Before a ship can sail or a radio can transmit, every single communication system must be licensed, approved, and documented — just like your own driving license and vehicle registration on land.
This MarineGuru guide helps you clearly understand:
✅ What are the various certificates under GMDSS
✅ How often they must be renewed
✅ Who issues them (WPC / DG Shipping)
✅ What is a GMDSS Logbook, how to fill it, and how long to keep it
✅ Plus, practical examples and exam-ready insights
Let’s begin by relating this to something we all know.
Step 1: The Driving License Analogy
Imagine you just bought a new car.
Before driving it on the road, three things must be in order:
- Your driving license — proof that you’re trained and authorized to drive.
- Vehicle registration — your car is legally recorded under your name.
- Vehicle approval — it’s a government-approved model that meets safety standards.
Now apply the same logic to ships.
| Maritime Equivalent | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Your License | GMDSS Operator’s License (GOC) | Certifies you are qualified to operate radio equipment |
| Vehicle Registration | Ship Station License | Registers the ship’s communication station under flag authority |
| Vehicle Approval | DG Shipping & WPC Approvals | Certify that all equipment is of approved type and working |
This simple analogy helps you remember that every user, equipment, and vessel must have valid authorization before using maritime radio systems.
Step 2: GMDSS Certificates — The Complete List
Every GMDSS setup onboard is backed by multiple certificates that ensure legal compliance, safety, and performance verification.
Let’s go one by one.
1. Ship Station License
Issued By: WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing), Ministry of Communications
Purpose: Authorizes the ship to use radio frequencies for communication.
Validity: 5 years
Renewal: Every five years through the Flag State or its authorized representative.
Example:
An Indian-flagged tanker registered in Mumbai receives its Ship Station License from WPC.
After 5 years, before renewal, it must prove all GMDSS equipment is operational and not modified.
2. Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (SRC)
Issued By: DG Shipping (India)
Purpose: Confirms that the ship’s radio installations comply with SOLAS Chapter IV.
Validity: 5 years
Special Note: Must be accompanied by Form R (Record of Equipment).
3. Form R — Record of Equipment
Issued By: DG Shipping
Purpose: Lists all radio equipment and their maintenance status onboard.
Renewal: Annually (Every year).
If any new GMDSS equipment is installed or removed, Form R must be updated immediately.
4. GMDSS Operator’s License (GOC)
Issued By: WPC (after DG Shipping approved course)
Purpose: Authorizes a person to operate GMDSS radio systems.
Type: GOC (General Operator’s Certificate) in India
Validity: Lifetime (as long as the operator meets medical and competency standards).
Example:
As a watchkeeping officer, your GOC proves you’re trained and accountable for operating distress communication correctly — and not misusing it.
5. Annual Performance Test (APT) Certificates
These ensure that all critical GMDSS equipment perform correctly each year.
| Equipment | Certificate Name | Renewal | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPIRB | Annual Performance Test Certificate | 1 Year | Confirms automatic activation and GPS accuracy |
| SART | Annual Performance Test Certificate | 1 Year | Ensures radar transponder works during distress |
| SSAS | Annual Test Record | 1 Year | Verifies security alert system transmits correctly |
| SVDR / VDR | Annual Performance Test | 1 Year | Ensures data recording and playback are functional |
| LRIT | Conformance Test Report | As required | Confirms ship tracking data transmission works globally |
Tip to Remember:
“Every Signal Must Stay Alive — Test Every Year.”
Think of it like an annual health check-up for your ship’s safety systems.
Step 3: The GMDSS Logbook (Radio Logbook)
The GMDSS Logbook, also called the Radio Logbook, is your communication diary at sea.
It records every transmission, test, and malfunction of the radio systems.
Just like your ship’s bridge log records navigation, the GMDSS Logbook records communication.
Why It’s Important
- It serves as official evidence in audits, inspections, and investigations.
- It helps trace distress communications and equipment malfunctions.
- It ensures compliance with the Ministry of Communication (India) requirements.
Structure of the GMDSS Logbook
The logbook has three main sections — A, B, and C.
| Section | Description | Key Details Recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | Ship & Certification Details | Ship particulars, radio certificates, service company details, owner information |
| Section B | Operator License Details | Names, ranks, and GMDSS license numbers of all radio operators |
| Section C | Daily Record of Radio Operations | Distress, safety, and routine communication logs; tests and malfunctions |
Section A — Particulars of the Ship
Includes:
- Ship’s name, IMO number, call sign, MMSI
- List of valid radio certificates
- Name and address of ship owner
- Service company performing GMDSS maintenance
Section B — Operator Details
Includes:
- GOC license numbers
- Dates of issue and expiry
- Watchkeeping assignments
Example:
If there are 3 licensed officers onboard, each must be listed with their valid GOC license reference number.
Section C — Daily Operations
This is the most active part of the logbook.
You must record:
- Distress, Urgency, and Safety communications
- Date, time, ship’s position, and vessels involved
- Tests and checks (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Equipment malfunctions and corrective actions
Duplicate Record System
Every entry in Section C must be made in duplicate.
In Indian-flag ships, a carbon copy sheet is provided.
Why?
Because one copy is retained onboard, and the other is submitted to the Ministry of Communication annually.
Logbook Retention & Disposal
- One copy (duplicate) is sent ashore annually to the Flag Administration.
- The onboard copy must be preserved for at least two years.
This is standard for all ship documents — never less than two years.
Memory Tip:
“Two Copies, Two Years.”
Quick Summary — GMDSS Certificates & Logbook
| Certificate | Issued By | Validity | Renewal | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Station License | WPC | 5 years | 5 years | Ship authorization to transmit |
| Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate | DG Shipping | 5 years | 5 years | SOLAS compliance |
| Form R | DG Shipping | 1 year | Annual | Record of GMDSS equipment |
| GOC License | WPC | Lifetime | — | Operator qualification |
| EPIRB, SART, SSAS, SVDR, LRIT | Service Company | 1 year | Annual | System performance checks |
| GMDSS Logbook | Ship | 2 years | — | Record of daily communication |
FAQs — GMDSS Certificates & Radio Logbook
Q1. Who issues the Ship Station License for Indian-flagged ships?
WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing) under the Ministry of Communications.
Q2. Who issues the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (SRC)?
DG Shipping, and it must be accompanied by Form R.
Q3. What is Form R used for?
It’s the Record of Equipment — listing all GMDSS systems onboard and confirming they meet regulations.
Q4. How often are GMDSS certificates renewed?
- Ship Station License → Every 5 years
- SRC → Every 5 years
- Form R → Every year
- Annual Performance Tests (EPIRB, SART, etc.) → Yearly
Q5. What is GOC and who issues it?
General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) is issued by WPC, authorizing you to operate GMDSS systems.
Q6. How long is a GOC valid?
It’s valid for a lifetime depending on for how long do you renew it for ( 10 years, 20 years or lifetime ) , provided you continue to meet competency standards.
Q7. What is recorded in the GMDSS Logbook?
All distress, urgency, safety, and routine communications, along with equipment tests, breakdowns, and operator details.
Q8. Why are duplicate entries required?
Because one copy goes to the Ministry of Communication, and one remains onboard for two years.
Q9. How long should you keep the GMDSS logbook?
Minimum two years onboard, as per documentation rules.
Q10. What happens if a certificate is expired during inspection?
Your ship can face detention or PSC deficiency until it’s renewed.
Q11. Who checks Annual Performance Test certificates?
Recognized Service Companies approved by DG Shipping or the Flag State.
Q12. What’s the difference between Form R and the Radio Logbook?
- Form R = Equipment record.
- Logbook = Daily operational record.
