The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a communication system for vessels. It is not just used for emergencies it can be used for vessel-to-vessel, vessel-to-shore and shore-to-vessel routine communications. To operate these systems, seafarers must hold a GMDSS Certificate of Competency (CoC), an internationally recognised qualification. This certification is required for radio communications on all vessels and ensures that seafarers, such as deck officers and radio operators, are trained to operate GMDSS equipment and handle critical safety and distress communications, as well as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore transmissions.  

Detailed guidance on the GMDSS course approval process and the issuing of certificates is available in MIN 716 and MSN 1864 Amendment 1. Supplementary information can be found in MIN 643.

Application process

To apply for a GMDSS Certificate, seafarers must meet the requirements outlined in  MSN 1864 (M) Amendment 1 and complete training at an approved training provider. Upon successful completion of the course, to obtain a GMDSS Certificate or Endorsement, seafarers must complete the MSF 4354 form and submit it, along with the appropriate payment and the course completion certificate to gmdss@mcga.gov.uk 

Once the application is processed, the GMDSS Certificate will be sent to the address specified in the application form. 

Documents required for a GMDSS CoC

To obtain a UK GMDSS Certificate, seafarers must meet the following requirements: 

• Completed course completion certificate from a training provider

To obtain a UK STCW endorsement for a GMDSS seafarers must meet the following requirements: 

(a) Hold MCA Approved GMDSS GOC or ROC.  

(b) Hold basic STCW safety training certificates: 

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1- 4) 

(c) Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent 

How to apply

If you are applying for your GMDSS GOC, ROC or LRC only, or for your GMDSS STCW Endorsement/Revalidation only, please email your completed MSF 4354 application and supporting documents to gmdss@mcga.gov.uk 

If you are applying for your GMDSS GOC or ROC alongside your UK Deck CoC application, please send your completed MSF 4354 application and supporting documents, and your UK Deck CoC application to deck@mcga.gov.uk 

If you are revalidating your UK GMDSS STCW Endorsement at the same time as your CoC, please use  MSF 4201  and email to revalidation@mcga.gov.uk 

Please ensure your documents are included as attachments or within a .zip folder. Unfortunately, we can’t open .rar extensions or links to file-sharing services (e.g. OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox etc). 

Payment

The following fees apply for GMDSS certification and endorsements: 

• GMDSS GOC, ROC, or LRC Only: £77 + courier fee
• GMDSS GOC or ROC with STCW Endorsement: £77 + courier fee
• GMDSS STCW Endorsement Only: £77 + courier fee
• GMDSS STCW Revalidation: £54 + courier fee 

 The payment links can be found on the application forms. 

Processing times

We aim to issue both the GMDSS Certificate and Endorsement within 14 days provided your application is complete with the required documentation and you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Important information regarding GMDSS CoCs

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will assume direct responsibility for approving training programs for the GMDSS and Radio Certification. Currently, this responsibility lies with the Association of Marine Electronic and Radio Colleges (AMERC). The transfer of responsibilities will occur on 12 May 2025. Candidates who successfully complete their GMDSS Course after 21 April, should apply directly to the MCA who will issue the GMDSS Certificate, see section 3 of MIN 716.