Which statement best describes the licensing requirement for GMDSS operators on a passenger ship with a GMDSS installation?

Which statement best describes the licensing requirement for GMDSS operators on a passenger ship with a GMDSS installation?

• A. Two operators on board must hold a GMDSS Radio Operator License or a Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator License, depending on the ship's operating area
• B. Only one operator is required with any radio operator certificate
• C. Three operators must all hold full GMDSS licenses
• D. No license is required on domestic voyages

Answer: (D)

GMDSS operation on a passenger ship requires trained personnel with the right licenses to ensure safe and compliant use of the system. On a ship equipped with GMDSS, there must be two operators on board who are licensed to handle GMDSS duties. Each operator must hold either a full GMDSS Radio Operator License or a Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator License, depending on the ship’s operating area. This redundancy is needed so distress and routine communications can be managed reliably at all times. A single operator is not considered sufficient, and the idea that no license is needed on domestic voyages doesn’t align with the requirement for qualified personnel to operate the GMDSS gear. The exact license type depends on how far the ship operates, but two licensed operators are the standard expectation.

GMDSS operation on a passenger ship requires trained personnel with the right licenses to ensure safe and compliant use of the system. On a ship equipped with GMDSS, there must be two operators on board who are licensed to handle GMDSS duties. Each operator must hold either a full GMDSS Radio Operator License or a Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator License, depending on the ship’s operating area. This redundancy is needed so distress and routine communications can be managed reliably at all times. A single operator is not considered sufficient, and the idea that no license is needed on domestic voyages doesn’t align with the requirement for qualified personnel to operate the GMDSS gear. The exact license type depends on how far the ship operates, but two licensed operators are the standard expectation.