Guidelines for Issuing General Operator's Certificate

The NTC issues the guidelines pursuant to the provisions of Act 3846, as amended.
The guidelines are anchored on Sections II and III of Article 55 of the Final Acts of the World Administrative Radio Conference of the ITU, Geneva.
The issuance is made preparatory to the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

The circular governs the issuance of the General Operator’s Certificate (GOC).
The circular sets qualifications for applicants to take the GOC examination.
The circular restricts issuance of the GOC to applicants who pass the required NTC examination and demonstrate required knowledge and competence.
The certificate is tied to operational competence in Inmarsat and GMDSS facilities.

An applicant for a General Operator’s Certificate must be a Filipino citizen.
An applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
An applicant must be of good moral character.
An applicant must have attended an appropriate seminar/training on the operation of Inmarsat and GMDSS facilities offered by a duly accredited radio training center.
An applicant must be a licensed deck/radio officer.

A General Operator’s Certificate is issued only to applicants who have passed the required NTC examination.
A certificate is issued only to applicants who have shown knowledge and professional competence in specified aspects.
Applicants must demonstrate detailed practical knowledge in the operation of all Inmarsat and GMDSS sub-systems and equipment.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to send and receive messages correctly by radiotelephony and direct printing telegraphy.
Applicants must demonstrate detailed knowledge of:
- the rules and regulations applicable to radiocommunications; and
- the documents relative to charges for radiocommunications; and
- the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) relating to radiocommunications.

Applicants must complete the listed general qualifications to be eligible to take the GOC examination.
The NTC examination is a condition precedent to issuance, and issuance is limited to those who pass it.
The NTC requires demonstrated knowledge and professional competence in the operational and regulatory areas enumerated under the competence requirements.
Strict compliance with the guidelines is mandated upon effectivity.