Good morning all. Looking to get GMDSS and have noticed it’s done online now through NEMO. Any suggestions on where to go for it? Or is online the best way now? Thanks looking forward to hearing what you guys think.
I did it online thru NEMO.
Lots of folks bash NEMO, it worked well for me. Did advanced FF reval and gmdss thru them.
For the GMDSS, even though you can do a lot of the prep thru your smart phone, i’d avoid that if you can. Use a computer.
Keep in mind the initial cost and test is for the STCW endorsement only. For the fcc portion, that is a seperate test and cost…and that test was a bitch for me.
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Thanks CTony, I think at this time I’m just looking got the STCW portion of it. I did the advanced FF through NEMO as well and it got the job done. Wasn’t sure about the GMDSS class tho, thanks for your input!
I self-studied, did practice tests, and then took the FCC test with a proctor at a local community college. A lot of stuff to memorize. Some of it is obsolete. It’s time consuming.
Months later I took the USCG approved STCW compliant two week GMDSS course and USCG test at MPT.
MPT had us all fill out FCC applications (even me, although I already had the FCC license).
It was the same USCG test at MPT as the FCC.
The only good thing about doing it this way was that I didn’t have to do much homework while in Fort Lauderdale at MPT.
You need both the FCC license and the USCG STCW model course in order to have valid GMDSS.
If you do a course at a school, you just take the test once.
Eric Dawikie (sp) that owns NEMO is the same guy promoting a new US Virgin Islands Flag of Convenience that would supposedly have Jones Act privileges. He also runs the Dominica registry and licensing. If this is the kind of guy you want to support with your hard earned dollars from working in the Jones Act Trade, that’s up to you.
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Understood, had no idea. Thank you. Where did you find self study material?
I didn’t know that. Thanks for the heads up.
An insightful thread for a few reasons now 
There are lots of FCC study materials online.
The FCC exams are called “Elements.”
GMDSS require Elements 1 & 7
I bought a used copy or the paperback textbook that the schools use on eBay.
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I personally don’t see the issue with USVI being jones act compliant. We want to claim them, that should count for something.
That said, I’ve had great experiences with NEMO. For what it’s worth, they have an outstanding former MCPOCG running things at NEMI. Not sure what influence or level of involvement he has with the online side of the house, but I do trust his leadership and direction.
The US Virgin Islands (as the name implies) is part of the US and has been since we bought the Island from Denmark in 1917.
The Jones Act was passed in 1920.
Something few US mariners know is that the Jones Act has always contained a carve out for the US Virgin Islands. Basically, the Jones Act does not apply to the US Virgin Islands.
Foreign flag, foreign owned, foreign built, and foreign crewed vessels may carry cargo and passengers within, and/or to and from the Virgin Islands to the US.
Stop paying the fee to take the element 7 test it’s a scam , you can send a gmdss cert right to the fcc and they will send you a gmdss license , as long as you already have element 1. It’s says it right in the fcc website
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Never knew this either!
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Isn’t 7 only required for the repair license or whatever it’s called? I only remember taking 1 test for my GMDSS/FCC license.
Below are from the FCC site -
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 at least 75 out of 100 questions.
| Type of License | Elements |
|---|---|
| Radiotelegraph Operator License | Written Element(s) 1 & 6 |
| Telegraphy Element(s) 1 & 2 | |
| General Radiotelephone Operator License | Written Element(s) 1 & 3 |
| Marine Radio Operator Permit | Written Element(s) 1 |
| GMDSS Radio Operator’s License | Written Element(s) 1 & 7 |
| Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator’s License | Written Element(s) 1 & 7R |
| GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License | Written Element(s) 1, 3 & 9 |
| Ship Radar Endorsement | Written Element(s) 8 |
Is this what you’re referring to?
" * In lieu of proof of passing Written Examination Elements 1 and 7, applicants may submit a proof of passing certificate issued by the United States Coast Guard or its designee representing a certificate of competency from a Coast Guard-approved training course for a GMDSS endorsement."
All I did was apply and send in my cert and I know others have
What cert are you sending them? Like STCW GMDSS training?
Yes it from Nemo , and I never took the element 7 test