International Maritime Organization is looking forward for modern methods of learning in marine field. The training of seafarers may be allowed by distance learning and e-learning methods in accordance with the standards of training and assessment set in STCW convention. For that purpose the web based course for competences related to the LRC certificate and learning management system, that is able to support any GMDSS E-learning material, are being developed. This is the aim of European Leonardo da Vinci project numbered: 142173-LPP-1-2008-1-SI-LEONARDO-LMP (2008–2010) and titled: E-Learning system for GMDSS VET. The article presents the results of current works

This paper presents methods of renewal the GOC certificates in Poland and other countries. Relevant provisions of the SOLAS Convention, the Radio Regulation and the STCW Conventions are discussed. Knowledge of candidates for renewal of the GOC certificates were analysed based on responses to questionnaires. The differences in the methods of training and examinations between selected European countries are presented. Noted the possibilities of GMDSS training at a distance recommended by the STCW Convention. The results and conclusions are presented in the summary arising the difference methods of renewal the GMDSS certificates.