100+ Free SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Exam

100

Practice Questions

SAMSA Study Adaptation

70%

Pass Mark Required

SAMSA / STCW A-IV/2

A1-A4

Sea Areas Covered

SOLAS Chapter IV

5 Years

STCW Validity Period

SAMSA Code

518 kHz

International NAVTEX Freq

ITU / IMO

406 MHz

Cospas-Sarsat EPIRB Freq

Cospas-Sarsat

The SAMSA GMDSS GOC examination assesses theoretical radio knowledge and practical equipment operation under STCW Code Section A-IV/2. Disclosing study bank details: Our 100 MCQs are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for SAMSA radio examinations, designed to prepare Deck Officers and maritime radio operators for SAMSA theoretical and oral assessments across VHF/MF/HF DSC, Inmarsat-C, EPIRB/SART/NAVTEX equipment, and ITU logkeeping regulations.

Sample SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Practice Questions

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

1Which VHF channel is exclusively designated for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress, urgency, safety, and routine alerting in the GMDSS?

A.VHF Channel 70

B.VHF Channel 16

C.VHF Channel 06

D.VHF Channel 13

Explanation: VHF Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) is exclusively reserved for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerts. Radiotelephony (voice) transmissions are strictly prohibited on Channel 70 to prevent interference with digital distress signaling.

2What is the international radiotelephony distress and calling frequency on the Medium Frequency (MF) band?

A.2187.5 kHz

B.2182.0 kHz

C.4125.0 kHz

D.156.8 MHz

Explanation: 2182.0 kHz is the international MF radiotelephony distress and calling frequency. Following a DSC alert on 2187.5 kHz, voice distress communications on MF take place on 2182.0 kHz.

3Which Medium Frequency (MF) is reserved strictly for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress and safety alerts?

A.2182.0 kHz

B.8414.5 kHz

C.2187.5 kHz

D.518.0 kHz

Explanation: 2187.5 kHz is the international MF frequency dedicated to DSC distress and safety alerting. GMDSS vessels in Sea Area A2 maintain a continuous watch on 2187.5 kHz.

4In radiotelephony communications, which procedural word indicates that a mobile unit or vessel is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance?

A.PAN PAN

B.EMERGENCY

C.SECURITE

D.MAYDAY

Explanation: MAYDAY is the international radiotelephony distress signal. Spoken three times, it signals that a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.

5Which procedural signal is spoken three times in radiotelephony to transmit an urgency message concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft, or person?

A.PAN PAN

B.MAYDAY

C.SECURITE

D.FEELONCE

Explanation: PAN PAN is the urgency signal in radiotelephony. Transmitted three times, it announces a message concerning the safety of a vessel, aircraft, or crew member (such as a man-overboard or lost steering control).

6Which procedural word is spoken three times in radiotelephony prior to broadcasting an important navigational or meteorological warning?

A.PAN PAN

B.SECURITE

C.MAYDAY

D.ATTENTION

Explanation: SECURITE is the safety signal. It is spoken three times before transmitting messages containing important meteorological warnings, gale alerts, or navigational hazard notices.

7What is the primary international VHF radiotelephony channel for distress traffic, calling, and safety communications?

A.VHF Channel 13

B.VHF Channel 06

C.VHF Channel 16

D.VHF Channel 70

Explanation: VHF Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is the international radiotelephony channel for distress, urgency, safety communications, and initial calling between vessels and coast stations.

8Which command is used by a coast station or vessel controlling distress traffic to impose radio silence on a frequency?

A.SILENCE FINI

B.STOP TRANSMITTING

C.PRUDONCE

D.SEELONCE MAYDAY

Explanation: SEELONCE MAYDAY (or SILENCE MAYDAY) is transmitted by the vessel in distress or the coast station controlling distress traffic to order all other stations to cease radio transmissions on that frequency.

9Which procedural term indicates that distress traffic has ceased and normal radiotelephony communications may be resumed?

A.SEELONCE FEENEE

B.SEELONCE MAYDAY

C.PRUDONCE

D.MAYDAY CLEAR

Explanation: SEELONCE FEENEE (or SILENCE FINI) is transmitted by the station controlling distress traffic to notify all ships that the distress situation is resolved and normal radio operations may resume.

10When operating on VHF Channel 13 for bridge-to-bridge navigational communications, what power setting should initially be selected?

A.High power (25 Watts)

B.Low power (1 Watt or less)

C.Medium power (10 Watts)

D.Maximum available transmitter output

Explanation: VHF Channel 13 is set to low power (1 Watt) by default to prevent long-range interference and keep bridge-to-bridge tactical safety calls localized.

About the SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Exam

The SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) is issued under STCW Regulation IV/2 and covers all GMDSS functional requirements across Sea Areas A1, A2, A3, and A4. Candidates must demonstrate thorough theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency in operating terrestrial radiocommunication equipment (VHF, MF, HF DSC), satellite communication terminals (Inmarsat-C), emergency location beacons (EPIRB, SART), maritime safety information systems (NAVTEX, EGC SafetyNET), and radio power supply maintenance in accordance with ITU Radio Regulations and SAMSA standards.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions covering all GMDSS functional requirements

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

R 2,500 - R 4,000 (South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA))

SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Exam Content Outline

30%

VHF/MF/HF Radiotelephony & DSC Procedures

Distress, urgency, and safety calls via DSC and radiotelephony, frequencies (Ch 70, 2187.5 kHz, HF DSC bands), distress relays, false alert cancellation, and voice phonetics.

25%

Inmarsat-C & Satellite Communications

Inmarsat-C transceiver operation, distress priority sending, EGC SafetyNET receiver configuration, NAVAREA VII warnings, LES/CES routing, and FleetBroadband capabilities.

25%

EPIRB, SART & NAVTEX Emergency Beacons

Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz EPIRBs, hydrostatic release units (HRU), 9 GHz Radar SART painting on X-band radar, AIS-SART, 518 kHz / 490 kHz NAVTEX headers, and message rejection settings.

20%

Radio Regulations, Logkeeping & Power Supplies

SOLAS Chapter IV Sea Areas A1-A4 equipment requirements, SAMSA GMDSS logbook entries, daily/weekly/monthly test routines, reserve batteries (lead-acid, gel), hydrometer readings, and antenna inspection.

How to Pass the SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions covering all GMDSS functional requirements
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: R 2,500 - R 4,000

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize all GMDSS distress frequencies: VHF Ch 70 (DSC) & Ch 16 (voice); MF 2187.5 kHz (DSC) & 2182 kHz (voice); HF DSC distress frequencies (4207.5, 6312, 8414.5, 12577, 16804.5 kHz).

2Understand the mandatory procedure for cancelling a false DSC distress alert immediately on the same frequency via voice radiotelephony.

3Know the four GMDSS Sea Areas: A1 (VHF coast station), A2 (MF coast station), A3 (Inmarsat satellite footprint), and A4 (polar regions above 76° N / S).

4Learn the operation of 406 MHz EPIRBs and HRUs, including HRU expiry dates and automatic release depth (1.5 to 4 meters).

5Study how a 9 GHz SART displays on an X-band (3 cm) radar: 12 dots extending outward along the bearing line, becoming arcs and concentric rings as approach distance decreases.

6Understand NAVTEX message headers (B1B2B3B4) and know that distress/urgency messages (subject indicators A, B, D, L) cannot be deselecting on the receiver.

7Review battery maintenance: specific gravity testing for flooded lead-acid batteries (1.280 fully charged) and float charge voltage checks for reserve power supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SAMSA GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC)?

The GMDSS GOC is an international maritime radio qualification issued by SAMSA under STCW Regulation IV/2. It authorizes the holder to operate all GMDSS radio equipment on any vessel operating in GMDSS Sea Areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.

How does the GOC differ from the Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC)?

The ROC only qualifies operators for vessels operating strictly within Sea Area A1 (VHF range, within ~20-30 nautical miles of shore). The GOC covers all sea areas (A1, A2, A3, and A4) and requires proficiency in MF, HF, and satellite communication equipment (Inmarsat-C).

Are these 100 practice questions official SAMSA exam questions?

Our 100 MCQs are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for SAMSA radio examinations. They mirror the core syllabus topics, regulatory frameworks (ITU, SOLAS, SAMSA), and technical questions set during SAMSA GMDSS GOC assessments.

What passing score is required for the SAMSA GMDSS GOC exam?

Candidates must achieve at least 70% overall on the theoretical written examination and demonstrate 100% safety competence during practical simulator assessments (such as correct handling of distress alerting procedures).

What equipment is covered under the GMDSS GOC syllabus?

The syllabus covers VHF DSC, MF/HF DSC radiotelephony, Inmarsat-C and EGC SafetyNET, 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat EPIRBs, 9 GHz Radar SARTs, NAVTEX receivers, portable survival craft VHFs, and vessel reserve power systems.

How long is the SAMSA GMDSS GOC valid?

The certificate is valid for 5 years and must be revalidated alongside your Deck Officer STCW certificate of competency by demonstrating ongoing sea service or completing a refresher course.