITTING AND/OR TRANSRECEIVING APPARATUS INTO INDIA

1. NAME OF APPLICANT (IN BLOCK LETTER)

2. PERMANENT ADDRESS IN INDIA
3. PORT AT WHICH IT IS DESIRED TO IMPORT APPARATUS
4. PROBABLE DATE OF IMPORTATION
5. WHETHER THE APPLICANT IS DEALER/SERVICE PROVIDER/USER
IF DEALER, DEALER’S POSSESSION LICENCE NUMBER

& DATE OF VALIDITY (UPTO)

IF SERVICE PROVIDER, WPC LICENCE NO.
IF USER, REFERENCE OF MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS

AGREEMENT LETTER

WHETHER EQUIPMENT IMPORTED EARLIER HAVE BEEN

INCORPORATED IN WPC LICENCE

7. DETAILS OF EARLIER IMPORT LICENCE NUMBER AND

STATUS OF EQUIPMENT IMPORTED EARLIER

(SIGNATURE)
LIST OF ENCLOSURES

1. 
   COPY OF DPL/WPC LICENCE/AGREEMENT LETTER
   
2. 
   STATEMENT OF STATUS OF EQUIPMENT IMPORTED EARLIER (AS PER ANNEXURE FOR ITEM 8)
   
3. 
   COPY OF WPC LICENCE FOR ITEM 7 ABOVE
   

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Item No.	Manufacturer’s Name	Whether Transmitter/Transreceiver of component thereof	Model or type No.	Quantity	Frequency of operation & R.F Power Output	Aprox. C.I.F. Value, if known
1	2	3	4	5	6	7

TECHNICAL LITERATURE TO BE ENCLOSED

PLACE SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT

DATE
7

DETAILS OF IMPORT OF WIRELESS APPARATUS DURING THE PAST 1 YEAR
(PERIOD FROM----------------TO------------------)

S.No.	WPC Import Licence Number & Date	Description of apparatus including Frequency Band	Quantity	Supplied to Name of Party	Supplied to Quantity	Balance in Stock

Signature

Date