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About the role

Radio Officers operate and maintain the ship's GMDSS radio equipment. They send and receive distress, urgency, safety, and routine messages. They keep radio logs, test emergency radio gear, and maintain batteries and antennas. They report to the Master and work with the bridge team, especially the Officer of the Watch. They usually do not have any ratings reporting to them. Radio Officers work on any ship required to take part in the GMDSS, such as passenger ships, cargo ships, and offshore vessels. The main certificate is the GMDSS radio operator certificate under STCW IV/2.

Duties on board

Operate GMDSS radio equipment for safety and routine communications.
Maintain the radio log with details of all distress, urgency, and safety traffic.
Test emergency radio equipment such as EPIRBs and SARTs.
Monitor VHF and MF/HF DSC watchkeeping receivers while on assigned watch.
Respond to distress alerts and relay messages to coastal stations and other ships.
Keep batteries, antennas, and radio station equipment in good condition.
Brief the Officer of the Watch on radio equipment status.
Update radio publications and navigational warnings that come through GMDSS.

Requirements

Document	Convention	Note
GMDSS radio operator certificate	STCW IV/2	Every person performing radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS must hold an appropriate GMDSS certificate.
STCW basic training (BST)	STCW VI/1	Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training in line with section A-VI/1.
Security awareness training	STCW VI/6	Seafarers must receive security-related familiarization and security-awareness training.

Sea service

STCW IV/2 does not set a fixed amount of seagoing service for the GMDSS radio operator certificate. The regulation focuses on approved education and training and meeting the standard of competence.

Medical fitness

Before beginning work on a ship, seafarers must hold a valid medical certificate. It shows hearing and sight, and colour vision where relevant, are satisfactory. A medical certificate is valid for a maximum of two years.

Documents

Passport
Seaman's book (CDC)
GMDSS radio operator certificate
STCW basic training (BST) certificate
Medical certificate
Visas when the voyage requires them

Radio Officer: questions and answers

What certificate do I need to work as a Radio Officer?

You need a GMDSS radio operator certificate under STCW IV/2. Every person performing radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS must hold that certificate. You also need STCW basic training and a valid medical certificate before joining.

Does the GMDSS certificate replace a deck officer CoC?

No. The GMDSS certificate is a certificate of proficiency for radio duties. It is not a deck officer certificate of competency. A deck officer who performs radio duties must still hold the required deck CoC for their rank. The Radio Officer rank itself is not a deck officer position unless the employer states it.

Do I need sea service before applying for the GMDSS radio operator certificate?

STCW IV/2 does not list a required amount of sea service. The regulation requires approved education and training and meeting the standard of competence. Employers may still ask about radio sea service, but STCW sets no fixed minimum.

What are the main watch duties of a Radio Officer?

You monitor GMDSS radio equipment, handle distress and safety messages, keep the radio log, and test emergency equipment. You work with the bridge team and report to the Master. You do not stand a navigational watch.

35 Radio Officer profiles on Krew Guru · 1 vacancy in the last 90 days

Sources

Checked against the official texts on 26 Oct 2026.

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