- (a) This section contains the requirements that an applicant must meet to qualify as a Radar Observer.
(b) If an applicant meets the requirements of this section, one of the following Radar Observer endorsements will be added to their MMC:
- (1) Radar Observer-Unlimited.
- (2) Radar Observer-Inland Waters and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways (GIWW).
- (3) Radar Observer-Rivers.
- (c) Radar Observer-Unlimited is valid on all waters. Radar Observer-Inland Waters and GIWW is valid only for those waters other than the Great Lakes covered by the Inland Navigational Rules. Radar Observer-Rivers is valid only on any river, canal, or similar body of water designated by the OCMI, but not beyond the boundary line.
- (d) Except as provided by paragraphs (f) or (g) of this section, each applicant for a Radar Observer endorsement or for renewal of a Radar Observer endorsement must complete the appropriate course approved by the Coast Guard, receive the appropriate certificate of training, and provide the certificate or a copy of the certificate to the Coast Guard in person, by mail, or other electronic means.
- (e) A Radar Observer endorsement issued under this section is valid until the expiration of the mariner's MMC.
- (f) A mariner may also renew their Radar Observer endorsement by providing evidence of meeting the requirements in § 10.227(e)(1)(v) of this subchapter.
- (g) The Coast Guard will accept on-board training and experience through acceptable documentary evidence of 1 year of relevant sea service within the last 5 years in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes on vessels equipped with radar as meeting the refresher or re-certification requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. This also applies to mariners applying for raises of grade or new endorsements under § 10.231 of this subchapter.
- (h) An applicant for renewal of an MMC who does not provide evidence of meeting the renewal requirements of paragraph (d), (f), or (g) of this section will not have a Radar Observer endorsement placed on their MMC.
[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93091, Nov. 25, 2024, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102336, Dec. 17, 2024]