Seafarer documentsCertificates and qualifications
GMDSS restricted operator's certificate (ROC)
ROC
- ITU RR 47.23; STCW IV/2
- Full entry
- Checked 6 October 2026
- Document type
- Radio operator certificate
- Validity
- As issued; competence shown every 5 years
- Names in other countries
- 16 countries
Contents7
1 What it covers
Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC) (ITU RR 47.23) certifies restricted GMDSS operator competence for service in sea area A1. It is needed by radio operators and deck officers serving within the authorised scope. Validity: as issued; competence shown every 5 years.1–4
2 What it consists of
The standard of competence is set by table A-IV/2 of the Code.1–3
3 Validity and renewal
Document validity. The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates.
Maintaining competence. To keep serving at sea on ships under STCW, the holder revalidates this certificate at intervals not exceeding 5 years.4
4 Which positions
The need follows from the ship and the duties on board, not from the title of the position. In this reference the document appears in the requirements of these positions:
- Master
- Chief Officer
- Second Officer
- Third Officer
- Fourth Officer
- Officer of the Watch (OOW)
- Chief Radio Officer
- Radio Electronic Operator (GMDSS)
Show all 9
5 Names in 16 countries
How national systems name this document. The original name is given where the source has it; the English name is our editorial rendering.
Same document
| Country | Name in the issuing country |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificatesource |
| Estonia | Piirangutega raadiosideoperaatori tunnistusRestricted Radio Operator CertificateIssued by: Transpordiamet · source |
| Spain | Operador Restringido del Sistema Mundial de Socorro y Seguridad MarítimaGMDSS Restricted Operator's CertificateIssued by: Dirección General de la Marina Mercante · source |
| Bulgaria | Ship GMDSS Restricted Radio Operator Certificatesource |
| Germany | Beschränkt gültiges Betriebszeugnis ROCGMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC)Issued by: BSH · source |
| France | Certificat restreint d'opérateur (CRO)GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (CRO)Issued by: French maritime administration · source |
Show all 16 countries
Same document
| Country | Name in the issuing country |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Operador Restringido del SMSSMGMDSS Restricted OperatorIssued by: SEMAR, Dirección General de Marina Mercante · source |
| Portugal | Certificado restrito de operador no GMDSSGMDSS Restricted Operator's CertificateIssued by: DGRM · source |
| Thailand | Restricted Operator’s CertificateIssued by: Marine Department · source |
| Algeria | Certificat restreint d’opérateur des radiocommunications (C.R.O)Restricted Operator’s CertificateIssued by: Agence nationale des fréquences · source |
| Norway | Certificate of Competency ROC (Restricted Operator's Certificate)GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC)Issued by: Norwegian Maritime Authority / Sjøfartsdirektoratet · source |
| Hong Kong | Restricted Operator’s CertificateIssued by: Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) · source |
| Sri Lanka | Certificate of competency – Restricted GMDSS Radio OperatorIssued by: Merchant Shipping Secretariat / Director General of Merchant Shipping · source |
| Colombia | Radio Operador restringido GMDSSGMDSS Restricted OperatorIssued by: Dirección General Marítima (DIMAR) · source |
| Ecuador | Operador restringido del sistema mundial de socorro y seguridad marítima (GMDSS)GMDSS Restricted Operator TrainingIssued by: Dirección Nacional de los Espacios Acuáticos (DIRNEA), Armada del Ecuador · source |
| Slovenia | GMDSS-radijski operater z omejenim pooblastilomGMDSS Restricted Operator CertificateIssued by: Uprava Republike Slovenije za pomorstvo · source |
"Related document" is a national document of its own system that relates to this type but is not automatically equal to it.
6
Its requirements are met by the higher category: General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) ITU RR 47.22; STCW IV/25
7 Frequently asked questions
Who needs the Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC)?
How long is the Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC) valid?
The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates. To keep serving at sea on ships under STCW, the holder revalidates this certificate at intervals not exceeding 5 years.4
What else is the Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC) called?
Also known as GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) (STCW IV/2). National names in 16 countries are listed on this page.