Module Details

Module Code: NAUT6024
Title: Marine Communications
Long Title: Marine Communications GMDSS (GOC) and Signals
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5253 - Nautical Science
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) General Operators Certificate (GOC) course is primarily designed for mercantile marine officers and trainee officers of deep sea going vessels. The course centres on distress communications in all sea areas and the methods of communication available using different equipment systems. The emphasis is placed on Search and Rescue (SAR) communications techniques, however the nine functions of the GMDSS system, and basic equipment maintenance are also covered. This module also delivers the use of the International Code of Signals as a means of communication at sea. This module is taught as an individual short course unit, assessments are carried out at the end of the course.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Use their knowledge of maritime radio regulations to enable successful communications.
LO2 Apply an understanding of the practical use of marine radio/satellite communications equipment.
LO3 Use a practical knowledge of the documents and manuals used in maritime communications.
LO4 Outline the maintenance of maritime radio communications equipment
LO5 Send and receive messages in Morse Code by visual signalling lamp.
LO6 Use the International Code of Signals to communicate by flag signals.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Approved seatime. Working knowledge of the English language. Elementary computer skills.
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
none
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Knowledge of the basic features of the Maritime Mobile Service and the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service
The general principles and basic features of the Maritime Mobile Service. The general principles and basic features of the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service.
Detailed practical knowledge and ability to use the basic equipment of a ship station
Use in practice the basic equipment of a ship station. Digital Selective Calling (DSC). General Principles of narrow band direct printing (NBDP) and telex over radio (TOR) systems. Ability to use maritime NBDP and TOR equipment in practice. Usage of INMARSAT systems. INMARSAT equipment or simulator in practice. Fault locating.
Operational procedures and detailed practical operation of GMDSS system and sub systems
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). INMARSAT. NAVTEX. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Search and Rescue Radar Transponder (SART). Distress Urgency and Safety communication procedures in the GMDSS. Search and Rescue operation (SAR).
Miscellaneous skills and operational procedures for general communications
Ability to use English language, both written and spoken, for the satisfactory exchange of communications relevant to the safety of life at sea. Obligatory procedures and practices. Practical and theoretical knowledge of general communications procedures.
Visual Signalling
Modern visual signalling methods, International Code of Signals (IMO), and methods of use.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%
Special Regulation
The assessment of this module must comply with DTTaS/MRAU requirements under IMO/STCW regulations.

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Rules and Regulations ITU
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Documents
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Radiotelephony procedures
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Equipment and procedures
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Visual Morse
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 6
Assessment Description
Flag signalling
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact GMDSS theory Once per semester 2.67 40
Lab Contact Practical use of GMDSS equipment Once per semester 2.53 38
Lecture Contact Morse Code and International Code Every Second Week 0.50 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Morse practice Every Second Week 0.50 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact GMDSS Once per semester 0.80 12
Total Hours 92.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.70
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Graham D. Lees, william G. Williamson,. (2009), Handbook for Marine Radio Communication, 5th Edition. p.394, [ISBN: 1843117975].
  • Ian Waugh,. (2007), The Mariner's Guide to Marine Communications, 2st Edition. p.254, [ISBN: 1870077784].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SNASC_7 Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science 5 Mandatory
CR_SNASC_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Nautical Studies 3 Mandatory