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  • Expert trainers from the field
  • Intensive cooperation with education
  • Flexible delivery: anywhere, anytime
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STCW - Marcom A (General Operators Certificate) Cursus & Examen

The STCW – Marcom A course provides the General Certificate of Maritime Radiocommunication, authorizing the holder to operate maritime radio frequencies at sea. This course combines theoretical and practical instruction to prepare participants for the official examination supervised by the Dutch Radiocommunications Agency (Agentschap Telecom).

Course duration: 5 days
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.433,00 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

STCW - MARCOM A - General Operators Certificate (GOC) - Training Course & Exams

Introduction
This intensive five-day program covers all aspects of modern maritime radiocommunication under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Participants learn to operate the radio and satellite communication equipment required by the SOLAS Convention, gaining both technical knowledge and operational skills for emergency and safety communication.

Objective
Upon completion, participants will be able to independently operate maritime communication systems at sea in full compliance with GMDSS and international regulations.

Target Group
This course is intended for:

  • Seafarers responsible for radio communications on SOLAS vessels

  • Personnel required to hold a Marcom-A certificate for professional duties at sea

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Practical info

Entry Requirements

  • Minimum age: 16 years

  • Basic knowledge of the English language

  • Valid medical certificate for seafarers

Course Content

  • International maritime radiocommunication and GMDSS framework

  • Regulations, procedures, and technical principles (SOLAS, IMO, ITU)

  • English: Standard Maritime Communication Phrases

  • Operation of GMDSS equipment (VHF, MF/HF, DSC, Inmarsat, EPIRB, NAVTEX)

  • Practical exercises with distress, urgency, and safety communication

  • Simulation of real emergency communication scenarios

Examination and Certification
The examination includes the following modules:
a. Regulations, Procedures, and Technical Knowledge
b. English (Standard Vocabulary)
Successful candidates receive the Marcom-A certificate, issued under the supervision of the Dutch Radiocommunications Agency (Agentschap Telecom).

Validity
Unlimited

Duration
5.5 days (including examinations)

Participants
Minimum 6, maximum 12

Schedule
08:30 – 17:00

Related Courses

  • Marcom-B: Restricted Certificate of Maritime Radiocommunication (3 days, including exam)

  • Marifonie: Basic Maritime Radiotelephony Certificate (1 day, excluding exam)

  • Module B: 1.5 days, excluding theory exam, including practical exam

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Day 1 - Introduction and GMDSS Basics

Course introduction. International and national legislation. Structure of the GMDSS system. GMDSS equipment: VHF, DSC, modem and NAVTEX. Basics of radio communication technology.

Day 2 - Distress, Urgency and Safety Communication

Distress, urgency and safety procedures. GMDSS equipment: MF/HF, DSC, modem, Inmarsat C. Obligations and costs. Demonstration of emergency communication. Practical exercises with equipment.

Day 3 - MF/HF and Practice

Practical exercises with GMDSS equipment. MF/HF – demonstration and operation. Additional practice with emergency scenarios and communication procedures.

Day 4 - Practical Training

GMDSS practice with DSC, NAVTEX and Inmarsat C. Exercises with distress, urgency and safety communication in realistic situations.

Day 5 - Review and Examination Practice

Review of exercise and exam questions. Practical sessions focused on applying procedures and communication skills in preparation for the assessment.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Introduction and GMDSS Basics
  • Day 2 - Distress, Urgency and Safety Communication
  • Day 3 - MF/HF and Practice
  • Day 4 - Practical Training
  • Day 5 - Review and Examination Practice

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

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Classroom + GMDSS

Realistic training with modern maritime simulation

Classroom + GMDSS

Realistic training with GMDSS and maritime communication.

Classroom + GMDSS

Realistic training with modern maritime simulation

Classroom + GMDSS

The Classroom Simulation is equipped with modern communication systems, including the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). Here, participants learn how to manage emergency, safety, and routine communication at sea safely and efficiently.

What makes this simulator unique is that trainees can practice all aspects of maritime communication — including distress calls, alerting, and coordination with rescue services — in a realistic yet safe environment.

Who is it for

The Classroom Simulation is used by maritime personnel, ship officers, nautical students, and offshore teams who need to be proficient in GMDSS operations and maritime communication procedures.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Operate GMDSS equipment for distress, urgency, and safety calls

  • Follow correct procedures for routine communication at sea

  • Collaborate and communicate effectively as a team during emergency scenarios

  • Practice realistic navigation and communication situations

  • Integrate communication within broader Full Mission scenarios

For your organization

Would you like to train your crew in ship communication and navigation procedures?
Contact us — we offer customized programs using both Classroom and Full Mission simulations.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Emile van Dooren
Instructor

Frequently asked questions

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For seafarers and maritime professionals who must comply with international STCW requirements.

Yes, our STCW courses are recognised by the Dutch flag state (the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate – ILT). Each certificate includes the relevant STCW reference, ensuring international recognition.

We offer Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Medical Care (MC), Proficiency in (Fast) Rescue Boats (PSCRB/FRB), and Security Awareness/Designated Duties.

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years (depending on the module and sea time requirements). Check the course page for exact details.

Yes, a valid maritime medical certificate is mandatory for participation.

Bring valid identification, a medical certificate (mandatory), and swimwear/towel if the course includes a pool module. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

 

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.

You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.

Not required, but possible. Call us for advice or available options at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.