Important: Before you sign up for an FCC Element Exam, you must create an FCC user profile and FRN (registration number). Click here to view a video that will walk through the process of creating the FCC user profile and FRN.

The GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB) confers the operating authority of the GMDSS Radio Operator (DO) and the GMDSS Radio Maintainer (DM). It also confers the operating authority of the General Radio Telephone Operator (PG) and Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP). The GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License test consists of the exams for FCC Element 1, FCC Element 3, FCC Element 7, and FCC Element 9.

• FCC Element 1 — Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar.To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions.
• FCC Element 3 — General Radiotelephone. Electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: operating procedures, radio wave propagation, radio practice, electrical principles, circuit components, practical circuits, signals and emissions, and antennas and feed lines.To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 57 out of 76 questions.
• FCC Element 7 — GMDSS Radio Operating Practices. GMDSS radio operating procedures and practices sufficient to show detailed practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and equipment. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: general information, narrow band direct printing, INMARSAT, NAVTEX, digital selective calling, and survival craft.To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 questions.
• FCC Element 9 — GMDSS Radio Maintenance Practices and Procedures. Requirements set forth in IMO Assembly on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 5 and IMO Assembly on Radio Maintenance Guidelines for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System related to Sea Areas A3 and A4. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: radio system theory, amplifiers, power sources, troubleshooting, digital theory, and GMDSS equipment and regulations.To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must:

• Be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; and
• Be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and
• Pass a written and/or telegraphy examination(s) as described above.

Term Of Licence

A GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License is issued for the holder’s lifetime. (Prior to March 25, 2008, the license term for a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License was five years.

Any holder of a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License that expired prior to March 25, 2008, must still file an application to renew the license within the five-year grace period after expiration.