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STCW - Marcom A (General Operators Certificate) Cursus & Examen

The STCW – Marcom A course prepares participants for the General Certificate of Maritime Radiocommunication, granting authorization to operate within the maritime frequency spectrum at sea. This course combines theory and hands-on practice, ensuring participants are fully prepared for the official examination administered by the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Authority.
Course duration: 5 days
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.433,00 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

STCW - MARCOM A - General Operators Certificate (GOC) - Training Course & Exams

Introduction
During this intensive five-day training, participants learn everything about modern maritime radiocommunication according to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The course focuses on operating the communication equipment required on board vessels subject to SOLAS regulations. It covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to respond effectively in distress and safety communication.
 
Objective
Upon completion, participants will have the knowledge and skills to independently operate maritime communication systems at sea and comply with international GMDSS requirements.
 
Target Audience
  • Seafarers responsible for radiocommunication on SOLAS-compliant vessels
  • Individuals who require a Marcom-A certificate for their onboard duties
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Practical info
Participation requirements
  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Basic knowledge of the English language
  • Valid medical certificate for seafaring
Course content
  • International maritime radiocommunication and the GMDSS system
  • Regulations, procedures, and technology (SOLAS, IMO, ITU)
  • English (Standard Maritime Communication Phrases)
  • Operation of radio equipment: VHF, DSC, MF/HF, Inmarsat, EPIRB, and NAVTEX
  • Practical exercises in distress, urgency, and safety communication
  • Simulation of emergency calls and communication protocols
Exams and certification
The exam consists of:
a. Regulations, procedures, and technology (RPT) (GMDSS)
b. English (Standard Vocabulary) (SMCP)
After successfully passing the theory exam (at CBR after the course week) and the practical test (during the course week), participants receive the official Marcom-A certificate, issued under the authority of the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Agency.
 
Validity
The certificate is valid indefinitely.
 
Course duration
5.5 days (including exams)
 
Number of participants
Minimum: 6, Maximum: 18
 
Class hours
8:30 – 16:30
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Day 1 - Introduction and regulations

Introduction and enrollment. Regulations and obligations. Technology, VHF channel allocation, VHF traffic, and DSC. Distress, urgency and safety communication.

Day 2 - Marcom B and simulator training

Principles of Marcom B and simulator instruction with training.

Day 3 - GMDSS and simulator training

GMDSS, DSC, EPIRB, SART and NAVTEX. Simulator instruction and training.

Day 4 - MF/HF

Practical GMDSS training with DSC, NAVTEX and Inmarsat C. Exercises with distress, urgency and safety communication in realistic scenarios related to sea area A4.

Day 5 - Review and practical exam

In the morning we review all course material. After lunch you will take the practical exam.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Introduction and regulations
  • Day 2 - Marcom B and simulator training
  • Day 3 - GMDSS and simulator training
  • Day 4 - MF/HF
  • Day 5 - Review and practical exam

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

Classroom + GMDSS

Realistic training with modern maritime simulation

Classroom + GMDSS

Realistic training with GMDSS and maritime communication.

Realistic training with modern maritime simulation

Classroom + GMDSS

The Classroom Simulation is equipped with modern communication systems, including the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). Here, participants learn how to manage emergency, safety, and routine communication at sea safely and efficiently.

What makes this simulator unique is that trainees can practice all aspects of maritime communication — including distress calls, alerting, and coordination with rescue services — in a realistic yet safe environment.

Who is it for

The Classroom Simulation is used by maritime personnel, ship officers, nautical students, and offshore teams who need to be proficient in GMDSS operations and maritime communication procedures.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Operate GMDSS equipment for distress, urgency, and safety calls

  • Follow correct procedures for routine communication at sea

  • Collaborate and communicate effectively as a team during emergency scenarios

  • Practice realistic navigation and communication situations

  • Integrate communication within broader Full Mission scenarios

For your organization

Would you like to train your crew in ship communication and navigation procedures?
Contact us — we offer customized programs using both Classroom and Full Mission simulations.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Emile van Dooren
Instructor

Frequently asked questions

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For seafarers and maritime professionals who must comply with international STCW requirements.

Yes, our STCW courses are recognised by the Dutch flag state (the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate – ILT). Each certificate includes the relevant STCW reference, ensuring international recognition.

We offer Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Medical Care (MC), Proficiency in (Fast) Rescue Boats (PSCRB/FRB), and Security Awareness/Designated Duties.

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years (depending on the module and sea time requirements). Check the course page for exact details.

Yes, a valid maritime medical certificate is mandatory for participation.

Bring valid identification, a medical certificate (mandatory), and swimwear/towel if the course includes a pool module. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

 

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.

You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.

Not required, but possible. Call us for advice or available options at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

Based on Artikel 5 Annuleringen

  1. DRTC applies cancellation terms when cancelling training courses. A distinction is made between “open courses” and “customized courses.” A quotation is always provided for customized courses.

  2. Customized courses can be cancelled free of charge up to 14 working days before the start of the course.

  3. For cancellations of customized courses made 14 working days or fewer before the start of the course, 100% of the course fee will be charged.

  4. Open courses can be cancelled free of charge up to 5 working days before the start of the course.

  5. For cancellations of open courses made 5 working days or fewer before the start of the course, 100% of the course fee will be charged.

  6. Open courses can be rescheduled free of charge up to 2 working days before the start of the course.

  7. If a participant fails to attend at the start of the course, 100% of the course fee will be charged.

In mutual agreement, additional options may be considered beyond those stated in these terms.

Contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

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Wil je meer weten over een training, maatwerk bespreken of gewoon even sparren over de mogelijkheden? Neem gerust contact met ons op