---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 11.480"
title: "46"
number: "11.480"
heading: "Radar Observer."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/11.480"
---

# §11.480. Radar Observer.

- (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)](#f) or [(g)](#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)](/cfr/46/10.227.md?p=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)](#d) of this section. This also applies to mariners applying for raises of grade or new endorsements under [§ 10.231](/cfr/46/10.231.md) of this subchapter.
- (h) An applicant for renewal of an MMC who does not provide evidence of meeting the renewal requirements of paragraph [(d)](#d), [(f)](#f), or [(g)](#g) of this section will not have a Radar Observer endorsement placed on their MMC.

## Notes

### Amendments

[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93091, Nov. 25, 2024, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102336, Dec. 17, 2024]

### Authority

Authority: 14 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, and 2110; 46 U.S.C. chapter 71; 46 U.S.C. 7502, 7505, 7701, 8903, 8904, 8906, and 70105; E.O. 10173; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. Section 11.107 is also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

### Source

Source: USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77909, Dec. 24, 2013, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93091, Nov. 25, 2024, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102336, Dec. 17, 2024]