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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 ...

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. Working Environment Shipboard ...

New

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 ...

All JobsGmdss Radio Operator Jobs

Gmdss Radio Operator information

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$12

$23

$39

How much do gmdss radio operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a GMDSS Radio Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a GMDSS Radio Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime communication protocols, radio operation, and must hold a valid GMDSS General Operator Certificate. Familiarity with equipment such as VHF, MF/HF radios, satellite communications, and distress alerting systems is required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and clear communication are vital soft skills for responding to emergencies and coordinating with crew and authorities. These competencies ensure the safety of vessels at sea by enabling effective distress communication and compliance with international maritime regulations.

What is a GMDSS Radio Operator?

A GMDSS Radio Operator is a trained professional responsible for operating and maintaining the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment on board ships. Their main duties include sending and receiving distress signals, managing routine and emergency communications, and ensuring the proper functioning of all radio and satellite communication systems as required by international maritime regulations. GMDSS Radio Operators play a crucial role in maritime safety, enabling effective communication and coordination during emergencies at sea. They must hold a valid GMDSS certificate, demonstrating their knowledge of procedures and equipment necessary for safe maritime operations.

What are some common challenges faced by GMDSS Radio Operators during maritime emergencies?

GMDSS Radio Operators often face high-pressure situations during maritime emergencies, such as distress calls, severe weather, or equipment malfunctions. They must remain calm while quickly assessing the situation, prioritizing communications, and ensuring accurate information is relayed to the appropriate authorities. Another challenge is maintaining familiarity with a variety of communication protocols and equipment, as different vessels may have different systems. Successful operators excel at multitasking and clear communication, which are critical for the safety of crew and vessel.

What is the difference between Gmdss Radio Operator vs Marine Radio Operator?

AspectGmdss Radio OperatorMarine Radio Operator
CertificationsGMDSS certification, Marine Radio Operator licenseMarine Radio Operator license, GMDSS certification
Work EnvironmentShipboard, maritime communication centersShipboard, maritime communication centers
Industry UsageMaritime safety, distress communicationMaritime communication, safety operations

The Gmdss Radio Operator and Marine Radio Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on maritime communication and safety. The Gmdss Radio Operator specializes specifically in GMDSS systems for distress and safety communication, while the Marine Radio Operator covers broader radio communication duties. Both roles are essential in maritime safety and often overlap in industry usage, but GMDSS expertise is a key differentiator.

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Gmdss Radio Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gmdss Radio Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 1% Physical, 19% Hybrid, and 80% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Radio Operator

Radio Operator

Valaris

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

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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