RTO411 General Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate (GRTOC)

Course aim

The aim of this course is to provide students with the ability to operate MF/HF and VHF radio telephone equipment on a ship licensed to operate out to off shore limits of New Zealand. To develop the knowledge and skills necessary including the use of a radio telephone and other equipment as maybe found on a non GMDSS ship for Distress and Routine communications purposes.

Course Content

• Topic 1: Radio regulatory provisions
• Topic 2 : Radio communication procedures
• Topic 3: Knowledge of elementary principles
• Topic 4: Practical operation of equipment

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Compile Distress, Urgency, Safety and routine messages for transmission by radio telephone equipment as used on non-GMDSS equipped vessels.
• Apply knowledge of the radio regulations, including radio watch-keeping frequencies as they apply to non-GMDSS vessels.
• Competently Operate/ Use:
  - MF/HF radio telephone (SSB radio telephone)
  - VHF radio telephone
  - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
  - Automatic Identification System (AIS)
  - Radio publications for obtaining relevant radio information
• Have knowledge of other equipment that may be used on non-GMDSS vessels, including radio Telex (NBDP), INMARSAT C and radar SARTs.
• Demonstrate knowledge and basic understanding of:
  - Radio wave propagation
  - Radio aerials including hazards
  - Modes of voice emissions
  - Radio station identification
  - Power supplies including batteries and charging systems including hazards