An often overlooked rule change that went into effect over five years ago on July 22, 2019, harmonized the renewal of Radar Observer endorsements and eliminates the need for mariners to take a Radar Observer refresher or recertification course as long as they can provide documentation for one year of seatime on a radar-equipped vessel in the previous five years.
For Captains, Mates and Deckhands working on vessels where they are routinely using radar do not need to take a radar renewal class. All that a mariner needs to take advantage of the exemption from taking a radar course is having the exact right language required under 46 CFR § 10.227, 46 CFR § 11.480, Policy Letter 03-19 and 46 CFR § 10.232 on their sea service letters provided to the USCG for their renewal.
If the sea service letter includes the statement, “carried out Bridge Watch duties in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes,” and a mariner has more than 360 sea days in the last 5 years from the date their application is submitted for renewal they do not need to take a Radar Observer Renewal course.
Sea Service Letters that accidentally leave this statement off for mariners, commonly received an Awaiting Information (AI) letter from the US Coast Guard that states:
Radar Certificate - To qualify for renewal of Radar Observer, you must submit the following:
*Approved original, refresher, or recertification radar certificate dated within the last five (5) years; or, *Proof of employment as a qualified instructor who has taught an approved or accepted radar course at least twice within the last five (5) years; or, *360 days of service in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance within the last five (5) years.
Please provide an approved radar course as listed above.
If you do not want Radar Observer endorsed on your credential, please submit a statement to change your application.
Reference(s): 46 CFR 11.480(d); Policy Letter 03-19
If a mariner receives an AI letter when they have enough sea days due to accidentally leaving the Radar Statement off of their sea service letters is to update the sea service letters to state:
Mariner LAST NAME carried out Bridge Watch duties in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes.
Incorporating this one sentence to sea service letters for Captains, Mates and Deckhands working on vessels where they are routinely uses radar will save companies money, eliminate the potential for wasting time on an unneeded course and speed up the USCG licensing process for everyone by reducing the number of Awaiting Information letters the USCG has to issue. It’s a win-win-win!
