GMDSS unit (JVD227)

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
AMC MT Main Block 1	31/1/2027	10/6/2027	11/6/2027	12/6/2027
AMC MT Post Block 4	21/11/2027	22/12/2027	23/12/2027	25/12/2027
AMC MT Main Block 3	13/6/2027	18/11/2027	19/11/2027	20/11/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

JVD184

Teaching

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.