§ 10.480 - Radar observer.

Link to an amendment published at 73 FR 52795, Sept. 11, 2008.

(a) This section contains the requirements that an applicant must meet to qualify as a radar observer. (Part 15 of this chapter specifies who must 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 his or her deck officer's license:

(1) Radar Observer (Unlimited).

(2) Radar Observer (Inland Waters and GIWW).

(3) Radar Observer (Rivers).

(c) Endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited) is valid on all waters. Endorsement as Radar Observer (Inland Waters and GIWW) is valid only for those waters other than the Great Lakes covered by the Inland Navigational Rules. Endorsement as 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 (e) and (f) of this section, each applicant for a Radar-Observer endorsement or for renewal of an endorsement must complete the appropriate course approved by the Coast Guard, receive the appropriate certificate of training, and present the certificate to the OCMI.

(e) An applicant who possesses a Radar-Observer endorsement, resides in a remote geographic area, and can substantiate to the satisfaction of the OCMI that the applicant's absence will disrupt normal movement of commerce, or that the applicant cannot attend an approved Radar-Observer renewal course, may have his or her endorsement renewed upon successful completion of an examination administered by the Coast Guard, or by a third party acceptable to the Coast Guard.

(f) Except as provided by paragraph (k) of this section, a Radar-Observer endorsement issued under this section is valid for 5 years after the month of issuance of the certificate of training from a course approved by the Coast Guard. It is not terminated by the issuance of a new license during these 5 years.

(g) The month and year of the expiration of the Radar-Observer endorsement are printed on the license.

(h) A Radar-Observer endorsement may be renewed at any time.

(i) An applicant for renewal of a license that does not need a Radar-Observer endorsement may renew the license without meeting the requirements for the endorsement.

(j) An applicant seeking to raise the grade of a license or increase its scope, where the increased grade or scope requires a Radar-Observer certificate, may use an expired certificate to fulfill that requirement.

(k) The renewal date of a Radar-Observer endorsement may be extended beyond the normal 5-year duration to coincide with the renewal date of the license to which it pertains. This extension may not exceed 2 years and will be necessary only once, to synchronize the two renewal dates.

Effective Date Note:

By USCG-2006-26202, 73 FR 52795, Sept. 11, 2008, § 10.480 was amended in paragraph (f), by removing “Except as provided by paragraph (k) of this section,”; and by removing paragraphs (g) and (k), and redesignatig paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) as (g), (h), and (i), respectively, effective Oct. 14, 2008.