Your examiner asks: "Even though there is no longer a dedicated Radio Officer department on most ships, what certification requirement still applies to GMDSS radio operation?"

A. STCW requires that a ship carry personnel holding an appropriate GMDSS radio operator certificate for its sea area of operation. The GENERAL OPERATOR'S CERTIFICATE (GOC) is required for vessels operating in any sea area (A1 through A4) and covers the full range of GMDSS equipment including satellite terminals and HF radio. The RESTRICTED OPERATOR'S CERTIFICATE (ROC) is a lesser certificate valid only for vessels confined to Sea Area A1 (within VHF DSC range of a coast station). A ship must have on board a sufficient number of personnel holding the certificate appropriate to its actual sea areas of operation, designated for radio duties as part of their watchkeeping responsibilities — GMDSS operation did not disappear as a distinct competence just because it is no longer performed by a dedicated Radio Officer.

B. No certification is required for any crew member to operate GMDSS equipment; any crew member, regardless of training, may legally operate distress and safety communications equipment.

C. The GOC and ROC are identical in scope, both valid for all sea areas A1 through A4, with no distinction between them.

D. The ROC is the higher-level certificate, valid for all sea areas, while the GOC is restricted to Sea Area A1 only — the reverse of the correct relationship.

A. Nothing — a test lift can proceed immediately after repairs

B. Testing should wait until cargo operations begin

C. The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift

D. Only the crane operator needs to be aware the lift is happening

A. Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place

B. The lunch schedule for the deck team

C. Only the weather forecast for the next watch

D. The cargo manifest for the next port