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Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valaris

Radio Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Valid GMDSS General Radio Operator's certificate Behaviors As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the ...

Valaris

Radio Operator

Houston, TX

Valid GMDSS General Radio Operator's certificate Behaviors As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the ...

bayou marine electronics

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Marine Electronics Technician

Slidell, LA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Valid FCC General License with Radar Endorsement & GMDSS Radio Operator Maintainer License is preferred. * Be physically fit. The work environment often involves carrying 20-50 lbs., climbing ladders ...

bayou marine electronics

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Marine Electronics Technician

Mandeville, LA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Valid FCC General License with Radar Endorsement & GMDSS Radio Operator Maintainer License is preferred. * Be physically fit. The work environment often involves carrying 20-50 lbs., climbing ladders ...

bayou marine electronics

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Marine Electronics Technician

Chalmette, LA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Valid FCC General License with Radar Endorsement & GMDSS Radio Operator Maintainer License is preferred. * Be physically fit. The work environment often involves carrying 20-50 lbs., climbing ladders ...

Yulista

Navigational Watch 3rd Mate

Panama City, FL · On-site

GMDSS Radio Operator License and FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit. * U.S. Navy Naval X-Craft HSC Type Rating (Master) or obtain within 60 days after vessel availability. * Must be able to obtain and ...

Yulista

Navigational Watch 3rd Mate

Panama City, FL · On-site

GMDSS Radio Operator License and FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit. * U.S. Navy Naval X-Craft HSC Type Rating (Master) or obtain within 60 days after vessel availability. * Must be able to obtain and ...

General Dynamics Information Technology

$120K/yr

FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License * Anschutz Navigation and Radar System Certifications * Tactical Radio and Satellite Communications Training * Electrical Wiring Installation and Repair ...

GDIT

$89K - $120K/yr

FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License * Anschutz Navigation and Radar System Certifications * Tactical Radio and Satellite Communications Training * Electrical Wiring Installation and Repair ...

Noble Corporation

Dynamic Positioning Operator

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Function as vessel radio operator. Maintain proper GMDSS and Radio watch. * Support Sr. DPO in navigation and Watch Officer's duties during transit. * Know basic operational theory, calibration ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

Must have valid GMDSS operator endorsement. * Must be able to direct, fairly evaluate, and correct performance of subordinates. * Must have valid states driver's license. * Valid radio operator ...

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Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator information

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How much do freelance gmdss radio operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance gmdss radio operator in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator vs Maritime Radio Technician?

AspectFreelance Gmdss Radio OperatorMaritime Radio Technician
CredentialsGMDSS certification, maritime radio licensesRadio communication certifications, technical licenses
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, remote communication stationsShipboard, maritime communication centers, repair workshops
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime agenciesMaritime service providers, repair companies
Job FocusOperating GMDSS radio systems, emergency communicationMaintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting radio equipment

While both roles involve maritime radio communication, the Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator primarily operates GMDSS systems onboard ships or remote stations, focusing on emergency communication. In contrast, the Maritime Radio Technician specializes in maintaining and repairing radio equipment, often working in repair shops or maritime communication centers. Both require specialized certifications but serve different functions within the maritime industry.

What is a freelance GMDSS radio operator?

Freelance GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) Radio Operators are professionals who work independently, rather than as employees, to manage and operate maritime radio communication systems on ships or at shore-based stations. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of vessels by handling distress signals, routine communications, and emergency situations using GMDSS equipment. Freelance operators may be contracted for specific voyages, projects, or emergencies, and are required to hold appropriate GMDSS certification and licenses. They play a crucial role in maritime safety and compliance with international regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance GMDSS radio operator?

To thrive as a Freelance GMDSS Radio Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of maritime communication procedures, signal processing, and possession of a valid GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) operator certificate. Familiarity with GMDSS equipment, satellite communication systems, and software for logging transmissions is essential. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills set top operators apart in emergency and routine scenarios. These abilities are critical to ensuring maritime safety, timely distress response, and regulatory compliance at sea.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance GMDSS radio operators and how can they be addressed?

Freelance GMDSS Radio Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to different vessel communication systems, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and managing irregular work schedules. To address these, it's important to stay current with GMDSS equipment training, proactively renew certifications, and build strong relationships with clients for consistent assignments. Additionally, being adaptable and having strong problem-solving skills help operators swiftly resolve onboard communication issues, ensuring vessel safety and compliance with maritime regulations.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gmdss Radio Operator jobs? The most popular types of Gmdss Radio Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator jobs include:
Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Gmdss Radio Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Radio Operator

Valaris

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description


Job Summary
The Radio Operator operates vessel communications equipment, answers phones, and carries out clerical duties such as filing and typing as directed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Receives and transmits messages between the vessel and shore bases, supply vessels, helicopters, and other stations by radio telephone.
  • Operates all communication equipment in the radio room, and ensures it is well maintained and operational.
  • Maintains a radio listening watch on marine and aeronautical emergency frequencies.
  • Maintains records/logs of all radio communications to and from the vessel. Keeps records of telephone charges if possible.
  • Ensures the maintenance of all electronic navigational aids where applicable.
  • Tests the standby radio equipment and the radio equipment in the lifeboats on a weekly basis, including the testing of the radio room batteries.
  • Advises the OIM/Master of any emergency situations within the vicinity of the vessel.
  • Informs the Helicopter Landing Officer and Bridge of all helicopter traffic to the vessel.
  • Establishes and maintains radio communications with helicopter traffic to and from the vessel.
  • Advises pilots of landing clearances, meteorological conditions, etc., and records in the helicopter movement log.
  • Coordinates and controls the isolation of radio equipment during periods of radio silence.
  • Participates in weekly emergency drills and responds to emergency situations as per assigned duties on the Station Bill.
  • Becomes familiar with the vessel's emergency and medical evacuation procedures.
  • Reports any incidents, potential hazards, or abnormal situations to the marine supervisors.
  • Provides clerical/administrative support to the OIM/Master as required.
  • Coordinates crew changes by helicopter and boats.
  • Maintains up to date personnel on board and room assignment lists.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of all work performed, including well data, payroll information, crew lists, and personal data including contact details of relatives of vessel's crew.
  • Prepares time sheets for personnel onboard in accordance with payroll procedures where applicable.
  • Arranges crew change travel where applicable
    Qualifications / Experience
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Fluent in English (oral and written).
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Valid GMDSS General Radio Operator's certificate

Behaviors
As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the principles outlined in our Behavioral Framework. This framework serves as the foundation for our organizational culture and guides our behaviors to drive better outcomes across the company. Employees are responsible for incorporating these behaviors into their daily actions, relationships, and decision-making to help manage expectations, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Our five behaviors that define our culture are:
Analyze & Plan - Being deliberate in understanding and describing the problem to solve and using information from a range of relevant sources to develop solutions that are effective and evidence-based.
Collaborate - Collaborating effectively, sharing ideas, and leveraging one another's strengths based on trust, transparency, and empathy, creating an environment where everyone's input is valued.
Communicate - Communicate clearly with all employees and stakeholders, ensuring active listening, understanding, and timely information sharing.
Learn, Grow & Adapt - Building organizational capability through our own learning and development while coaching others and supporting others to adapt, learn, and develop.
Deliver Results - Striving to deliver and exceed required results, identifying and overcoming obstacles, and taking responsibility for the outcome while respecting our values.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. Valaris is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factors. Valaris is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need such an accommodation, or a religious accommodation, please contact recruiting@valaris.com.
About Us
At Valaris, our core purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. Our purpose is the driving force that defines us as a leading organization in our industry. Our diverse fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow-water jackups is capable of meeting a wide spectrum of customers' well program requirements. Our rig fleet is among the most technologically advanced in the industry and our well-trained crews perform at the highest levels in the most challenging offshore environments. With an unwavering focus on safety and dedicated employees, we provide innovative solutions and aim to deliver excellence in everything that we do.

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