GMDSS Operator/Maintainer License (DB)
The GMDSS Operator/Maintainer License (DB) confers all the operating authority of the GMDSS Operator License (DO), the GMDSS Maintainer License (DM). the General Radio Operators License (PG) and the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP).
The DO qualifies the holder to operate, and make some basic equipment adjustments to, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio installations. It also confers the operating authority of the MP.
The testing elements for this license includes Element 1, Element 3, Element 7, and Element 9
Element 1 - Basic radio law and operating practice with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions.
Element 3 - General Radiotelephone. Electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: operating procedures, radio wave propagation, radio practice, electrical principles, circuit components, practical circuits, signals and emissions, and antennas and feed lines. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 57 out of 76 questions.
Element 7 - GMDSS Radio Operating Practices. GMDSS radio
operating procedures and practices sufficient to show detailed
practical knowledge of the operation of all GMDSS sub-systems and
equipment. The exam consists of questions from the following
categories: general information, narrow band direct printing,
INMARSAT, NAVTEX, digital selective calling, and survival craft. To
pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100
questions.
Element 9 - GMDSS Radio Maintenance Practices and Procedures. Requirements set forth in IMO Assembly on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 5 and IMO Assembly on Radio Maintenance Guidelines for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System related to Sea Areas A3 and A4. The exam consists of questions from the following categories: radio system theory, amplifiers, power sources, troubleshooting, digital theory, and GMDSS equipment and regulations. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.
If you desire the Radar Endorsement for this license, you must complete the element 8 exam.
Element 8 - Ship Radar Techniques. Specialized theory and practice applicable to the proper installation, servicing, and maintenance of ship radar equipment in general use for marine navigation purposes. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 38 out of 50 questions.
If you need more information about the Ship Radar Endorsement, visit the FCC's webpage
Failure to prepare is preparing
to fail.
-----John Wooden, Legendary
UCLA Basketball Coach
Only subscribers have access to these tests.
Element 1 - Basic Radio Law and Operating Procedure
Test questions and answers are presented similar to the COLEM tests, Randomized Questions, and a random Questions and random Answers sample from the complete question pool.
| Element 1 COLEM Test 1 | Element 1 COLEM Test 2 |
| Element 1 COLEM Test 3 | Element 1 COLEM Test 4 |
| Element 1 COLEM Test 5 | Element 1 COLEM Test 6 |
24 random questions and random answers from the complete pool
Element 1 - Basic Radio Law and Operating Procedure Topic Tests - Random Questions
| Topic A: Rules and Regulation Practice Test |
| 36 questions covering these topics: - Equipment Requirements - License Requirements - Watchkeeping - Logkeeping - Log Entries - Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations |
| Topic B: Communications Procedures Practice Test |
| 36 questions covering these topics: - Bridge-to-Bridge Operations - Operating Procedures - Distress Communications - Urgency and Safety Communications - GMDSS |
| Topic C: Equipment Operations Practice Test |
| 36 questions covering these topics: - VHF Equipment Controls - VHF Channel Selection - MF-HF Equipment Controls - MF-HF Frequency & Emission Selection - Equipment Tests - Equipment Faults |
| Topic D: Other equipment Practice Test |
| 36 questions covering these topics: - Antennas - Power Sources - EPIRBS - SARTS - Survival Craft VHF - NAVTEX |
Element 3 - Electronic fundamentals and techniques
Test questions and answers are presented similar to the COLEM tests, Randomized Questions, and a random Questions and random Answers sample from the complete question pool.
| Element 3 COLEM Test 1 | Element 3 COLEM Test 2 |
| Element 3 COLEM Test 3 | Element 3 COLEM Test 4 |
| Element 3 COLEM Test 5 | Element 3 COLEM Test 6 |
100 random questions and random answers from the complete pool
Element 3 - Electronic Fundamentals Topic Tests - Random Questions
| Topic A: Principles Practice Test |
| 48 questions covering these topics: - Electrical Elements - Magnetism - Materials - Resistance, Capacitance & Inductance - Semi-conductors - Electrical Measurements - Waveforms - Conduction |
| Topic B: Electrical Math Practice Test |
| 60 questions covering these topics: - Ohm’s Law - Frequency - Waveforms - Power Relationships - RC Time Constants - Impedance Networks - Calculations |
| Topic C: Components Practice Test |
| 60 questions covering these topics: - Photoconductive Devices - Capacitors - Transformers - Voltage Regulators, Zener Diodes - SCRs, Triacs - Diodes - Transistors - Light Emitting Diodes - Devices |
| Topic D:CircuitsPractice Test |
| 24 questions covering these topics: - R-L-C Circuits - Op Amps - Phase Locked Loops (PLLs); and - Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs); Mixers - Schematics |
| Topic E: Digital Logic Practice Test |
| 48 questions covering these topics: - Types of Logic - Logic Gates - Logic Levels - Flip-Flops - Multivibrators - Memory - Microprocessors - Counters, Dividers, Converters |
| Topic F: Receivers Practice Test |
| 60 questions covering these topics: - Receiver Theory - RF Amplifiers - Oscillators - Mixers - IF Amplifiers - Filters and IF Amplifiers - Filters - Detectors - Audio & Squelch Circuits - Receiver Performance |
| Topic G: Transmitters Practice Test |
| 36 questions covering these topics: - Amplifiers - 1 - Amplifiers - 2 - Oscillators & Modulators - Resonance - Tuning Networks - SSB Transmitters - Technology |
| Topic H: Modulation Practice Test |
| 18 questions covering these topics: - Frequency Modulation - SSB Modulation - Pulse Modulation |
| Topic I: Power Sources Practice Test |
| 12 questions covering these topics: - Batteries - Motors & Generators |
| Topic J: Antennas Practice Test |
| 30 questions covering these topics: - Antenna Theory - Voltage, Current and Power Relationships - Frequency and Bandwidth - Transmission Lines - Effective Radiated Power |
| Topic K: Aircraft Practice Test |
| 36 questions covering these topics: - Distance Measuring Equipment - VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) - Instrument Landing System (ILS) - Automatic Direction Finding Equipment (ADF) and Transponders - Aircraft Antenna Systems and Frequencies - Equipment Functions |
| Topic L: Installation, Maintenance & Repair Practice Test |
| 48 questions covering these topics: - Indicating Meters - Test Equipment - Oscilloscopes - Specialized Instruments - Measurement Procedures - Repair Procedures - Installation Codes & Procedures - Troubleshooting |
| Topic M: Communications TechnologyPractice Test |
| 18 questions covering these topics: - Types of Transmissions - Coding and Multiplexing - Signal Processing, Software and Codes |
| Topic N: Marine Practice Test |
| 30 questions covering these topics: - VHF - MF-HF, SSB-SITOR - Survival Craft Equipment: VHF, SARTs & EPIRBs - FAX, NAVTEX - NMEA Data |
| Topic O: Radar Practice Test |
| 30 questions covering these topics: - RADAR Theory - Components - Range, Pulse Width & Repetition Rate - Antennas & Waveguides - RADAR Equipment |
| Topic P: Satellite Practice Test |
| 24 questions covering these topics: - Low Earth Orbit Systems - INMARSAT Communications Systems-1 - INMARSAT Communications Systems-2 - GPS |
| Topic Q: Safety Practice Test |
| 12 questions covering these topics: - Radiation Exposure - Safety Steps |
Element 7 - GMDSS Radio Operating Practices
Test questions and answers are presented similar to the COLEM tests, Randomized Questions, and a random Questions and random Answers sample from the complete question pool.
| Element 7 Practice Test 1 | Element 7 Practice Test 2 |
| Element 7 Practice Test 3 | Element 7 Practice Test 4 |
| Element 7 Practice Test 5 | Element 7 Practice Test 6 |
Element 7 Topic Tests - Random Ordered Questions
| Topic A: General Information and System Overview Practice Test |
| 36 questions covering these topics: - Fundamental Concepts - Equipment Systems - Sea Areas - Functional Requirements - Carriage Requirements - Maintenance Options |
| Topic B: Principles of Communications Practice Test |
|
36 questions covering these topics: - Radio Spectrum - Frequency Bands - Modulation, Demodulation, AM, FM - Carrier and Sidebands - Channel Spacing - Antennas |
| Topic C: F.C.C. Rules & Regulations Practice Test |
|
48 questions covering these topics: - Inspections and Exemptions - Required Documents and Publications Maintenance - License and Personnel Requirements - Reserve Source of Energy - Equipment Testing - Watchkeeping - Logkeeping |
| Topic D: DSC & Alpha-Numeric ID Practice Test |
|
48 questions covering these topics: - Call Signs and SELCALs - MMSI- MID and Ship Station I.D. Numbers - MMSI; Group and Coast Station I.D. Numbers - Inmarsat Mobile Numbers for B & F-77 Terminals - Inmarsat Mobile Numbers for “C” Terminals - DSC Format and Info Sent - DSC Operations - DSC Frequencies |
| Topic E: Distress, Urgency & Safety Communications Practice Test |
|
60 questions covering these topics: - Sending a Distress Alert - Follow-On Voice Transmission - Response to a Distress Alert - Distress Relays - Action-False Distress Alert - Radio Silence – Resume Traffic - Urgency Traffic - Safety Traffic - Frequencies - Other Procedures |
| Topic F: Survival Craft Equip & S.A.R. Practice Test |
|
60 questions covering these topics: - SART- Activation and Survival Craft Operation - SART – Radar Display – SAR – AIS SART - SART: Testing and Battery Parameters - EPIRB System Structure and Operation - EPIRB Alerting and Features - Homing and Locating Signals - Survival Craft Transceivers - On Scene Communications - SAR-MCC-RCC: Systems & Procedures-1 - SAR-MCC-RCC: Systems & Procedures-2 |
| Topic G: VHF-DSC Equipment & Communications Practice Test |
|
12 questions covering these topics: - VHF Controls, Power and Range - VHF Channel System |
| Topic H: Maritime Safety Information (M.S.I.) Practice Test |
|
48 questions covering these topics: - Navtex-1: Operations - Navtex-2: Programming - Navtex-3: Message Format - SafetyNETTM -1: Operations - SafetyNETTM -2: Information - Enhanced Group Calling (EGC) - H.F. MSI - NAVAREAs |
| Topic Ia: Inmarsat Equipment and Comms Practice Test 1 |
|
30 questions covering these topics: - Sat-C, Power up, Self-Test, Controls & Lamps - Selecting an Inmarsat Ocean Region - Inmarsat Log-in & Log-out - Inmarsat General System Operations-1 - Inmarsat General System Operations-2 |
| Topic Ib: Inmarsat Equipment and Comms Practice Test 2 |
|
48 questions covering these topics: - Inmarsat-B or F77 Equipment and Operations - Inmarsat-C: Equipment and Operations-1 - Inmarsat-C: Equipment and Operations-2 - Compare and Differentiate “B” and “C” Terminals - Selecting L.E.S. and L.E.S. ID Numbers - Inmarsat-B and F77- Address, Dialing and Voice - Inmarsat-B - Address, Dialing and Telex - Inmarsat-C Address to Ship Telex |
| Topic Ic: Inmarsat Equipment and Comms Practice Test 3 |
|
48 questions covering these topics: - Address to Land Telex Terminal - Address to a FAX Terminal - Address to Internet, SMS or Special Addresses - Inmarsat Distress Communications - Satellite SAR-MCC-RCC - EGC - Equipment Faults and Maintenance-1 - Equipment Faults and Maintenance-2 |
| Topic Ja: MF-HF Equipment and Comms Practice Test 1 |
|
36 questions covering these topics: - MF-HF Panel Controls - MF-HF Frequency–Simplex, Duplex, Half-Duplex - MF-HF ITU Channels - MF-HF Voice and Telex Channel Separation - MF-HF Modulation, Bandwidth and Emissions - MF-HF Voice Operations–Calling a Coast Station |
| Topic Jb: MF-HF Equipment and Comms Practice Test 2 |
|
48 questions covering these topics: - MF-HF DSC Controller Call Programming - MF-HF SITOR (NBDP) - Definitions - MF-HF SITOR (NBDP) Technical Characteristics - MF-HF ARQ Operation – Calling a Coast Station - MF-HF ARQ Operation - Answerbacks - MF-HF ARQ Operation – OP Codes & Procedures - MF-HF ARQ Operation–Technical Characteristics - MF-HF Addressing Modes |
| Topic Jc: MF-HF Equipment and Comms Practice Test 3 |
|
42 questions covering these topics: - MF-HF FEC Operation-1 - MF-HF FEC Operation-2 - MF-HF Propagation-1; Day-Night-Winter-Summer - MF-HF Propagation-2; Day-Night-Winter-Summer - MF-HF DSC Controller Alert/Call Response - Batteries - MF-HF Equipment Faults and Testing |
Element 9 - GMDSS Radio Maintenance Practices and Procedures.
| Element 9 Practice Test 1 | Element 9 Practice Test 2 |
| Element 9 Practice Test 3 | Element 9 Practice Test 4 |
| Element 9 Practice Test 5 | Element 9 Practice Test 6 |
Element 9 - Topic Tests - Random Ordered Questions
| Topic A: VHF-DSC Equipment and Operation Practice Test |
| 60 questions covering
these topics: - Frequency and Bandwidth - Controls and Functions - Receiver Technology - Receiver Faults-1 - Receiver Faults-2 - Transmitter Technology - Transmitter Faults-1 - Transmitter Faults-2 - Digital Selective Calling - Antenna Systems |
| Topic B: MF-HF-DSC-SITOR (NBDP) Equipment and Operations Practice Test |
|
72 questions covering these topics: - Frequencies and Bandwidth - Controls, Functions and Displays - Receiver Technology - Receiver Faults-1 - Receiver Faults-2 - Transmitter Techmology - Transmitter Faults-1 - Transmitter Faults-2 - DSC Operations - SITOR (NBDP)-ARQ - SITOR (NBDP)-FEC - Antenna Systems |
| Topic C: Satellite Systems Practice Test |
|
60
questions covering these topics: - Technology - C-Terminals - Long Range Identity Tracking - MF-HF Frequency & Emission Selection - Fleet-33-55-77 Terminals - Fleet Broadband Terminals - GPS - Antenna Systems - Equipment Faults and troubleshooting-1 - Equipment Faults and troubleshooting-2 - Equipment Faults and troubleshooting-3 |
| Topic D: Other GMDSS Equipment Practice Test |
| 24 questions covering these topics: - EPIRB - SART - Survival Craft Transceiver - Navtex |
| Topic E: Power Sources Practice Test |
| 24 questions covering these topics: - Batteries - Battery Chargers and Power Sources - Power Supplies-1 - Power Supplies-2 |
| Topic F: Other Equipment and Networks Practice Test |
|
36 questions covering these topics: - Computers - Computer Networks – Ethernet - Local Area Networks- NMEA-0183 - Local Area Networks- NMEA-2000 - Depth Finders, Gyro Compass, SSAS, AIS - ECDIS – Auto Pilots – Data Recorders |
| Topic G: Inspections, Installations and Instruments Practice Test |
| - 24 questions covering these topics: - Equipment Installation - Annual Inspections - Test Equipment-1 - Test Equipment-2 |
Element 8 - Radar Systems Tests
Test questions and answers are presented similar to the COLEM tests, Randomized Questions, and a random Questions and random Answers sample from the complete question pool.
| Element 8 COLEM Test 1 | Element 8 COLEM Test 2 |
| Element 8 COLEM Test 3 | Element 8 COLEMTest 4 |
| Element 8 COLEM Test 5 | Element 8 COLEM Test 6 |
50 random questions and random answers from the complete pool
Element 8 - Radar System Topic Tests - Random Questions
| Topic A: RADAR Principles Practice Test |
| 60 questions covering these topics: - Marine RADAR Systems - Distance and Time - Frequency and Wavelength - Power, Pulse Width, PRR - Range, Pulse Width, PRF - Pulse Width - Pulse Repetition Rates - Components-1 - Components-2 - Circuits-1 - Circuits-2 |
| Topic B: Transmitting Systems Practice Test |
| 48 questions covering these topics: - Transmitting Systems - Magnetrons - Modulation - Pulse Forming Networks Modulation - TR - ATR - Circulators - Directional Couplers-1 - TR - ATR - Circulators - Directional Couplers-2 - Timer - Trigger - Synchronizer Circuits |
| Topic C: Receiving Systems Practice Test |
| 60 questions covering these topics: - Receiving Systems - Mixers - Local Oscillators - Amplifiers - Detectors - Video Amplifiers - Automatic Frequency Control - AFC - Sea Clutter - STC - Power Supplies - Interference Issues - Miscellaneous |
| Topic D: Display & Control Systems Practice Test |
| 60 questions covering these topics: - Displays - Video Amplifiers and Sweep Circuits - Timing Circuits - Fixed Range Markers - Variable Range Markers - EBL, Azimuth and True Bearing - Memory Systems - ARPA - CAS - Display System Power Supplies - Miscellaneous |
| Topic E: Antenna Systems Practice Test |
| 30 questions covering these topics: - Antenna Systems - Transmission Lines - Antenna to Display Interface - Waveguides-1 - Waveguides-2 |
| Topic F: Installation, Maintenance & Repair Practice Test |
| 42 questions covering these topics: - Equipment Faults-1 - Equipment Faults-2 - Equipment Faults-3 - Equipment Faults-4 - Maintenance - Installation - Safety |