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Key Facts: FCC Restricted GMDSS (RG) Exam
Sea Area A1 only
License Scope
47 CFR Part 80
18 of 24 (75%)
Element 1 Passing Score
FCC Element 1 pool
38 of 50 (76%)
Element 7R Passing Score
FCC Element 7R pool
156.525 MHz
VHF DSC Channel 70
ITU/FCC VHF channel plan
406 MHz
EPIRB Satellite Frequency
COSPAS-SARSAT
518 kHz
International NAVTEX Frequency
IMO GMDSS
Lifetime
License Validity
FCC commercial operator rules
The FCC Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License (RG) is an entry-level commercial maritime radio license for operators on compulsory ships sailing exclusively within Sea Area A1 (VHF DSC coverage of the coast, about 20-30 NM). Candidates pass two written, multiple-choice elements administered by a COLEM: Element 1, Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice (24 questions, pass 18 of 24, 75%), and Element 7R, Restricted GMDSS Radio Operating Practices (50 questions, pass 38 of 50, 76%). Element 7R covers DSC alerting on VHF Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) with voice follow-up on Channel 16, the nine-digit MMSI, MAYDAY/PAN PAN/SECURITE procedures, false-alert cancellation, distress relays, the 406 MHz EPIRB and COSPAS-SARSAT, the 9 GHz radar-SART, NAVTEX on 518 kHz, and SOLAS Sea Area A1 carriage and watchkeeping. Element 1 covers 47 CFR Part 80 radio law, station and operator licensing, and basic VHF operating practice. The RG is valid for the holder's lifetime and is more limited than the full GMDSS (DO) license.
Sample FCC Restricted GMDSS (RG) Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your FCC Restricted GMDSS (RG) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1The Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License (RG) authorizes operation of GMDSS radio installations on compulsory ships sailing exclusively within which sea area?
2Sea Area A1 is defined as the radiotelephone coverage area of at least one VHF coast station in which what service is continuously available?
3Which VHF channel is designated for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for distress, urgency, safety, and routine calling?
4After transmitting a DSC distress alert on VHF Channel 70, on which channel should the operator make the subsequent distress voice transmission?
5What is the proper procedure to follow upon receipt of a distress alert transmitted by Digital Selective Calling?
6A 406 MHz satellite EPIRB transmits which of the following to the COSPAS-SARSAT system?
7On what frequency does a Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) operate to assist rescuers in locating survivors?
8NAVTEX is an international system for the automatic broadcast of maritime safety information. On what frequency is the international NAVTEX service broadcast?
9Which one of the following is the correct international procedure (spoken) word that precedes a distress message?
10The spoken word PAN PAN, repeated three times, is used to introduce which category of message?
About the FCC Restricted GMDSS (RG) Exam
The FCC Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License (RG) authorizes an operator to use Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio installations aboard compulsorily equipped ships that sail exclusively within Sea Area A1, the VHF Digital Selective Calling coverage area of a coast station (roughly 20-30 nautical miles offshore). It is earned by passing written Element 1 (Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice) and Element 7R (Restricted GMDSS Radio Operating Practices), both administered by FCC-certified COLEMs from public question pools. The RG is a lifetime license and is narrower than the full GMDSS Radio Operator's License (DO), which authorizes operation in all sea areas using MF, HF, and satellite communications.
Questions
74 scored questions
Time Limit
Set by the administering COLEM (commonly about 1-2 hours per element)
Passing Score
Element 1: 18 of 24 (75%); Element 7R: 38 of 50 (76%)
Exam Fee
$35 FCC application fee plus COLEM exam fees (about $25-$75 per element) (FCC-certified Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs))
FCC Restricted GMDSS (RG) Exam Content Outline
GMDSS Concepts & Sea Area A1
The purpose of GMDSS under SOLAS Chapter IV, the four sea areas and the VHF-DSC definition of Sea Area A1 (roughly 20-30 NM from a coast station), the role of Rescue Coordination Centers, and the GMDSS operator functional requirements (distress alerting, SAR coordination, on-scene communications, and receiving maritime safety information)
VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
DSC alerting on Channel 70 (156.525 MHz), the nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) and Maritime Identification Digits (366-369 for the United States), distress and routine call formats, the guarded red distress button, GPS interfacing for automatic position/time, and proposing/switching to a voice working channel
Distress, Urgency & Safety Procedures
MAYDAY (distress), PAN PAN (urgency) and SECURITE (safety) and their priority order; sending a DSC distress alert on Channel 70 then completing the message by voice on Channel 16; distress relays; SEELONCE MAYDAY and SEELONCE FEENEE radio silence; and the immediate voice cancellation of an inadvertent false alert
EPIRB, SART & NAVTEX
The 406 MHz satellite EPIRB and COSPAS-SARSAT, its unique hex ID, NOAA beacon registration, and float-free hydrostatic-release mounting; the 9 GHz X-band radar-SART pattern of 12 dots and the AIS-SART; and the NAVTEX maritime safety information broadcast on 518 kHz (international) and 490 kHz (national)
Carriage & Watchkeeping (Part 80)
SOLAS minimum equipment carriage for Sea Area A1 (VHF DSC plus a 406 MHz EPIRB), the continuous automated DSC watch on Channel 70 and the voice watch on Channel 16, reserve source of energy requirements, the three maintenance-availability methods, and survival-craft two-way VHF
Radio Law & Licensing
FCC licensing authority and COLEM-administered Elements 1 and 7R, the RG scope versus the full GMDSS (DO) license, lifetime validity, ship and operator station licenses and identification, the prohibition and penalties for false distress signals, secrecy of communications, and proper VHF power and operating discipline under 47 CFR Part 80
How to Pass the FCC Restricted GMDSS (RG) Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Element 1: 18 of 24 (75%); Element 7R: 38 of 50 (76%)
- Exam length: 74 questions
- Time limit: Set by the administering COLEM (commonly about 1-2 hours per element)
- Exam fee: $35 FCC application fee plus COLEM exam fees (about $25-$75 per element)
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 Restricted GMDSS (RG) Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FCC Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License (RG) allow?
The RG authorizes operation of GMDSS radio installations aboard compulsorily equipped ships that sail exclusively within Sea Area A1, the VHF Digital Selective Calling coverage area of a coast station, roughly 20-30 nautical miles from shore. Voyages requiring MF, HF, or satellite communications need the full GMDSS (DO) license.
Which exam elements must I pass for the RG?
You must pass two written elements: Element 1 (Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice), which has 24 questions and requires 18 correct (75%), and Element 7R (Restricted GMDSS Radio Operating Practices), which has 50 questions and requires 38 correct (76%).
Who administers the RG examination?
FCC commercial operator exams are administered by Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs), private companies certified by the FCC. COLEMs build the tests from the public FCC question pools and may proctor remotely or in person.
How long is the RG license valid?
Like most FCC commercial radio operator licenses, the Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License is issued for the lifetime of the holder and does not require periodic renewal.
What is the difference between Channel 70 and Channel 16?
VHF Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) is reserved exclusively for Digital Selective Calling and carries no voice. After sending a DSC distress alert on Channel 70, the operator switches to Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) to transmit the MAYDAY and distress message by voice.
What should I do if I send a false DSC distress alert?
Immediately cancel the false alert by voice on Channel 16, giving your ship's name, call sign and/or MMSI, your position, and a clear statement that the distress alert was sent in error and is cancelled. Transmitting a false distress is otherwise subject to substantial penalties.
How much does it cost to get the RG?
Expect a $35 FCC application fee plus the COLEM's exam fees, which commonly run about $25-$75 per element. Total cost varies by the COLEM you choose and whether you test the elements together.