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WPC GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (GOC) Exam (India)

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: WPC GMDSS ROC (India) Exam

Sea Area A1 only

ROC Operating Scope

DGS Circular 01/2024

25 × 2 marks

Written Paper

DGS Circular 01/2024

50 marks

Practical/Oral

DGS Circular 01/2024

Overall 50%

Passing Score

DGS Circular 01/2024

40 hours / 5 days

Approved Course

DGS Circular 01/2024

IMO 1.26

Syllabus Model Course

DGS Circular 01/2024

6 months

Provisional Certificate Validity

DGS Circular 01/2024

India's WPC GMDSS ROC is the Sea Area A1 restricted radio operator certificate. After a 40-hour approved course (5 days; 20 theory + 20 practical), candidates sit a joint WPC/DG Shipping exam: written 25 questions × 2 marks (ITU RR, SOLAS A1, basic radio) plus a 50-mark practical/oral on A1 equipment and Distress/Urgency/Safety/Routine/SAR/MSI — overall pass 50%. This free bank offers 100 MCQs across GMDSS sea areas, VHF DSC, distress procedures, EPIRB/SART/NAVTEX, watchkeeping and India licensing rules. Confirm current fees and exam dates with your institute.

Sample WPC GMDSS ROC (India) Practice Questions

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

1Under SOLAS, Sea Area A1 is an area within radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous alerting is available by which means?

A.VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

B.MF Digital Selective Calling only

C.Inmarsat-C Enhanced Group Call only

D.HF NBDP telex only

Explanation: Sea Area A1 is defined by continuous VHF DSC alerting coverage from at least one VHF coast station, typically roughly 20–40 nautical miles from shore depending on antenna height and propagation. India's WPC GMDSS ROC certifies operators for Sea Area A1 only.

2Which GMDSS sea area is associated with continuous MF DSC alerting coverage beyond typical VHF range?

A.Sea Area A1

B.Sea Area A2

C.Sea Area A4

D.Inland waterways only

Explanation: Sea Area A2 is an area excluding A1 within radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF coast station providing continuous DSC alerting. ROC holders are limited to A1; A2/A3/A4 require a General Operator's Certificate (GOC).

3Sea Area A3 is generally described as an area excluding A1 and A2 within coverage of which service for continuous alerting?

A.Only VHF Channel 16 voice watch

B.Only NAVTEX on 518 kHz

C.A recognized mobile satellite service (RMSS) providing continuous alerting

D.Only AIS Class B

Explanation: Under revised SOLAS Chapter IV (in force 1 January 2024), Sea Area A3 is an area excluding A1 and A2 within coverage of a recognized mobile satellite service supported by the ship earth station, in which continuous alerting is available (e.g., Inmarsat or Iridium as recognized). ROC training deliberately excludes satellite GOC equipment beyond A1 scope.

4Sea Area A4 refers primarily to which geographic coverage?

A.Any area beyond 12 nautical miles from a port

B.Only rivers and canals in India

C.Only VHF coverage of Indian coastal radio stations

D.Areas outside sea areas A1, A2 and A3 (typically polar regions outside RMSS continuous alerting coverage)

Explanation: Sea Area A4 means an area outside sea areas A1, A2 and A3 — typically polar regions beyond recognized mobile satellite service continuous-alerting coverage — where HF and other means are used. It is outside ROC (Sea Area A1) authority.

5A primary functional requirement of the GMDSS is that ships in distress can send alerts to shore-based authorities and nearby ships from which locations?

A.Wherever they may be, using appropriate GMDSS means for the sea area

B.Only when within VHF range of their home port

C.Only after obtaining verbal permission from the nearest RCC

D.Only on MF working frequencies during daytime

Explanation: GMDSS is designed so a ship can alert shore Rescue Coordination Centres and other ships from wherever it may be, using the equipment and procedures appropriate to its sea area. ROC covers the A1 subset of those functions.

6India's WPC GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) authorizes radio operation for vessels sailing exclusively within which area?

A.Sea Areas A1 and A2

B.Sea Area A1

C.All sea areas including A3/A4

D.Sea Area A3 satellite only

Explanation: Per DGS Circular No. 01 of 2024 and WPC practice, the ROC is the Sea Area A1 restricted certificate. Vessels needing MF/HF or satellite GMDSS capability require the General Operator's Certificate (GOC).

7According to DG Shipping guidance, holders of a GMDSS ROC may typically be engaged on which types of craft when operating within Sea Area A1?

A.Only deep-sea container ships on international voyages beyond A3

B.Only aircraft on cross-country flights

C.River-sea vessels, fishing vessels, inland vessels and port crafts within Sea Area A1

D.Only shore-based amateur radio clubs

Explanation: DGS Circular No. 01 of 2024 states ROC certificate holders can be engaged on river-sea vessels, fishing vessels, inland vessels and port crafts plying within Sea Area A1 including inland waterways, subject to other manning rules.

8Which international convention chapter primarily sets radiocommunication and GMDSS carriage requirements for SOLAS ships?

A.SOLAS Chapter II-2 only

B.MARPOL Annex I only

C.STCW Chapter VIII only

D.SOLAS Chapter IV

Explanation: SOLAS Chapter IV addresses radiocommunications and underpins GMDSS carriage and functional requirements. STCW addresses personnel competence (including GMDSS operators under Chapter IV of STCW), while SOLAS sets the ship's equipment obligations.

9Which IMO model course governs the syllabus for India's GMDSS ROC training under DGS Circular No. 01 of 2024?

A.IMO Model Course 1.26

B.IMO Model Course 1.13 only

C.IMO Model Course 7.03 only

D.IMO Model Course 3.12 only

Explanation: DGS Circular No. 01 of 2024 states the GMDSS (ROC) syllabus shall be governed by IMO Model Course 1.26 (Restricted Operator's Certificate), together with Ministry of Communications guidance and the circular itself.

10One GMDSS functional requirement is the ability to transmit and receive maritime safety information (MSI). In Sea Area A1, which system is the primary dedicated MSI broadcast commonly fitted and examined for ROC?

A.Fleet broadband entertainment TV

B.NAVTEX

C.Amateur HF contest nets

D.Cellular 5G roaming only

Explanation: NAVTEX is the primary near-coastal MSI broadcast system used in GMDSS for navigational and meteorological warnings. ROC practical and theory work includes NAVTEX operation within Sea Area A1.

About the WPC GMDSS ROC (India) Exam

The WPC GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) is India's Sea Area A1 maritime radio operator qualification under the ITU Radio Regulations, examined jointly with DG Shipping. It authorizes operation of GMDSS radio installations on craft trading exclusively within VHF DSC coverage (river-sea, fishing, inland and port craft within A1, subject to manning rules). Syllabus follows IMO Model Course 1.26 as limited to A1. Holders seeking STCW COC must also meet age, competence (STCW A-IV/2) and basic-safety requirements in Circular 01/2024. Voyages beyond A1 require the General Operator's Certificate (GOC).

Assessment

Joint examination by WPC (Examiner-in-Charge) and DG Shipping after an approved 40-hour ROC course (20 h theory + 20 h practical) based on IMO Model Course 1.26 limited to Sea Area A1. Written (50 marks): ITU Radio Regulations, SOLAS Sea Area A1 GMDSS requirements and basic radio communication. Practical/oral (50 marks): operation/maintenance of Sea Area A1 radio equipment and Distress, Urgency, Safety, Routine, SAR and MSI communications. Combined result after both parts; provisional certificate valid 6 months on success.

Time Limit

Not published as a fixed national timer in DGS Circular No. 01 of 2024. Confirm the sitting timetable with your approved training institute and examining board.

Passing Score

Overall 50% after both written and practical examinations (candidates must appear in both parts)

Exam Fee

MoC/WPC and DG Shipping fees charged separately; DGS fees per Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules, 2014 schedule (Radio Communication) as amended, typically via Bharatkosh to the MMD. Exact rupee amounts are not stated in Circular 01/2024 — confirm with your institute and regional offices. (Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing (WPC), Ministry of Communications, with Directorate General of Shipping)

WPC GMDSS ROC (India) Exam Content Outline

12%

GMDSS System & Sea Area A1

GMDSS functions, sea areas A1–A4, ROC scope vs GOC, RCCs and SOLAS Chapter IV context for A1 operators

18%

VHF DSC & Radiotelephony

Channel 70 DSC, Channel 16 voice, MMSI/MID, GPS position in alerts, routine calling and priority order

18%

Distress, Urgency, Safety & SAR

MAYDAY/PAN PAN/SECURITE, false-alert cancellation, radio silence, relays and on-scene SAR working

16%

MSI, NAVTEX, EPIRB & SART

NAVTEX 518 kHz, 406 MHz EPIRB, radar and AIS SARTs, survival-craft VHF and beacon discipline

16%

Carriage, Watchkeeping & Power

A1 carriage and watches, reserve power, batteries, antennas, logs and basic fault awareness

20%

ITU, SOLAS & India Licensing

ITU RR, WPC/DGS roles, Circular 01/2024 pattern, course/eligibility/fees framework and STCW A-IV/2

How to Pass the WPC GMDSS ROC (India) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Overall 50% after both written and practical examinations (candidates must appear in both parts)
Assessment: Joint examination by WPC (Examiner-in-Charge) and DG Shipping after an approved 40-hour ROC course (20 h theory + 20 h practical) based on IMO Model Course 1.26 limited to Sea Area A1. Written (50 marks): ITU Radio Regulations, SOLAS Sea Area A1 GMDSS requirements and basic radio communication. Practical/oral (50 marks): operation/maintenance of Sea Area A1 radio equipment and Distress, Urgency, Safety, Routine, SAR and MSI communications. Combined result after both parts; provisional certificate valid 6 months on success.
Time limit: Not published as a fixed national timer in DGS Circular No. 01 of 2024. Confirm the sitting timetable with your approved training institute and examining board.
Exam fee: MoC/WPC and DG Shipping fees charged separately; DGS fees per Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules, 2014 schedule (Radio Communication) as amended, typically via Bharatkosh to the MMD. Exact rupee amounts are not stated in Circular 01/2024 — confirm with your institute and regional offices.

Keys to Passing

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

WPC GMDSS ROC (India) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the India exam split from Circular 01/2024: written 25×2 marks and practical 50 marks, overall 50% pass, both parts required.

2Drill the VHF sequence until automatic: DSC distress on Channel 70 (156.525 MHz), then MAYDAY voice on Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) — never voice on Channel 70.

3Know device frequencies cold: EPIRB 406 MHz (COSPAS-SARSAT), radar-SART 9 GHz X-band, international NAVTEX 518 kHz, and nine-digit MMSI with MID.

4Practice false-alert cancellation wording on Channel 16 and EPIRB accidental-activation notification to the RCC/coast station.

5Use the priority ladder MAYDAY > PAN PAN > SECURITE > routine, and know SEELONCE MAYDAY versus SEELONCE FEENEE.

6Pair theory with simulator/practical drills on VHF DSC, NAVTEX, EPIRB/SART and logkeeping — the Indian exam weights practical equally with written.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WPC GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC)?

It is India's ITU-aligned GMDSS radio operator certificate for Sea Area A1 only, issued after examination by the Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing with DG Shipping participation. It is narrower than the General Operator's Certificate (GOC), which covers all sea areas including MF/HF and satellite systems.

How is the Indian GMDSS ROC examination structured?

Per DG Shipping Circular No. 01 of 2024: written examination of 25 questions × 2 marks (50 marks) on ITU Radio Regulations, SOLAS Sea Area A1 requirements and basic radio communication, plus a 50-mark practical/oral on A1 equipment and Distress/Urgency/Safety/Routine/SAR/MSI communications. You must sit both parts and score overall 50%.

How long is the approved ROC course?

Forty (40) hours over five (5) days — twenty hours theory and twenty hours practical — governed by IMO Model Course 1.26 limited to Sea Area A1, plus Ministry of Communications and DGS guidance.

Who examines the ROC and who issues which credential?

WPC (Examiner-in-Charge) and a DG Shipping examiner conduct the exam. WPC issues the radio certificate/licence to operate under ITU Radio Regulations; DG Shipping issues the STCW GMDSS Certificate of Competency/endorsement when STCW requirements are met.

What is the pass mark?

Overall 50% on the combined written and practical examinations. Both parts are mandatory.

How much does the ROC exam cost?

Circular 01/2024 does not print a single rupee fee. MoC/WPC and DG Shipping fees are charged separately; DGS fees follow the Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules, 2014 fee schedule as amended (often paid via Bharatkosh). Confirm current amounts with your approved institute and regional WPC/MMD office.