GMD501 Global Maritime Distress Safety System Refresher Training

It's Time for More

More Opportunities. More Goals. Discover +100 programmes starting in 2027.
Course code

GMD501
Locations and dates

Nelson:

23 November 2026
Length

3 consecutive days, 8.30am–5.00pm.
Fees

Tuition: 1136.00

Student levy: 9.00
Credits

3

Refresh your Global Maritime Distress Safety System training.

Maritime Students Medium 2 Column 1470x980px v2

You'll learn to transmit and receive information using the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) subsystems and equipment, fulfil the functional requirements of the GMDSS and provide radio services in emergencies.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is the international radio safety system mandated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for ships at sea.

This course is for those who have completed their GMDSS General Operators Certificate course and do not have current sea time to revalidate their qualification.

What will I learn?

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Compile distress, urgency and safety messages using GMDSS frequencies and equipment including INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite)
Compile routine messages using Global Maritime Distress Safety System frequencies and equipment including INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite)
Use radio publications to research relevant radio information
Use:
- radio telex
- Long Range Identification Tracking (LRIT)
- Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
- AIS
- emergency position-indicating radio beacons or (EPIRB)
- search and rescue transponders (SART)

The course is designed for students who have already successfully completed a full GMDSS General Operators Certificate course. This course covers the competencies of STCW 1978 as amended, A-IV/2

Useful links