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1 INTRODUCTION

In March 1899, the lightship East Goodwin, anchored

off Dover, reported by radio that the steamer Elba had

run aground. This event is considered to be the first

radio distress signal. In 1906, at the second

Radiotelegraph Conference, a signal SOS was adopted

as a distress signal. Despite an adoption of this signal,

the previously used Morse telegraphy distress signal

CQD was still used to call for help for many years. The

most famous use of the CQD and SOS signals was

during the disaster of the RMS Titanic in 1912. The

Titanic's radio operators initially transmitted the old

distress signal CQD, and only later transmitted the SOS

signal. After analyzing the disaster of the RMS Titanic,

a special conference in London in 1913 established new

regulations on safety measures and life-saving devices,

which were included in the International Convention

for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention),

adopted in 1914. In a field of radio communications,

the Convention introduced, among other things, an

obligation to maintain 24-hour listening for the SOS

distress signal when a ship is at sea on the frequency of

500 kHz, and during the so-called radio silence periods

(between 15-18 and 45-48 minutes of each hour), ships

were required to completely stop transmission and to

exercise special listening. In addition, attention was

drawn to the regulatory and unambiguous conduct of

radio operators in distress situations, which should be

ensured by their appropriate training.

In subsequent years, a number of new

communication techniques were introduced to the

maritime radio communications, including

radiotelephony, digital transmissions and satellite

communication. This required a change in the

principles and procedures for conducting the radio

communication, which was included in a training

programs for radio operators. The largest change in

this area was caused by the implementation of the

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS

system) in 1999. Taking into account the very wide

scope of changes related to the introduction of the

GMDSS system, both in terms of ship radio equipment

and the principles, procedures and organization of

conducting communication, it was decided to change

Training and Certification of the Marine Radio

Operators in Poland

K. Korcz & K. Olszewski

Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland

ABSTRACT: The article presents a current status of the marine radio operators certificates required by the Radio

Regulations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the International Convention on Standards

of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) of the International Maritime

Organization (IMO). Analysis of the international requirements for the radio operators certificates was carried

out. The process of obtaining certificates for radio operators and statistics of selected data of this process in Poland

have been presented. It also describes a training for radio operators at the Gdynia Maritime University (GMU).

At the end of the article a future of marine radio operator certification requirements have been discussed.

http://www.transnav.eu

the International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 19

Number 2

June 2025

DOI: 10.12716/1001.19.02.38

670

the requirements, as well as change the names of radio

operator certificates. This, of course, resulted in a

change in the training programs and the examination

rules for people applying for the operator certificates in

the GMDSS.

The requirements and types of the radio operator

certificates are specified in the Radio Regulations (RR),

which is a document supplementing the Constitution

and Convention of the International

Telecommunication Union (ITU). According to the

Radio Regulations, in relation to ships subject to the

SOLAS Convention, there are four categories of the

GMDSS certificates [1]: First-class radio electronic

certificate, Second-class radio electronic certificate,

General operator’s certificate (GOC) and Restricted

operator’s certificate (ROC). Of the above, the first two

are dedicated to persons responsible for maintaining

the operational readiness of ship electronic and

computer equipment and systems, while the GOC and

ROC certificates are for persons responsible for

conducting the radio communications with shore and

other ships. In relation to ships not subject to the

SOLAS Convention (non-SOLAS ships), there are two

categories of the GMDSS certificates: Long-range

certificate (LRC) and Short-range certificate (SRC).

There are also other radio operator certificates,

supplementing those listed in the Radio Regulations,

i.e.: Coastal station operator certificate (CSO),

Radiotelephone operator's certificate in the inland

waterways service (IWC) and VHF radiotelephone

operator's certificate (VHF).

The above-mentioned the radio operator certificates

used in maritime communications are implemented by

the administrations of individual countries on the basis

of the provisions of the ITU Radio Regulations and

additional regulations of the International Maritime

Organization (IMO) and, for European countries, also

the regulations of the European Conference of Postal

and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT).

The authors of the article are members of the Polish

examination board for the radio operators in the

maritime and inland radiocommunication service.

2 CURRENT INTERNATIONAL STATUS OF THE

MARINE RADIO OPERATORS CERTIFICATES

At the international level, the types and requirements

for the marine radio operator certificates are specified

in the Radio Regulations of the International

Telecommunication Union - ITU and the relevant,

additional regulations of the International Maritime

Organization - IMO, contained in the SOLAS

Convention, as well as in the International Convention

on Standards of Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The above

regulations are supplemented by the requirements in

the relevant recommendations of both ITU and IMO

and appropriate the IMO model courses.

2.1 ITU Provisions

According to Radio Regulations the service of every

ship earth station and ship station using the

frequencies and techniques for GMDSS, shall be

controlled by an operator holding a certificate issued or

recognized by the government to which the station is

subject [1].

Each administration shall take the necessary steps

to prevent, to the maximum extent possible, the

fraudulent use of certificates. For this purpose, such

certificates shall bear the holder’s signature and shall

be authenticated by the issuing administration. In the

maritime mobile service for the GMDSS additionally

shall bear the photograph of the holder and the

holder’s date of birth.

To facilitate the verification of certificates, these

may carry, if necessary, in addition to the text in the

national language, a translation of this text in a

working language of the ITU, usually English.

All GMDSS certificates shall carry at least the

following information [1]:

− the name and date of birth of the holder,

− the title of the certificate and its date of issue,

− if applicable, the number and period of validity

of the certificate, and

− the issuing administration.

Each administration shall take the necessary steps

to place the operators under the obligation to preserve

the secrecy of correspondence.

According to Radio Regulations, as mentioned

earlier, there are two categories of GMDSS certificates

in relation to ships subject to the SOLAS Convention

(the cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards) for

the personnel of ship stations and ship earth stations

responsible for conducting communications, this is [1]:

− General operator’s certificate (GOC), and

− Restricted operator’s certificate (ROC).

In relation to non-SOLAS ships (the yachts, motor

boats or fishing boats), there are also two categories of

the GMDSS certificates, this is [1]:

− Long-range certificate (LRC), and

− Short-range certificate (SRC).

There are also other the marine radio operator

certificates, not listed literally in the Radio Regulations,

but resulting from its general provisions and other

regulations, this is:

− Coastal station operator certificate (CSO),

− Radiotelephone operator's certificate in the inland

waterways service (IWC), and

− VHF radiotelephone operator’s certificate (VHF).

The Radio Regulations requirements for the SOLAS

GMDSS certificates, for which candidates must show

proof of technical and professional knowledge and

qualification, are shown in Table 1 [1].

It should be noted that a restricted operator’s

certificate (ROC) covers only the operation of GMDSS

equipment required for GMDSS sea areas A1, and does

not cover the operation of GMDSS A2/A3/A4

equipment fitted on a ship over and above the basic A1

requirements, even if the ship is in a sea area A1.

GMDSS sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4 are identified in

the International Convention for the Safety of Life at

Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended [2].

The requirements for the non-SOLAS GMDSS

certificates (LRC and SRC), for which candidates must

show proof of technical and professional knowledge

and qualification are contained in ITU Resolution 343

(Rev. WRC 12) - Maritime certification for personnel of

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ship stations and ship earth stations for which a radio

installation is not compulsory. The personnel of ship

stations and ship earth stations for which a radio

installation is not compulsory either under

international agreements or national regulations and

which use the frequencies and techniques of the

GMDSS shall be adequately qualified and certificated

in accordance with the administration’s requirements.

Guidance concerning appropriate qualifications and

certification is provided in mentioned earlier ITU

Resolution 343 (Rev. WRC 12).

Table 1. Requirements for SOLAS GMDSS operator’s

certificates [1]

The relevant certificate is issued to a candidate who has

given proof of the technical and professional knowledge

and qualifications enumerated below, as indicated by X

in the appropriate box

GOC

ROC

Detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all the

GMDSS sub-systems and equipment.

Practical knowledge of the operation of all the GMDSS

sub-systems and equipment which is required while the

ship is within the range of VHF coast stations.

Ability to send and to receive correctly by

radiotelephony and telegraphy to and from ship earth

stations.

Ability to send and to receive correctly by

radiotelephony.

Detailed knowledge of the regulations applying to

radiocommunications, knowledge of the documents

relating to charges for radiocommunications and

knowledge of those provisions of the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974,

as amended which relate to radio.

Knowledge of the regulations applying to

radiotelephone communications and specifically of that

part of those regulations relating to the safety of life.

Sufficient knowledge of one of the working languages of

the Union. Candidates should be able to express

themselves satisfactorily in that language, both orally

and in writing.

An elementary knowledge of one of the working

languages of the Union. Candidates should be able to

express themselves satisfactorily in that language, both

orally and in writing. Administrations may waive the

above language requirements for holders of a restricted

operator’s certificate when the ship station is confined to

a limited area specified by the administration concerned.

In such cases the certificate shall be suitably endorsed.

It should be emphasised that each administration

may establish additional conditions, in addition to

those set out above, under which GMDSS certificates

may be granted.

2.2 IMO Provisions

The IMO regulations regarding the radio operator’s

certificates are contained primarily in two conventions:

− the International Convention for the Safety of Life

at Sea (SOLAS Convention), 1974, as amended, and

− the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for

Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978.

The main objective of the SOLAS Convention is to

specify minimum standards for the construction,

equipment and operation of ships, compatible with

their safety. The Chapter IV of the Convention

(Radiocommunucation) incorporates the Global

Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

According to this chapter all passenger ships and all

cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards on

international voyages are required to carry equipment

designed to improve the chances of rescue following an

accident. With regard to radio personnel, the Chapter

IV establishes that every ship shall carry personnel

qualified for distress, urgency and safety

communications purposes to the satisfaction of the

Administration. The personel shall be holders of the

appropriate certificates specified in the Radio

Regulations and one of the personel shall be

designated as having primary responsibility for

communications during distress incidents. And also

that in passenger ships, at least one radio operator shall

be assigned to perform only communications duties

during distress incidents [1].

The STCW Convention, was adopted by the IMO in

1978. Since then, a lot of amendments thereto have

been adopted. The 1991 amendments, relating to the

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

were adopted by resolution MSC.21(59) and entered

into force on 1 December 1992. The 1995 STCW

Conference adopted the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code).

The STCW Code consist of:

1. Part A - contains mandatory provisions, and

2. Part B - contains recommended guidance which is

intended to help Parties implement the Convention.

In accordance with the annex to the STCW

Convention, 1978:

1. every person in charge of or performing radio

duties on a ship required to participate in the

GMDSS shall hold an appropriate certificate related

to the GMDSS, issued or recognized by the

Administration under the provisions of the Radio

Regulations,

2. in addition, every candidate for certification of

competency under this regulation for service on a

ship, which is required by the SOLAS, 1974, as

amended, to have a radio installation, shall:

− be not less than 18 years of age, and

− have completed approved education and

training and meet the standard of competence

specified in the STCW Code.

In STCW Code, both in part A and B, Chapter IV

(Radiocommunication and radio operators) is, similar

to the SOLAS Convention, devoted to radio personnel.

In addition to the Radio Regulations requirements,

every candidate for certification of competency shall be

required to demonstrate ability to undertake the tasks,

duties and responsibilities specified in section A-IV/2

of the STCW Code, given in table 2 [3].

It is worth noting that the Model Courses developed

by IMO are also useful in the proper preparation of

training courses for GMDSS operators. In relation to

the GOC and ROC operator certificates, these are

respectively:

− Model Course 1.25 on General Operator's

Certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and

Safety System (GMDSS) [4], and

− Model Course 1.26 on Restricted Operator's

Certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and

Safety System (GMDSS) [5].

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Table 2. Specification of minimum standard of competence

for the GMDSS radio operators [3]

Competence

Knowledge, understanding and proficiency

Transmit and

receive

information

using

GMDSS

subsystems

and

equipment

and fulfilling

the functional

requirements

of GMDSS

.1 search and rescue radiocommunications, including

procedures in the International Aeronautical and

Maritime Search and

Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

.2 the means to prevent the transmission of false

distress alerts and the procedures to mitigate the

effects of such alerts

.3 ship reporting systems

.4 radio medical services

.5 use of the International Code of Signals and the

IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases

.6 the English language, both written and spoken, for

the communication of information relevant to safety

of life at sea.

Note: This requirement may be reduced in the case of the

Restricted Radio Operator’s Certificate

Provide radio

services in

emergencies

The provision of radio services in emergencies such

as:

.1 abandon ship

.2 fire on board ship

.3 partial or full breakdown of radio installations.

Preventive measures for the safety of ship and

personel in connection with hazards related to radio

equipment, including electrical and non-ionizing

radiation hazards

It should be emphasized that it is not the intention

these model course programmes to present the

instructors with a rigid "teaching package" which they

are expected to "follow blindly". As in all training

endeavours, the knowledge, skills and dedication of

the instructor are the key components in the transfer of

knowledge and skills to those being trained. Therefore,

these model courses should be used as a framework for

the training centres in developing their respective

education and training programmes. Because the

educational systems and the cultural backgrounds of

trainees in the maritime subjects vary considerably

from throughout the world, the ROC and GOC model

courses material has been designed to identify the basic

entry requirements and the trainee target group for

each course in the universally applicable terms, and to

specify clearly the technical content and levels of

knowledge and skill necessary to meet the intent of

IMO and other related instruments [4, 5].

3 CERTIFICATION OF THE MARINE RADIO

OPERATORS IN POLAND

According to Polish law, the President of the Office of

Electronic Communications (OEC) is responsible for

the certification of radio operator certificates [6].

3.1 The process of obtaining the marine radio operators

certificates

The process of obtaining certificates for maritime radio

operators in Poland is regulated by the Regulation of

the Minister of Administration and Digitization on

radio equipment operator certificates. This Regulation

specifies [6]:

1. types and templates of radio equipment operator

certificates,

2. scope of examination requirements,

3. scope, mode and periods of necessary training and

practice,

4. deadline for submitting an application for the radio

equipment operator certificate or its renewal,

5. the procedure for conducting examinations,

including resit examinations,

6. the method of appointing the examination board,

7. the fees for conducting the examination and issuing

the radio equipment operator certificate.

The above Regulation establishes the following

types of radio equipment operator certificates in the

maritime and inland radiocommunication service for

the persons responsible for conducting

communications:

1. General operator’s certificate (GOC) – entitling to

operation of the GMDSS devices on the all seagoing

vessels and the performance of the function of a

radio operator in coastal stations,

2. Restricted operator certificate (ROC) – entitling to

operation of the GMDSS devices on the all seagoing

vessels, in sea area A1,

3. Coastal station operator certificate (CSO) – entitling

to perform the function of a radio equipment

operator in the coastal stations and the maritime

rescue coordination centers (MRCC),

4. Radiotelephone operator's certificate in the inland

waterways service (IWC) – entitling to operation of

the radiotelephone equipment and DSC in an

inland radiocommunication service operating in the

maritime VHF and UHF bands,

5. Long-range certificate (LRC)– entitling to operation

of the radio equipment used in GMDSS on seagoing

ships not subject to the provisions of the SOLAS

Convention, operating in the all navigation areas,

6. Short-range certificate (SRC) – entitling to operation

of the radio equipment using frequencies and

techniques used in GMDSS on seagoing ships not

subject to the provisions of the SOLAS Convention,

in sea area A1, and

7. VHF radiotelephone operator’s certificate (VHF) –

entitling to operation of the radiotelephone devices

operating in the VHF maritime range.

The templates for the certificates listed above are set

out in Annex 2 to the Regulation.

Radio equipment operator certificates are issued for

an indefinite period, except for the certificates listed in

points 1) - 2), which are issued for a period of 5 years.

After this period, these certificates are subject to

renewal in the manner set out in the Regulation.

The scope of examination requirements and a

necessary training for the persons applying for a radio

equipment operator certificate in the maritime and

inland radiocommunication service is specified in

Annex 5 to the Regulation.

For the radio equipment operator certificates

referred to in points 1) - 2) above can apply a person

who has completed training at a training center in a

scope corresponding to the examination requirements

for a given type of certificate, specified in Annex 5 to

the Regulation. The confirmation of completing the

required training is a certificate of completion issued

by the training center.

The renewal of the GOC and ROC operator

certificate can apply a person who has submitted an

application for the renewal of the certificate no later

than within 12 months from the date of expiry of the

certificate. The person applying for the renewal of the

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above certificates shall attach to the application an

extract from the seaman's book and a certificate issued

by the ship's captain, confirming a work at sea and

performing the functions of the operator responsible

for radio communication in the event of the distress

situations, appropriate for the given certificate, for at

least 12 months within the period of 5 years before the

expiry date of the certificate held. In the absence of

such certificate, the person applying for the renewal of

the certificate should pass an examination within the

scope specified in Annex 5 to the Regulation.

Examinations of persons applying for a certificate of

radio operator in the maritime and inland

radiocommunication service are conducted by an

examination board. The examination board, from

among persons with appropriate knowledge and

practical experience in the scope of the assessed

competences, is appointed by the President of the

Office of Electronic Communications (OEC).

Currently, this examination board consists of OEC

employees and persons working in the training

centers, including the maritime universities. The

examination is conducted by the examination team

consisting of the chairman of the session and the

members of the examination board, including the

secretary of the session, appointed by the chairman of

the examination board from among the members of a

given board, in the number of 3 to 8 persons.

The schedule of sessions for the maritime and

inland radiocommunication service for the next

calendar year is set once a year by the President of the

OEC and announced on the website of the OEC Public

Information Bulletin by 31 December. In the special

situations, the President of the OEC may set an

additional session, specifying its date and place.

A person applying to take the exam shall submit an

application to the President of the OEC for issuing a

radio equipment operator certificate at least 14 days

before the examination date indicated in the

application. The application for issuing a certificate

must be accompanied by [6]:

1. two recent photos,

2. a certificate of completion of training at a training

center, if it is required to obtain a radio equipment

operator certificate - no later than the day of taking

the exam,

3. a certificate of completion of the required practice,

if its completion is required, or an entry in the

seaman's book confirming a work at sea with the

performance of functions appropriate to the given

certificate,

4. a copy of a valid certificate of fitness to work on a

ship, in the case of certificates mentioned in points

1) - 2) above,

5. copies of proof of payment of fees for conducting

the examination and issuing a radio equipment

operator certificate.

A person applying for the renewal of a radio

equipment operator certificate shall attach to the

application a copy of the radio equipment operator

certificate to which the application relates, a copy of the

seaman's book for the period of validity of the

certificate and a certificate confirming work at sea and

performing the functions of an operator responsible for

radio communication in the event of distress situations.

The exams are conducted in one stage on one day.

The examination subjects and requirements for the

examination location are specified in Annex 7 to the

Regulation. In accordance with this Annex, the

examination for the persons applying for the GOC

certificate is conducted by checking knowledge and

skills in the following examination subjects [6]:

1. principles of operation of the GMDSS system and

its subsystems,

2. operation of the GMDSS equipment and systems,

3. regulations used in the maritime

radiocommunication service, and

4. English language.

Whereas, the examination for the persons applying

for the ROC certificate in the subjects [6]:

1. principles of operation of the GMDSS system and

its subsystems used in the sea area A1,

2. operation of the GMDSS equipment and systems

used in the sea area A1,

3. regulations used in the maritime

radiocommunication service, and

4. English language.

The exam is conducted in Polish or English, in oral

or written form and in the form of a practical test of

skills in operating the radio devices on real devices or

simulators. The exam in each examination subject

consists of the 5 to 20 examination questions. For

answering each examination question, the person

taking the exam can get from 0 to 5 total points.

Depending on the sum of points obtained in the exam,

this person can get a grade in each examination subject:

1. positive - for obtaining at least 60% of the maximum

number of points,

2. negative - for obtaining less than 60% of the

maximum number of points.

The exam is considered passed if the candidate

receives a positive grade in each of the exam subjects.

After the exam, the candidate confirms that they have

read the grades awarded with their own signature. A

person who receives a negative grade in the exam in at

least one exam subject is entitled to take a repeat exam

once, but no later than within 12 months from the date

of announcement of the exam result.

The session secretary prepares a report of the

examination, including grades for individual

examination subjects. The report is signed by members

of the examination team and the session chairman. The

signed report is immediately forwarded to the

chairman of the examination board.

The above mentioned GMDSS certificates are

issued by the President of the Office of Electronic

Communications according to ITU Radio Regulations

and the IMO STCW Convention, what is indicated on

the certificates.

All information related to the process of obtaining

the marine radio operators certificates in Poland can be

found on the website of the Office of Electronic

Communications (OEC).

In order to supervise the GMDSS certificates issued

in Poland, the Office of Electronic Communications

maintains a website containing a register of issued

certificates. This website allows the relevant authorities

and administrations to check the validity of certificates

issued by the OEC and whether they are not fake. This

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https://confirmation.uke.gov.pl/en/certificates.

To obtain confirmation of the authenticity/validity

of a given certificate, simply enter the following data:

− Type of certificate,

− Number,

− Date of issue,

− Valid till,

− Name,

− Given names, and

− Birth date.

If the certificate is real and valid, a PDF document

confirming this is generated. If any of the above data is

incorrect, the following message is generated:

‘x Negative verification {"error"=>" No data"}’.

3.2 Statistics of selected data on the certification of the

marine radio operators

In Poland, there are the 7 main maritime educational

units that prepare the candidates for the state

examinations for certificates of the radio operators in

the maritime and inland radiocommunication service.

The scope of training provided by these units varies. In

numerical terms, the scope of courses conducted for

the given types of certificates is as follows: GOC – 5

centers, ROC – 5 centers, CSO – 5 centers, LRC – 6

centers, SRC – 7 centers, VHF – 7 centers, IWC – 7

centers. In all these training centers, the examination

sessions are conducted in accordance with the Annual

Schedule of examination sessions approved by the

President of the Office of Electronic Communications.

In addition to the above training centers, examinations

for non-SOLAS certificates are also conducted at the

headquarters of the OEC in Warsaw and 11 Regional

Branches of the OEC. A comparison of the number of

training and examination centers by type of the radio

operator certificates is presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Training and examination centers for specific types

of the radio operator certificates

In total, in the years 2015-2024, the Office of

Electronic Communications issued 29,088 all types of

certificates for the radio operators in the maritime and

inland radiocommunication service. Figure 2 presents

a comparison of the number of GOC and ROC

certificates issued compared to the number of all

certificates issued by the OEC in the years 2015-2024.

Figure 2. Summary of all issued GOC and ROC certificates

compared to all issued certificates in 2015-2024

In Figure 3 is presented the number of GOC and

ROC certificates issued by the OEC for the first time,

the number of certificates issued after renewal with an

examination and the number of certificates issued after

renewal without an examination in the years 2015-

2024.

Figure 3. Number of GOC and ROC certificates issued,

including the method of their issuance in 2015-2024

The next Figure 4 presents a summary of the

number of non-SOLAS certificates (VHF, SRC and

LRC) issued by OEC in the years 2015-2024.

Figure 4. Number of the VHF, SRC, LRC certificates issued

by OEC in 2015-2024

The following Figure 5 presents a summary of the

number of CSO and IWC certificates issued by the

Office of Electronic Communications in the years 2015-

2024.

675

Figure 5. Number of CSO and IWC certificates issued by OEC

in 2015-2024

The given above statistical data on the maritime

radio operator certificates issued in Poland were

obtained thanks to the Regional Branch of the OEC in

Gdynia.

4 TRAINING FOR RADIO OPERATORS AT GMU

One of the most important training centers for the radio

operator certificates in Poland is the Training and

Education Center (TEC) of the Gdynia Maritime

University (GMU).

4.1 Presentation of the profile of the GMU TEC

The Training and Education Centre is located within

the walls of the Navigation Department of the GMU. It

was established to provide specialized training for the

all students of the GMU, who are educated according

to the requirements of the STCW Convention,

including all courses related to the maritime

radiocommunication and the GMDSS system. The

Centre organizes the courses for the external listeners

and for students of the maritime faculties, preparing

for the state examinations for all types of the radio

operator certificates in the maritime radiocom-

munication and inland service, in accordance with

international and national regulations. The training

offer of the Centre also includes training for people

renewing GOC and ROC certificates (so-called

refreshment) and a dedicated training in the field of

maritime radiocommunication.

The Training and Education Center has a modern

technical base for conducting training both in the

simulation laboratory and on real equipment (see

Chapter 4.2). The TEC also organizes the state

examinations of the commission appointed by the

President of the Office of Electronic Communications.

4.2 Training base

The TEC training base is equipped with modern

computer equipment and simulation software Wärtsilä

GMDSS Simulator TGS 5000. This simulator enables

training on various ship radio stations, including

SAILOR 2000, 4000, 6000, and Furuno. The GMDSS

Laboratory responds to the needs of trainees in terms

of exploring the latest maritime technological and the

system solutions with a high level of immersive

experience (touch matrices, separated rooms for

operating a virtual radio console or real devices),

accurately imitating real ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore

communications for all types of terrestrial and satellite

communications used in GMDSS. The instructor can

easily introduce various types of the interference on the

selected frequencies, run and control previously

prepared scenarios, performing the functions of a

telephone subscriber, shore station operator and RCC

operator (Figure 6). The simulator also allows for

training in the field of the radio wave propagation

using the built-in radio channel model. For self-

training purposes, trainees can use the simulator in

demonstration, test and examination modes. Figure 6

shows a view of the instructor's station and one of the

training stations for the training participant, which is a

separate section of the laboratory.

Figure 6. Instructor and training station with a simulated

ship radio console

In Figure 7 is shown a view of one of the seven

available training stations, suitably soundproofed with

the acoustic panels, where simulation software for

conducting communications using a satellite terminal

was launched.

Figure 7. Training station prepared for satellite

communication

4.3 Statistical data of the TEC training courses

This chapter presents selected statistical data on the

training courses for the radio operator certificates

conducted at the TEC in the years 2015-2024. In total,

in the period under consideration, the GMU TEC

trained 1,416 trainees for all types of the radio operator

certificates in the maritime and inland

radiocommunication service.

Figure 8 presents a comparison of the number of

participants in GOC and ROC certificate courses

compared to the number of all participants in all types

676

of certificate courses in the years 2015-2024. The

comparison includes both participants in GOC and

ROC certificate courses issued for the first time and

those in the renewal of these certificates.

Figure 8. Summary of GOC and ROC certificate course

participants compared to all trained participants in 2015-2024

The next Figure 9 shows a comparison of the

number of participants in courses trained for GOC and

ROC Certificates taking the exam for the first time with

the number of participants in courses to renew their

GOC and ROC certificates in the years 2015-2024.

Figure 9. Number of participants in GOC and ROC certificate

courses for the first time and those renewing GOC and ROC

certificates in 2015-2024

The next Figure 10 presents a comparative

summary of the number of participants in non-SOLAS

certificate courses (VHF, SRC and LRC) in the years

2015-2024.

Figure 10. Number of participants in VHF, SRC, LRC

certificate courses in 2015-2024

The last Figure 11 presents a comparison of the

number of IWC certificate trainees trained by TEC and

the number of CSO certificate trainees trained by TEC

in the years 2015-2024.

Figure 11. Number of participants in IWC and CSO certificate

courses in 2015-2024

4.4 Qualifications of the training staff

The GMU TEC training staff consists of experienced

employees with the necessary certificates. This creates

comfortable, professional training conditions for the

trainees and, above all, guarantees very good

preparation for the exam. The training team currently

consists of 6 instructors with extensive teaching

experience, some of whom have many years of sea

practice (Master Mariner, Second-Class Radio

Electronic).

In terms of required training qualifications, the TEC

instructors are trained in: Second-Class Radio

Electronic Certificate, General Operator’s Certificate,

Certificate of Training in Didactics for Instructor (IMO

Model Course 6.09), Certificate of Training in Didactics

for Simulator Trainer and Assessor (IMO Model

Course 6.10), and Certificate of Training for Examiner

and Assessor (IMO Model Course 3.12).

5 THE FUTURE OF THE MARINE RADIO

OPERATOR CERTIFICATES

Following the introduction of the GMDSS system in

1999, three important projects related to maritime

radiocommunication were undertaken by the IMO,

namely: the E-navigation” (2006) [8], the

Modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and

Safety System – GMDSS (2012) [7, 8, 9] and Maritime

Autonomous Surface Ships – MASS (2019) [10].

In 2006, several countries submitted a proposal to

the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) for

preparing a broad strategy for the inclusion of new

technologies in a comprehensive manner, to ensure

their compatibility with the existing navigation and

communication technologies and services. In response

to this proposal, the MSC took the decision to initiate

work on the E-navigation project [8]. Doubtlessly, one

of the key elements of e-navigation will be a radio

communication data transmission network based on

new systems and those already used in maritime

communications. The above led the IMO to

undertaking work in 2012 on modernization of the

GMDSS system used in maritime radio

communications [7, 8]. After ten years of work,

amendments to SOLAS Chapter IV concerning the

modernization of the GMDSS system were adopted by

MSC 105 in 2022, so that they entered into force on 1

677

January 2024 [9]. Of course, this also resulted in the

change of many other related documents.

The implementation of e-navigation, even in

relation to the defined Maritime Services in the context

of e-navigation, will require the use of new, more

efficient communication systems in addition to the

existing GMDSS systems. Examples of such systems

are the VHF data exchange system (VDES), both its

terrestrial and satellite segments (VDE-SAT), or the

NAVDAT system supporting the digitalization of

maritime communications [8]. From the point of view

of training marine radio operators, the above will

certainly require appropriate changes in the training

programs for the appropriate GMDSS certificates.

The modernization of the GMDSS system has

brought a number of significant changes to the

functioning of the GMDSS system and its subsystems

or devices [9]. For example, the change in the definition

of the sea area A3 and the change in the Functional

requirements have resulted in changes to the Ship

requirements, especially regarding Radio equipment

[1]. These and other changes resulting from the

modernization of the GMDSS system will not,

however, require changes to the GMDSS operator

certificates themselves, but of course they will require

changes to the training programs for the appropriate

certificates.

To sum up, it seems that the changes in the

maritime radiocommunications caused by the results

of work on the e-navigation and GMDSS

modernization projects will not require the

introduction of new GMDSS operator certificates, but

only corrections and updates of the existing training

programmes for these certificates.

In the case of implementing IMO's work on

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), the

situation will be completely different, because radio

data transmission networks based on new

communication systems appropriate for controlling

autonomous ships will have to be used [10]. Therefore,

a new area of training activity will certainly be the

preparation of the maritime radio operators working

on land to manage an autonomous fleet. As of today,

there are no such certificates for radio operators, so it

will require the preparation of new, appropriate

training programs for these land operators.

6 CONCLUSIONS

As shown in the article, the training of the marine radio

operators is the dynamic process, both in the terms of

technological and regulatory changes and, not

discussed in the article, the changes in the rules and the

procedures for the maritime communications.

The training requirements for the marine radio

operators contained in the ITU Radio Regulations and

the IMO Conventions (SOLAS and STCW) are of a

general nature. This is due to the fact that changing

them is the time-consuming process. Changes to the

regulations contained in the ITU Radio Regulations are

possible only during the World Radiocommunication

Conferences (WRCs) held every four years, and each

proposal for a change must be submitted at least eight

years in advance. Introducing changes to the SOLAS

Convention and the IMO model courses is similarly

time-consuming.

According to the authors, detailed changes/updates

to training and the examination requirements for the

marine radio operators should be introduced at the

level of individual countries, through the national

regulations. Of course, the national regulations/

changes should always take into account current,

international requirements and the current results of

work on the training requirements for the marine radio

operators conducted within the ITU and the IMO.

The process of obtaining certificates for the marine

radio operators in Poland presented in the article

seems to be the right process, ensuring on the one hand

its readability for those interested, and on the other

hand ensuring the appropriate level of knowledge and

the skills of people obtaining GMDSS certificates.

However, it should be noted that the Polish Regulation

of the Minister of Administration and Digitization

regarding the radio equipment operator certificates

was published ten years ago, in 2015, and it is

somewhat out of date. As indicated earlier, these

examination requirements should also be specified in

more detail.

It should be emphasised that any introduction of a

radio data transmission network based on the new

systems into the maritime communications should also

entail a change in the communication principles and

procedures applied, which should be included in the

training programmes for the GMDSS operators.

REFERENCES

[1] Radio Regulations, International Telecommunication

Union (ITU), Edition of 2024

[2] International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

(SOLAS), International Maritime Organization (IMO),

1974, as amended

[3] International Convention on Standards of Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW),

International Maritime Organization (IMO), 1978, as

amended

[4] Model Course 1.25 on General Operator's Certificate for

the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

(GMDSS), International Maritime Organization (IMO),

2015 Edition

[5] Model Course 1.26 on Restricted Operator's Certificate for

the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

(GMDSS), International Maritime Organization (IMO),

2015 Edition

[6] Regulation of the Minister of Administration and

Digitization on radio equipment operator certificates,

Warsaw, 2015

[7] Korcz K., Some Aspects of the Modernization Plan for the

GMDSS, International Journal on Marine Navigation and

Safety of Sea Transportation, vol. 11, no. 1, 2017

[8] Korcz K., Progress of Work on e-navigation and the

Modernization of GMDSS, Scientific Journal of Gdynia

Maritime University, No. 111/2019

[9] Korcz K., Key Points of the Modernized GMDSS System,

International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of

Sea Transportation, vol. 17, no. 1, 2023

[10] Wróbel K., Krata P., Gil M., Olszewski K., Montewka. J,

On the use of leading safety indicators in maritime and

their feasibility for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships,

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Part O Journal of Risk and Reliability, 2021