RIC-25 — Syllabus for the Restricted Operator's Certificate - Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC)

Issue 3 
April 2008 

Spectrum Management and Telecommunications
Radiocommunication Information Circular

Preface

Radiocommunication Information Circulars are issued for the guidance of those engaged in radiocommunications in Canada. The information contained in these circulars is subject to change without notice. It is therefore suggested that interested persons consult the nearest district office of Industry Canada for additional details. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is expressed or implied. As well, these circulars have no status in law.

Comments and suggestions may be directed to the following address:

Industry Canada 
Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulatory Branch 
300 Slater Street 
Ottawa, Ontario 
K1A 0C8 

Attention: DOS

E-mail: spectrum_pubs@ic.gc.ca

All Spectrum Management and Telecommunications publications are available on the following website: http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum.

Contents

• 1. Intent
• 2. Background
• 3. Related Documents
• 4. GMDSS
• 5. ROC-MC
  • 5.1 Eligibility
• 6 Training and Examination
  • 6.1 Full Course
  • 6.2 Abridged Course
  • 6.3 Refresher
  • 6.4 Challenge Exam
  • 6.5 Pass Mark
  • 6.6 Class Size
• 7. Accreditation
• 8. Methods for Demonstrating Proficiency
• Annex A – Accredited Institutions for ROC-MC Examinations
• Annex B – ROC-MC – GMDSS Syllabus

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1. Intent

The material presented in this publication covers the scope of the examination for the Restricted Operator's Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC) for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). For information on other certificates, see Radiocommunication Information Circular 16, Professional Radio Operator Certificates (RIC-16).

The training and assessment for the ROC-MC may be provided by trainers/examiners at accredited marine training institutes, marine industry companies and organizations, or marine equipment suppliers. A list of organizations accredited to train and examine candidates for the ROC-MC is given in Annex A.

2. Background

Canada is a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an organization established to maintain and extend international cooperation for the improvement and rational use of telecommunications of all kinds. To this end, the ITU fosters collaboration among its members to establish basic standards for communication procedures and practices, frequency allocation, and radio regulations on a worldwide basis. In 1987, the ITU World Administrative Conference for the Mobile Services adopted the necessary provisions in the international Radio Regulations to introduce the GMDSS.

Canada is also a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which in close cooperation with the ITU, recommends practices for the establishment of maritime communications systems to serve the international marine community. As part of its work, IMO has mandated the minimum requirements that radio operators must meet with respect to GMDSS certification.

Industry Canada administers radiocommunications in Canada, based on both national and international acts, regulations and conventions. Marine operations in Canada are generally regulated by the Marine Safety Branch of Transport Canada. Marine Safety Branch, through their Marine Personnel Regulations (Canada Shipping Act (CSA) 2001)) requires that ships, which are required to be fitted with a ship radio station in accordance with the Ship Station (Radio) Regulations (SSR), carry persons who hold the appropriate operator certification.

3. Related Documents

Industry Canada documents are available on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at: http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum in Official Publications.

Canadian Coast Guard publications are available on the Internet at the following address: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.

4. GMDSS

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) was implemented over a seven-year period, commencing February 1, 1992 and ending on February 1, 1999. This worldwide system enhances the assistance that can be given to ships in distress and urgency situations. Certificate requirements and background on the GMDSS can be found in RIC-16. Current information on the progress and implementation of GMDSS shore-based facilities is available in the latest edition of the Canadian Coast Guard Publication Radio Aids to Marine Navigation (RAMN) and the annual edition of Notices to Mariners.

Generally speaking, in accordance with the SSR, compulsorily-fitted ships with Very High-Frequency (VHF) radiotelephones must carry persons who hold a Restricted Operator's Certificate - Maritime Commercial, and compulsorily-fitted ships with Medium Frequency (MF) or Medium Frequency/High Frequency (MF/HF) radiotelephones, or ship earth stations, must carry persons who hold either a General Operator Certificate (GOC) or a Radiocommunication Operator General Certificate Maritime (RGMC). There are two exceptions to these requirements:

• Radio operators on "small fishing vessels.": A small fishing vessel is defined in Transport Canada's Small Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations, as a vessel that is not a sailing ship, exceeds 15 tons (gross tonnage), is used in commercial fishing, but does not exceed 150 tons, (gross tonnage) and does not exceed 24.4 metres in length. This exception permits such vessels, when fitted with MF or HF transmitting equipment, or both, to carry radio operators holding only a Restricted Operator's Certificate - Maritime Commercial.
• Radio operators on vessels using the Athabasca-Mackenzie inland waterways: Even though HF radios may be carried by vessels on this waterway, the HF frequency used is outside of the marine bands. The only marine frequencies used in certain areas of this waterway are in the VHF band. Consequently, operators on these vessels are only required to hold a Restricted Operator's Certificate - Maritime Commercial.

Note: Even if a vessel's radio station is exempted from licensing, the operator is still required to hold the appropriate radio Operator's certificate for the equipment carried. (Radiocommunication Regulations – Sections 33 and 34.(2))

5. ROC-MC

The Restricted Operator's Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC) as described herein, is intended for mariners, serving on compulsorily-fitted commercial ships within the North American A1 Sea Area as defined in Radio Aids to Marine Navigation. The ROC-MC is compliant with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW 95 Regulation IV/2).

Other publications that may be of assistance to candidates preparing for the ROC-MC examinations are the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation (RAMN) and, to a lesser extent, the Ship Station (Radio) Regulations (SSR) and the Ship Station Technical Regulations (SST). These last two documents have been established in accordance with the CSA.

5.1 Eligibility

It should be noted that STCW 95 IV/2 incorporates a minimum age requirement of 18 years in order to hold this operator certificate. There are no nationality requirements for issuance of the ROC-MC certificate. The ROC-MC certificate is good for life and does not require a photograph or revalidation. Industry Canada may issue a replacement certificate if the original is lost, stolen or destroyed.

6. Training and Examination

6.1 Full Course

Training will consist of approximately 50% theory and 50% practical instruction using an approved GMDSS simulator or installed equipment. The course will consist of 20 hours of training. To accommodate testing, four hours will be added for review of the material covered and for both theory and practical examinations (one hour for the written component and three hours to allow for practical evaluation).

6.2 Abridged Course

To accommodate candidates who have operational experience in marine communications, provisions have been made for an "Abridged Course Training Stream". This abridged course reduces the time spent on basic radiocommunication techniques in order to concentrate on GMDSS related topics. As indicated in the syllabus (Annex B), the course will consist of 10 hours of training. An additional four hours will be required to review the material covered and for both theory and practical examinations (one hour for the written component and 15 minutes per student to allow for practical evaluation).

6.3 Refresher

Certified operators who have not been active in marine communications for at least one year out of the last five are encouraged to take the abridged course as a refresher, or a challenge examination, prior to resuming their duties as an operator.

6.4 Challenge Exam

Accredited institutions may be authorized to conduct challenge examinations for candidates who have operational experience with marine communications and GMDSS. The examination will consist of a one hour written component and at least 15 minutes per candidate to allow for practical evaluation. Candidates who fail to achieve a minimum of 50% on their first attempt of the challenge exam will not be allowed to rewrite the exam until 30 days have elapsed.

6.5 Pass Mark

For the successful completion of an ROC-MC, the pass mark for the examination is 70%.

6.6 Class Size

In order to ensure that students can receive an adequate level of practical instruction, a class size of a maximum of 12 students is recommended.

7. Accreditation

Industry Canada will accredit maritime organizations to provide training and assessment for the ROC-MC. Accreditation means that the program of instruction has been reviewed by Industry Canada to confirm that there are sufficient facilities, expertise and equipment available to ensure an appropriate level of training for candidates for the ROC-MC. In addition, these entities will be accredited to conduct ROC-MC examinations on behalf of Industry Canada. Information regarding successful candidates will be forwarded to Industry Canada who will then issue the certificate.

8. Methods for Demonstrating Proficiency

The Candidate will demonstrate proficiency through practical operational procedures using the following:

• Approved equipment;
• A GMDSS communication simulator, where appropriate; and
• Radio communication laboratory equipment.

Annex A –Accredited Institutions for ROC-MC Examinations

Annex B – Restricted Operator Certificate — Maritime Commercial — GMDSS Syllabus

Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime Commercial – Global Maritime Distress Safety System Syllabus

Competence	Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency	Full Course Time (Hrs.)	Abridged Course Time (Hrs.)
Total Time		20.0	10.0
(A) Knowledge of the Basic Features of the Maritime Mobile Service	1. The General Principles and Basic Features of the Maritime Mobile Service: 1.1 Radiotelephone procedures. 1.2 Types of communications: Distress, urgency and safety communications; public correspondence; port operations, ship movement; intership and on board communications. 1.3 Types of stations: Ship stations, coast stations, Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs); pilot stations, port stations and vessel traffic control stations. 1.4 Basic knowledge of frequency, bands, channelization (Basic propagation limitations of VHF - radio). 1.5 Basic knowledge of publications (RAMN, etc.). 1.6 Electrical and RF safety related to radio equipment	2.5	Not applicable
(B) Concept of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Regulations	1. System Concept 1.1 GMDSS concept using VHF/DSC as a primary means of distress alerting, urgency, safety and for establishing routine communication to a coast and ship station. 1.2 MMSI concept & ramifications.	1.75	0.5
	2. Regulations 2.1 Definition of Sea Areas with emphasis on A1. 2.2 Watch keeping on VHF Distress DSC frequency, and VHF channel 16. 2.3 Equipment carriage requirement for Sea Area A1.	1.75	0.5
(C) Practical Knowledge, Operational Characteristics and Ability to Use the GMDSS Sub-system Equipment of a Ship Station	1. Ship Station Equipment 1.1 VHF/DSC watch receiver/modem, classes and types of DSC. 1.2 VHF R/T transceiver: channels, controls, usage and routine testing. 1.3 DSC call categories, distress, urgency, safety, ship's business and routine. 1.4 Call telecommand and traffic information: distress alerts, other calls, working channel information and acknowledgement of calls. 1.5 Record keeping (logs etc.). 1.6 Cancellation of false alerts. 1.7 2182 kHz watch receiver.	3.5	3.0 Section C 1.2 is not required
	2. Survival Craft Radio Equipment: Basic Operational Specifications Characteristics and Routine Testing: 2.1 Portable (immersion proof) VHF radios. 2.2 Search and Rescue Radar Transponders (SARTs). 2.3 Emergency Position Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).	2.0	0.5
	3. NAVTEX 3.1 Maritime Safety Information (MSI): Basic NAVTEX system concept. NAVAREAs. 3.2 NAVTEX receiver operational characteristics, set up procedures and message format.	2.5	0.5
(D) Distress, Safety and Routine Communication Procedures in the GMDSS	1. Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications 1.1 DSC Distress alert, sending, receiving and acknowledgement, cancellation of distress message. Distress relay. DSC urgency, safety calls and subsequent R/T traffic. On scene communication and SAR operations. 1.2 R/T Distress subsequent traffic. Urgency and Safety communications.	3.0	2.5
	2. Operational Procedures for General Communications 2.1 Using DSC to establish initial call. 2.2 Transmission and reception of routine R/T communications.	3.0	2.5

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