GMDSS Operator and Maintainer License Preparation

[fatkinson]

I am interested in getting my GMDSS Operator and Maintainer licenses. 

So far, I am not finding any current books that explain GMDSS operation to assist me in that regard. 

If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be much obliged. 

Regards,



                                                             Fred
                                                             Las Cruces, NM

[Glenn Dunstan]

Hello Fred and welcome aboard.

www.gmdss.info  gives a good overview of the GMDSS.

After that, I suggest you visit the USCG site.

Rgds
Glenn

[fatkinson]

Thanks, Glenn,

      I do see a lot of information about GMDSS on these sites. 

      I would like to find a book that focuses on preparation for the exams. 

      I understand that the FCC recently upgraded the question pool for the exams.  So I guess such a book would have to be recent. 

      Regards,




                                                                               Fred

[Glenn Dunstan]

Yes - I'm Australian based, so I'm not familiar with the US GMDSS exam system.

The FCC and USCG web sites may be a good place to start.

Rgds
Glenn

[fatkinson]

well,

    I've already exhausted the FCC site.   And I spoke to someone at the FCC who was unable to help. 

    I'm hoping that someone who has recently taken the U.S. GMDSS will email me with information about a current GMDSS book. 

    I have the FCC study guide.  It's a list of questions, answers (both correct and bluff).  But I don't think you learn that much if you just memorize the questions and answers without understanding the technology. 

    Regards,



                                                                                  Fred

[Glenn Dunstan]

That's interesting, Fred.

In Australia, GMDSS courses are based on the AMSA (similar to the USCG) GMDSS Handbook.

Perhaps you could contact US course providers?

Rgds
Glenn

[fatkinson]

     I might give that a try.  My experience with course providers is that they don't want to divulge that kind of information about their courses.  If they tell you the name of the book, then you will get the license on your own (rather than paying them to take their courses). 

     But I don't intend to take a course.  I'm at a proficient enough technical level that I should be able to do it on my own.  All I need are the right materials.  From what I see of the question and answer list on the FCC Web site, the actual exam shouldn't be all that complicated to pass if you read about the technology. 

     Regards,



                                                                        Fred

[fatkinson]

Well, I hit paydirt.   

    There is a gentleman by the name of Richard K. Bass who wrote a book entitled, "GMDSS: A Study Guide For The Global Maritime Distress Safety System, 2nd edition. 

    It was published in 2007 (the question pool was last revised in 2006, so that's great). 

    I've already read a few chapters and I now have a little better understanding of GMDSS. 

    The URL to his Web site is: http://www.tele-technology.com. 


 
                                                            Fred