USCG Approved RADAR Observer Recertification Course
Enroll in one of Sea School’s RADAR Observer Recertification courses and keep your RADAR Observer Endorsement up to date.
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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.
RADAR Observer Recertification
This course consists of 4 assessments, 2 on paper (First & Second Vector), and 2 on a simulator (One Contact and Two Contacts). Students must pass ALL exercises before they can be considered to have completed the course.
Successful completion results in a Certificate of Competency, which must be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard to update the RADAR Endorsement on your mariner license.
RADAR Observer Recertification Completion and Certification Requirements
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Radar Observer Recertification (SEASCH-402) course will satisfy:
- The radar observer training course requirements of 46 CFR 11.480(d) for renewal of a Radar Observer endorsement.
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.
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.
- First Vector
- Second Vector
- First Vector
- Second Vector
- One Contact
- Two Contacts
- One Contact
- Two Contacts
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
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should bring plotting equipment (Parallel Ruler and Dividers)
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the RADAR observer recertifictaion course
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.
At Sea School, the RADAR Observer Recertification Course is a series of 4 assessments listed below:
- Paper Plotting:
- First Vector
- Second Vector
- Simulator Plotting:
- One Contact
- Two Contacts
Students must pass all four exams with a minimum of an 80% grade. Students have 3 tries on each test to achieve a passing score of 80%.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official certification, mariners must:
- Complete the necessary USCG application form.
- Submit both the Sea School Course Completion Certificate and USCG application form to the USCG.
The USCG then processes the application and issues the official certification.
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.
