A Radar Observer Endorsement is required for any Master or Mate license with
an all oceans route; with a tonnage limitation greater than 200 gross tons
(GRT); or for any Master or Mate of Towing license. These endorsements are
issued as unlimited (any route); inland (any inland route); or rivers (rivers
routes only).

Radar Observer Renewal

All radar observer endorsements are valid for five years and require a practical
demonstration of collision avoidance plotting skills on a radar or radar simulator
for renewal.

Columbia Pacific Maritime uses a Buffalo Computer Graphics PC Radar Simulator
and a hands-on approach to refresh collision avoidance plotting skills in a 1-day
radar recertification course. Most students complete the course easily in one
day, but students requiring more instruction are provided that instruction at no
additional cost.

Approved Radar Observer Courses

    All Radar Observer Courses are taught in a self-
    paced formate and are scheduled one student at a
    time, seven days a week.

    The 1-day radar renewal course provides a review
    and assessment of collision avoidance plotting
    techniques.

    The 5-day radar observer unlimited endorsement
    provides instruction and assessment in radar
    theory and operation, radar navigation, and
    collision avoidance plotting techniques.

    1-day Radar Observer Recertification Course

    Any applicant who has successfully completed your 1-day Radar
    Observer Recertification course will satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR
    10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement.

       5-day Radar Observer Unlimited Course

    Any applicant who has successfully completed you 5-day Radar Observer
    (Unlimited) course will satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480 for an
    endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited).
Columbia Pacific Maritime Information
Columbia Pacific Maritime Home Page
Course approvals and schedule for USCG approved courses
Workbooks for USCG approved courses
Information about Columbia Pacific Maritime
How to contact Columbia Pacific Maritime
Information on USCG Merchant Marine Licenses
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or 6-pack license information
Master 100 ton license information, this includes Master 25 tons and Master 50 tons
Master or Mate 200 ton license information, this includes Master and Mate 150 tons
Master / Mate of fishing industry vessels license information
Master and Mate of towing vessel license information
Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman credential information
Radar observer courses for original issue and renewal
STCW 95 Visual Communications (Flashing Light) information
Celestial Navigation for adding an
Assistance towing and auxiliary sail endorsements for existing licenses
USCG Merchant Marine license information
Documenting the qualifying sea service experience is the first step to qualifying for a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
Getting a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) is the second step in getting a Merchant Mariner Credential
Completing the USCG application is the third step in getting a Merchant Mariner Credential
General information regarding resources, student feedback, emploment and license questions
Information on how to become an Oregon fishing guide or Charter Boat operator
USMariner.info news and information forums
Lodging and other resources in the Portland area
Columbia Pacific Maritime provides USCG approved courses for Merchant Mariner Credentials.
Click here to view the Radar Observer Course Schedule
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