Postgraduate Diploma in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance. 8 modules covering SOLAS Chapter IV (radiocommunications), the ITU Radio Regulations and the SMSSM/GMDSS Simulator. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the structure and sea areas of the SMSSM.
Operate terrestrial radiocommunication equipment in MF, HF and VHF with DSC.
Use recognised satellite communication systems.
Manage maritime safety information (NAVTEX and SafetyNET).
Verify the operation of radio beacons and RESAR/AIS-SART.
Maintain the documentation and records required by SOLAS IV.
Apply cybersecurity measures to onboard communications.
Who it's for
- Radio officer wishing to specialise in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance.
- Maritime radiocommunications inspector wishing to specialise in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance.
- Naval electronics and communications technician wishing to specialise in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance.
- Fleet compliance manager wishing to specialise in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance.
- Search and rescue coordination centre operator wishing to specialise in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance.
- Maritime cybersecurity specialist wishing to specialise in GMDSS, Communications and Compliance.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the maritime transport sector.
What you'll work with
- SOLAS Chapter IV (radiocommunications)
- ITU Radio Regulations
- IEC 61097 series (GMDSS equipment)
- IAMSAR Manual
- Res. A.1001(25) (mobile satellite systems)
- MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 (maritime cyber risk management)
- IEC 63154 (cybersecurity of navigation and radio equipment)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Origin and structure of the GMDSS (SOLAS IV)1.2Sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A41.3System functions: alerting, co-ordination and location1.4Equipment required by area1.5Reserve power sources1.6International SAR organisation (SAR Convention)1.7Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCC)1.8GMDSS review and modernisation1.9GOC and ROC operator certificates1.10Case study: GMDSS equipment by navigation area
2.1Propagation in VHF, MF and HF2.2Digital Selective Calling (DSC)2.3DSC distress alert procedures2.4Urgency and safety messages2.5Radiotelephony and standard phrases2.6Channel 16 and channel 702.7NBDP radiotelex2.8Antennas, installation and maintenance2.9Common errors and false alerts2.10Practice: VHF DSC distress alert sequence
3.1Inmarsat system: GMDSS services3.2Iridium as a recognised provider3.3Inmarsat-C: alerts and messages3.4Fleet Safety and safety services3.5Coverage and limitations by latitude3.6Cospas-Sarsat system3.7406 MHz EPIRBs3.8MEOSAR systems and return link3.9Beacon registration and coding3.10Laboratory: testing and registering an EPIRB
4.1NAVTEX service and frequencies4.2SafetyNET and EGC4.3NAVAREA navigational warnings4.4METAREA weather forecasts4.5NAVTEX receiver configuration4.6Management of safety messages4.7NAVDAT service4.8Integration of MSI into ECDIS4.9MSI archiving and recording4.10Practice: configuring a NAVTEX receiver
5.1Radar SART transponders5.2AIS-SART and MOB devices5.3Portable survival VHF5.4Interaction with SAR units5.5IAMSAR Manual Volume III5.6On-scene communications5.7Coordinated search and patterns5.8Coordination with aircraft5.9End of distress situation5.10Case study: communication in an abandonment case
6.1Annual inspection of radio equipment6.2Radio safety certificate6.3Radio log (GMDSS log)6.4Shore-based, at-sea and duplicate maintenance6.5Ship station licences and MMSI6.6Port State Control and typical deficiencies6.7ITU Radio Regulations6.8Marine Equipment Directive (MED)6.9Requirements for pleasure craft and non-SOLAS vessels6.10Workshop: onboard GMDSS compliance audit
7.1Onboard VSAT and LEO connectivity7.2Separation of safety and leisure networks7.3Cybersecurity risks in communications7.4IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 guidelines7.5e-Navigation and maritime services7.6VDES and AIS evolution7.7False alert management7.8Emergency communication plans7.9Communication with the company during a crisis7.10Practice: emergency communications plan
8.1Operating area analysis8.2Vessel requirements8.3Equipment selection and configuration8.4Communication procedures8.5Maintenance plan8.6Documentation and records8.7Operator training8.8Compliance audit8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows it to be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SMSSM/GMDSS Simulator, Microsoft Excel advanced, Document management systems (SharePoint), Inmarsat Fleet One / Iridium (consoles), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures on the radiocommunications SMSSM simulator, periodic radio equipment tests and documentary compliance audits. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the structure and sea areas of the SMSSM.
Operate terrestrial radiocommunication equipment in MF, HF and VHF with DSC.
Use recognised satellite communication systems.
Manage maritime safety information (NAVTEX and SafetyNET).
Verify the operation of radio beacons and RESAR/AIS-SART.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with SMSSM/GMDSS Simulator, Microsoft Excel advanced, Document management systems (SharePoint), Inmarsat Fleet One / Iridium (consoles). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A diploma issued by SEIUM Institute upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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