FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB) – Elements 1, 3, 7, and 9 Online Exams

Test Info

To obtain an FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB), applicants must pass written Elements as illustrated in the following table:

Written Examination Elements For The FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB)

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 feedlines. To pass, an examinee must correctly answer at least 75 out of 100 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.

Note: You receive credit for each FCC Element Exam passed. For example - If you pass Element 1, 3, and 7, but not Element 9, you need to retest only for Element 9.

Online Testing System Requirements

• You must take the exam on a desktop computer or laptop (not a tablet ex: Chromebook)

• You must have a working built-in or external webcam and microphone

• Your Internet speed must be at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. Determine your Internet speed by running a test at: http://www.speedtest.net

Room/Space preparations:

• The lighting in the room must be bright enough so that your face and eyes can be seen throughout the duration of the exam

• Your desk/workspace must be completely cleared of all papers, books, and reference materials. In addition, please clear the entire room (including walls and bookshelves) of any materials that could be considered reference materials. Any suspect items seen during the initial room scan by your proctor will be flagged.

Ensure you adhere to the rules during your exam.

• You MUST provide your valid government issued photo ID when requested

• You MUST remain directly in front of your webcam for the duration of the exam

• You MUST NOT have anyone else in the room with you for the duration of your exam

• You MUST NOT interact or communicate with anyone by any means while testing

• You MUST NOT use any other electronic devices (phone, ipod, headphones, MP3 player, another computer, etc.) while taking the exam

• Reference materials (papers, pens, books, study guides, e-mails, website, etc.) MUST NOT be used while testing

• You MUST NOT use any mobile device or have any mobile device within your eyesight during the exam

• You MUST NOT access other websites or applications on the computer while testing

• You MUST NOT intentionally disable internet connection while testing

*Violation of any these rules will be flagged during your exam by the web proctor, and your exam WILL be marked as a FAIL, you will not be eligible for a refund and WILL be banned from re-taking the exam with Mariners Learning System.