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Self-Paced

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.

Course Details
Course Duration: 8 Hours
Course Schedule: 1 Day
USCG-Approved Certificate
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Course Overview
01

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.

Locations

Bayou La Batre, AL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Jacksonville, FL

Charleston, SC

St. Petersburg, FL

Location

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Location

There are currently no offsite locations for this course. Please see our main locations!
Course Data

Train from Anywhere with Sea School Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace

Train on your schedule with Sea School’s self-paced online courses. Designed for flexibility and convenience, our online programs allow you to complete key certifications and knowledge-based training from anywhere, at any time.

course type
In-Person
schedule
Course Schedule: 1 Day
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate
Course Data

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Throughout this sixteen (16) day course, mariners will go through trainings for OUPV, Master 100 Ton upgrade, Master 200 Ton upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers and the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade.

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schedule
Course Schedule: 1 Day
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate
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Join our Captain’s License OUPV course from anywhere with our convenient Zoom sessions. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule and start your journey toward earning your license - without ever leaving home.

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The Right Course for Every Seafarer

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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.

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Years of proven experience
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COURSE CURRICULUM

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.

Introduction
Introduction
RADAR Plot - Paper
  • First Vector
  • Second Vector
RADAR Plot - Paper
  • First Vector
  • Second Vector
RADAR Plot - Simulator
  • One Contact
  • Two Contacts
RADAR Plot - Simulator
  • One Contact
  • Two Contacts
our team

The Instructors Behind the Course

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Our Process
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Captain:

A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career

01

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).

02

Enroll & Prepare

Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.

03

Get Certified

After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

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Career opportunities

Advance your Maritime Career

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What Our Clients Say

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Course comparison

Course Comparison

features
OUPV (6-Pack) License
Master License
Passenger Limit
Up to 6 passengers
More than 6 passengers
Vessel Type
Uninspected vessels only
Inspected & Uninspected vessels
Area of Operation
U.S. Waters
U.S. & International Waters
Sea Service Requirement
360 days (90 in last 3 years)
720+ days (varies by tonnage)
Required for
Fishing guides, small boat charters
Ferries, tour boats, larger charters
Course requirements

Check All Drug Testing Requirements on Our Website!

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frequently asked questions

All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the RADAR observer recertifictaion course

Where can I find approved RADAR Observer Courses?

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.

What are the Requirements for a RADAR Observer Unlimited Endorsement?

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

How do I recertify my RADAR Observer Unlimited Endorsement?

As of July 22, 2019, mariners are able to renew their RADAR Observer (Unlimited) in three different ways:

  1. Documenting 360 days of sea service on a RADAR equipped vessel within the last five years.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

What does the RADAR Observer Recertification Course Cover?

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
What do I need to score on my assessments to recertify my RADAR Endorsement?

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%.

Is the RADAR Observer Recertification Completion Certificate I Receive after Passing the Class my Official Endorsement?

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.

It’s Time to Start Your Maritime Career!

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.

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