100+ Free FCC GMDSS Practice Questions

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Question 1

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What is the fundamental purpose of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)?

To replace all ship-to-shore telephone communications

To automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry

To provide entertainment radio services to vessels at sea

To track commercial fishing vessels worldwide

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FCC GMDSS Exam

75%

Passing Score

75/100 on Element 7

100 Q

Element 7 Questions

FCC

40-80 hrs

Study Time

Recommended

~$150

Total Cost

Exam + FCC fee

Lifetime

License Term

Since 2008

$40K-$110K

Salary Range

Maritime careers

The FCC GMDSS Radio Operator's License (DO) requires passing Element 1 (24 questions, 75% to pass) and Element 7 (100 questions, 75% to pass). Element 7 covers DSC, EPIRB, SART, Inmarsat, NAVTEX, distress/urgency/safety procedures, and survival craft equipment. Exams administered by COLEMs in-person or online. $35 FCC filing fee plus COLEM exam fees ($50-$90 per element). License is valid for lifetime.

Sample FCC GMDSS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FCC GMDSS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the fundamental purpose of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)?

A.To replace all ship-to-shore telephone communications

B.To automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry

C.To provide entertainment radio services to vessels at sea

D.To track commercial fishing vessels worldwide

Explanation: The GMDSS was established to automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry. It replaced the older Morse code-based distress system in 1999, using a combination of satellite and terrestrial radio technologies to ensure vessels in distress can quickly alert rescue coordination centers and nearby ships.

2Which international convention mandates GMDSS equipment carriage requirements for ships?

A.International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

B.International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

C.United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

D.International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)

Explanation: The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) mandates GMDSS radio equipment carriage requirements. Chapter IV of SOLAS specifies what radio equipment must be carried based on a vessel's sea area of operation. All cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and above, and all passenger ships on international voyages, must comply.

3Sea Area A1 is defined as an area within the coverage of at least one:

A.Inmarsat geostationary satellite

B.HF coast station

C.VHF coast station providing continuous DSC alerting

D.NAVTEX transmitter

Explanation: Sea Area A1 is defined as an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerting is available. This typically extends approximately 20-30 nautical miles from shore, depending on the antenna height and local conditions.

4Sea Area A2 extends beyond Sea Area A1 but within the coverage of:

A.At least one VHF coast station with DSC

B.At least one MF coast station providing continuous DSC alerting

C.An Inmarsat geostationary satellite

D.At least one HF coast station

Explanation: Sea Area A2 is defined as an area beyond Sea Area A1 but within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF (Medium Frequency) coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available. This typically extends up to approximately 150-200 nautical miles offshore.

5Sea Area A3 is defined as an area within the coverage of:

A.At least one MF coast station

B.At least one HF coast station

C.An Inmarsat geostationary satellite, excluding A1 and A2

D.The polar regions

Explanation: Sea Area A3 is the area within the coverage of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available, excluding Sea Areas A1 and A2. Inmarsat satellite coverage extends from approximately 76 degrees north to 76 degrees south latitude, covering most of the world's navigable waters.

6Sea Area A4 encompasses which regions?

A.Coastal waters within 20 nautical miles of shore

B.All areas covered by Inmarsat satellites

C.The remaining sea areas outside A1, A2, and A3 (primarily polar regions)

D.Only the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas

Explanation: Sea Area A4 covers the remaining sea areas outside A1, A2, and A3, which are primarily the polar regions beyond the coverage of Inmarsat geostationary satellites. Vessels operating in Sea Area A4 must carry HF DSC and NBDP equipment since satellite coverage is not continuously available.

7What is Digital Selective Calling (DSC)?

A.A satellite-based voice communication system

B.A technique using digital codes to establish contact between radio stations

C.A method of sending distress signals using Morse code

D.An encrypted communications channel for military vessels

Explanation: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a technique that uses digital codes to establish contact between radio stations. It can be used on VHF, MF, and HF frequencies and is a key component of the GMDSS, enabling automated distress alerts, urgency calls, safety calls, and routine calls to specific stations or all stations.

8What is the international DSC distress frequency on VHF?

A.Channel 16 (156.800 MHz)

B.Channel 70 (156.525 MHz)

C.Channel 13 (156.650 MHz)

D.Channel 6 (156.300 MHz)

Explanation: VHF Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) is the international DSC distress and safety calling frequency. This channel is dedicated exclusively to DSC and must not be used for voice communications. Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) remains the international distress and calling frequency for voice radiotelephone communications.

9What unique identifier is programmed into a vessel's DSC equipment?

A.Call Sign

B.Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)

C.International Maritime Organization (IMO) number

D.Ship Station License number

Explanation: The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is a unique nine-digit number assigned to each ship station and programmed into the vessel's DSC controller and other GMDSS equipment. The MMSI is used by DSC to identify the calling and called stations and is essential for proper GMDSS operation.

10What type of information is automatically included in a DSC distress alert?

A.Ship's name, cargo manifest, and crew list

B.MMSI, nature of distress, and ship's position (if GPS connected)

C.Ship's insurance policy and port of registry

D.Captain's name and next port of call

Explanation: A DSC distress alert automatically includes the vessel's MMSI, nature of distress, the ship's position (latitude and longitude from GPS if connected), and the time the position was entered or updated. The operator can also select the type of subsequent communication (e.g., radiotelephone).

About the FCC GMDSS Exam

The FCC GMDSS Radio Operator's License (DO) qualifies the holder to operate and make basic adjustments to Global Maritime Distress and Safety System radio installations on vessels sailing in all sea areas. Requires passing Element 1 (Basic Radio Law) and Element 7 (GMDSS Radio Operating Practices). The DO also confers the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP). Issued for the holder's lifetime.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

~2 hours (varies by COLEM)

Passing Score

75% (75/100)

Exam Fee

$35 FCC fee + $50-$90 COLEM fee (FCC (via COLEMs))

FCC GMDSS Exam Content Outline

20%

General Information & System Overview

GMDSS fundamentals, sea areas A1-A4, equipment systems, carriage requirements, maintenance options, radio spectrum, antennas

20%

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

VHF/MF/HF DSC operations, MMSI, distress alerting, frequencies, test calls, acknowledgment procedures

20%

Distress, Urgency & Safety Procedures

MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, SECURITE, radio silence, false alert cancellation, SAR coordination, on-scene communications

15%

Survival Craft Equipment

EPIRB operation and registration, SART activation and testing, Cospas-Sarsat system, portable VHF transceivers

10%

Inmarsat & Satellite Systems

Inmarsat-C operations, EGC SafetyNET, Coast Earth Stations, satellite coverage, distress priority messaging

10%

NAVTEX & NBDP

NAVTEX frequencies, programming, message types, NBDP ARQ/FEC modes, maritime safety information

Regulations & Watchkeeping

FCC Part 80, ITU Radio Regulations, SOLAS requirements, licensing, logkeeping, personnel requirements, inspections

How to Pass the FCC GMDSS Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75% (75/100)
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: ~2 hours (varies by COLEM)
Exam fee: $35 FCC fee + $50-$90 COLEM fee

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FCC GMDSS Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on DSC distress alerting procedures — know the frequencies, steps, and false alert cancellation process

2Memorize the four GMDSS sea areas (A1-A4) and what equipment is required for each

3Understand the differences between MAYDAY (distress), PAN-PAN (urgency), and SECURITE (safety) signals

4Study EPIRB operation including 406 MHz transmission, Cospas-Sarsat, and hydrostatic release

5Learn SART radar patterns (12 dots), operating frequency (9 GHz), and battery requirements (96 hours standby + 8 hours active)

6Know NAVTEX frequencies (518 kHz international, 490 kHz national) and which message types cannot be rejected

7Review the FCC Element 7 question pool — the exam draws directly from published questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What exams do I need to pass for the FCC GMDSS Radio Operator's License (DO)?

You must pass FCC Element 1 (Basic Radio Law, 24 questions, 75% passing) and Element 7 (GMDSS Radio Operating Practices, 100 questions, 75% passing). Both are multiple-choice exams administered by COLEMs.

How much does the FCC GMDSS exam cost?

COLEM exam fees range from $50-$90 per element, plus a $35 FCC filing fee for the license application. Total cost is typically $135-$215.

Where can I take the FCC GMDSS exam?

Exams are administered by FCC-authorized COLEMs (Commercial Operator License Examination Managers) such as NMEA, Exemplar Global, ETA International, and Mariners Learning System. Many COLEMs offer online proctored exams.

How long is the FCC GMDSS license valid?

Since March 25, 2008, the GMDSS Radio Operator's License (DO) is issued for the holder's lifetime. No renewal is required.

What careers require a GMDSS license?

Maritime radio operators, deck officers on SOLAS vessels, navigation watch officers, marine electronics technicians, radio electronics officers, and Coast Guard-endorsed mariners. Salary range is typically $40,000-$110,000 depending on role and experience.