The U.S. Coast Guard has published a final rule, titled: “Amendments to the Marine Radar Observer Refresher Training Regulations.” The rule amends the requirements for renewal of a Radar Observer Endorsement, eliminating the stipulation that a mariner actively using their MMC complete an approved or accepted refresher or recertification course to maintain a Radar Observer Endorsement.
When the new rule enters into effect on July 22, 2019, any mariner who serves in a “relevant position” aboard a radar-equipped vessel for one year in the previous five years will no longer be required to complete a radar refresher or recertification course to renew the endorsement.
The official announcement and related links follow.
Radar Renewal Rule and Policy Published
On June 07, 2019, the Coast Guard published a final rule titled “Amendments to the Marine Radar Observer Refresher Training Regulations.” The rule amends the requirements for renewal of a radar observer endorsement for mariners who have at least one year (360 days) of relevant service in the previous five years or have taught a Coast Guard approved or accepted radar course at least twice within the past five years.
The final rule is effective July 22, 2019 and can be found in the Federal Register at
Amendments to the Marine Radar Observer Refresher Training Regulations, 84 Fed. Reg.26580 (June 7, 2019).
Associated CG-MMC Policy Letter 03-19 provides guidance for renewal of endorsements as Radar Observer (Unlimited), Radar Observer (Inland), and Radar Observer (Rivers). The Policy Letter can be found here.
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