46 CFR 11.604: STCW endorsement for GMDSS radio operator
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets the requirement for an original STCW endorsement as a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Radio Operator. The applicant must provide a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved GMDSS radio operator course. The course must meet Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code.
Applies toEach applicant for an original endorsement as a GMDSS Radio Operator.
What it says
Each applicant for an original endorsement must provide a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved course for operator of radio in the GMDSS.
“Each applicant for an original endorsement must provide a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved course for operator of radio in the GMDSS”
The approved course must meet the requirements of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code, which is incorporated by reference as described in § 11.102 of this part.
“meeting the requirements of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part)”
Common questions
What do I need for an original GMDSS radio operator endorsement?
You must provide a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved course for operator of radio in the GMDSS. The course must meet Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code.
“Each applicant for an original endorsement must provide a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved course for operator of radio in the GMDSS”
Which STCW Code section must the GMDSS course meet?
The course must meet the requirements of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code. The text says it is incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part.
“meeting the requirements of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part)”
The text of 46 CFR 11.604
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Requirements for an STCW endorsement for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Radio Operator
Each applicant for an original endorsement must provide a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved course for operator of radio in the GMDSS meeting the requirements of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part).
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.