USCG Approved RADAR Observer Endorsement Course
Enroll in one of Sea School’s RADAR Observer Unlimited Course options and earn your Certificate of Competency today. Pick a date and location that works for you and take the next step in your maritime career.
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Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Course Overview
The RADAR Observer Endorsement course is a USCG-approved comprehensive training program covering collision avoidance techniques using RADAR for surface navigation.
It includes instruction on RADAR operation, legal responsibilities, and best practices for safe and efficient vessel operation.
This endorsement is required for many mid and upper-level Coast Guard licenses and can be added to any mariner’s credentials, especially for those operating radar-equipped vessels, even if the equipment is not legally required.
Successful completion results in a Certificate of Competency, which must be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard to add the RADAR Endorsement to your mariner license.
RADAR Observer Endorsement Completion and Certification Requirements
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Radar Observer (Unlimited) (SEASCH-399) course will satisfy:
- The radar observer training requirements of 46 CFR 11.480(d) for an endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited); AND
- The radar observer training requirements of 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(ii), 11.317(a)(3)(vi), 11.319(a)(4)(ii), and 11.321(a)(3)(vi); AND
- The radar observer standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.309(a)(3) and 11.319(a)(3); STCW Code Section A-II/1 and Table A-II/1, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVICs 12-14(Ch-5) and 02-18(Ch-3) Tasks 1.4.A, 1.4.B, 3.1, 3.2A, 3.2.B, 3.3.A, and 3.4; AND
- The radar observer standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.317(a)(2) and 11.321(a)(2); STCW Code Section A-II/3 and Table A-II/3, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVIC 13-14(Ch-4) Tasks 1.8.A and 1.8.B.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
RADAR Observer Endorsement Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Must be 18 years old
Citizenship Status:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence
Course Overview
Purpose:
- Trains deck officers and mariners pursuing a license in radar use for risk assessment, collision avoidance, and navigation
- Meets the standards of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code (as amended)
Prerequisites:
- No specific prerequisites required to take the course
Real-World Expertise
Excellence starts with a strong foundation. We believe in mastering fundamental skills, building confidence, and ensuring every mariner has the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their career.
Flexible Learning Options
True leadership is demonstrated through action. We foster a hands-on approach, where mariners learn by doing and gain real-world experience that prepares them for the challenges of the industry.
Career Advancement
In the maritime world, challenges are inevitable - but so are solutions. We encourage proactive thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take initiative.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
We never settle for mediocrity. Whether in training, leadership, or problem-solving, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
A Strong Community & Industry Network
Success in the maritime industry requires a strong work ethic. We embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, knowing that real growth comes from effort and persistence.
Confidence & Leadership Development
Ttrue professionals must be ready to adapt. We believe in staying agile, embracing change, and continuously expanding our skills to meet new challenges.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
- History, Development, Primary Uses
- Basics of How RADAR Works
- Factors That Affect Performance & Accuracy of Marine RADAR
- History, Development, Primary Uses
- Basics of How RADAR Works
- Factors That Affect Performance & Accuracy of Marine RADAR
- Controls - Purpose and Adjustment
- Tuning - Malfunctions, Echoes, and Other Phenomena
- Display Modes - Stabilized Units, Relative to True Motion
- Ranges & Bearings
- Limitations of RADAR
- Controls - Purpose and Adjustment
- Tuning - Malfunctions, Echoes, and Other Phenomena
- Display Modes - Stabilized Units, Relative to True Motion
- Ranges & Bearings
- Limitations of RADAR
- Operator’s Manual/Performance
- Operator’s Manual/Performance
- Interpretation and Analysis of RADAR Information
- Target Characteristics
- Relative Motion - Plotting First Triangle
- Actions to Avoid Collisions
- RADAR Plotting Practice
- Interpretation and Analysis of RADAR Information
- Target Characteristics
- Relative Motion - Plotting First Triangle
- Actions to Avoid Collisions
- RADAR Plotting Practice
- Position Determination
- Position Determination
- Navigation Rules 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19
- Navigation Rules 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
What Our Clients Say
Great instructor!
Very knowledgeable.
Ryan M.
Very helpful office staff.
Great learning environment. Very knowledgeable and great instructor. Tremendous course! Delicious food!
Noah A.
I enjoyed John’s teaching.
Very to the point and sharp.
Cade B.
Great office staff and classroom.
Lots of respect for the instructor. Taught very well!
Nicholas H.
John is the best teacher I’ve personally had at Sea School.
Knowledgeable and didn’t beat around the bush.
Trenton F.
Classroom was a great environment!
Instructor was extremely knowledgeable.
Anthony G.
Nice office staff.
Clean Classroom. Awesome instructor. Great course. Great food.
Cameron G.
John is very knowledgeable and informative!
Cody C.
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should bring plotting equipment (Parallel Ruler and Dividers)
- Students should bring pencil, highlighter, and notepad for note taking
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the RADAR observer endorsement course
The RADAR Observer Unlimited Endorsement certifies that a mariner possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize RADAR equipment for navigation and collision avoidance in all waters.
The Sea School offers RADAR Observer Unlimited courses at our Bayou La Batre, AL location. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab.
There are no sea service requirements to take the RADAR Observer Unlimited Course with the Sea School. However, below are general requirements for most USCG Endorsements and Licenses:
- Age: Minimum of 18 years old
- Physical Fitness: Physical that satisfies the Form CG-719K
- Drug Testing: Consortium membership / drug test compliance
- Sea School has its own USCG drug consortium, APCA. Interested students can sign up for a drug test/consortium membership at apcadrugtesting.com or by calling (727) 522-2727
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship OR alien admitted for permanent residence
- Mariner Fees: Mariner Fees Paid
- Coursework: Complete an approved Lifeboat Operator Course, like the one offered at The Sea School
Assessment: Pass a practical assessment demonstrating your competence
As of July 22, 2019, mariners are able to renew their RADAR Observer (Unlimited) in three different ways:
- Documenting 360 days of sea service on a RADAR equipped vessel within the last five years.
- Meeting the requirements in 46 CFR 10.227(e)(1)(v) of having instructed a Coast Guard approved or accepted RADAR course at least twice within the past five years.
- Completing an approved or accepted original, refresher, or recertification course (46 CFR 11.480(d)) in the past five years
You can find the USCG official policy update here.
Typically, a RADAR Observer (Unlimited) Course covers:
- RADAR equipment & operation
- RADAR plotting and interpretation
- Collision avoidance
- Navigation
- Rules of the road related to RADAR use
RADAR Observer (Unlimited) qualifies you to operate RADAR systems in ALL waters. An Unlimited Endorsement typically comes with additional days of classroom learning and practical training. A RADAR Observer (Limited) qualifies you to operate on a more limited selection of waters or vessels.
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
