NIMASA GMDSS GOC Exam case studies
NIMASA GMDSS GOC Exam · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (GOC) is the radio-operator qualification required of seafarers who carry out distress, urgency and safety communications on ships fitted to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. In Nigeria it is examined under the maritime administration's oversight and is the certificate that lets a holder stand watch on the radio equipment of SOLAS-class vessels and act as the ship's radio operator. The NIMASA GMDSS GOC Exam case studies are 5 cases and about 3,050 words.
1Mayday relay with an incomplete DSC position
At 0342 local time you are the GOC holder on a 4,500 GT cargo ship 12 nm off the Nigerian coast, inbound to Lagos. The VHF DSC controller alarms: a distress alert from MMSI 657003421, nature 'undesignated', no position.
662 words, about 3 min2Reserve battery collapses during the monthly GMDSS load check
During the monthly GMDSS battery check on a 24 V lead-acid reserve battery (200 Ah, dedicated), you record the following: charger float voltage 27.2 V, charger ammeter near zero; battery open-circuit voltage after 30 minutes 25.8 V. On applying the normal GMDSS load (VHF transmitting 25 W, MF/HF on standby, NAVTEX and DSC), voltage falls to 21.9 V within 90 seconds and the low-voltage alarm sounds.
638 words, about 3 min3NAVTEX silence before a tropical storm warning
On passage 150 nm off the coast, your 12,000 GT vessel has had no NAVTEX printout for 30 hours. The receiver is switched on, tuned to 518 kHz, and the display shows 'all stations' selected and message types '01-99'.
564 words, about 3 min4No HF DSC acknowledgement during a medical emergency
At 0200 local time your 8,000 GT tanker is 1,700 nm from the nearest coast earth station. The second officer has severe right lower abdominal pain, fever and vomiting; the master suspects appendicitis and wants medical advice and possible evacuation.
562 words, about 3 min5Inadvertent EPIRB activation and a SART test alongside
During pre-departure checks alongside in Apapa, a junior officer removes the float-free 406 MHz EPIRB from its bracket, switches it to 'ON' instead of 'TEST', and leaves it on for about 50 seconds before you notice and switch it off. The vessel is not in distress.
624 words, about 3 min