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Launceston
Introduction
GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System)
This short course unit is an integral component of mandated competencies required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Australia’s national maritime safety regulator.
This short course provides the skills and knowledge required to comply with accepted safety practices and standards in using GMDSS equipment on board ships and survival craft for sending and receiving Distress, Urgency Safety and Routine communications. It covers the syllabi from the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority (AMSA) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is compliant with the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW) Table A-IV/2
Summary
| Unit name | GMDSS |
| Unit code | JVD227 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering Australian Maritime College |
| Discipline | Seafaring and Maritime Operations |
| Coordinator | Sanjiv Bhatia |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Intermediate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | AMC MT Main Block 1 |
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| Launceston | AMC MT Main Block 3 |
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| Launceston | AMC MT Post Block 4 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMC MT Main Block 3 | 14/6/2026 | 19/11/2026 | 19/11/2026 | 21/11/2026 |
| AMC MT Main Block 1 | 1/2/2026 | 11/6/2026 | 11/6/2026 | 13/6/2026 |
| AMC MT Post Block 4 | 11/11/2026 | 22/12/2026 | 22/12/2026 | 26/12/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Communicate effectively with others when using GMDSS subsystems and equipment
- Conduct Operational Checks on GMDSS equipment and Subsystems including antennas and batteries
- Keep a radio logbook of communications using the GMDSS equipment, including the required regulatory entries into the radio logbook
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 031705 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $3,435.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
JVD184Teaching
| Assessment | Practical Activity (20%)|Knowledge Test (80%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
AMSA GMDSS Handbook (provided in the course) |
|---|---|
| Recommended | ACMA/OMC Marine Radio Operators Handbook |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.