Combined Radar Observer Unlimited and ARPA

This USCG approved course is a combined radar observer course and an ARPA (automated radar plotting aids) course, all conducted online with Zoom-proctored testing. Contact the instructor if you have questions!

** There is limited live simulation availability 10-23 March. You can still enroll in the course, just allow for the time constraints described below.**

This Coast Guard Approved Combined ARPA and Radar Observer (Unlimited) class can be completed completely online. The course relies on a combination of self-paced video lessons and reading, as well as live online simulation sessions which you can complete from home with the instructor.

After enrolling, you can complete the course at your own pace. You should budget about 1 month to allow time for all the learning and simulations due to the asynchronous nature of online learning.

However the course can be completed quicker or more slowly. The minimum time to complete the course is typically 2-3 weeks because we have to mail the written exam and supplies to you and arrange for online simulation. You can preview live session availability at this link: https://calendly.com/practical-navigator-proctors

If you have any questions about the course before you enroll, please contact the instructor at [email protected]. We want to make sure this is a good fit for your situation.

If you don't need ARPA on your license, check out our Radar Observer Unlimited course which is shorter and less expensive.

Technology: you should have a PC or Mac laptop for best results. Older Chromebooks often do not work. Newer tablets generally work ok but have less functionality than a laptop or computer.

This course meets the requirements for radar observer unlimited, using cloud-based online software, from the comfort of your own home or workspace. No travel required! Check out the approval language below to see if it works for you:


Your Instructor


Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan

Christopher D. Nolan is a former US Coast Guard cutterman. Chris has over 14 years of sea time, with 10 years in command. He holds a 1600-ton USCG merchant mariner license upon ocean routes, having served on the following vessels:


CGC ALEX HALEY (Kodiak, AK) - Deck Watch Officer

CGC DORADO (Crescent City, CA) - Commanding Officer

S/V KEALA AKALA (Honolulu, HI) - Master

CGC EAGLE (New London, CT) - Operations Officer & Navigator

CGC JEFFERSON ISLAND (Portland, ME) - Commanding Officer

S/V NAVIGATOR (Caribbean Sea) - Master

SS/V CORWITH CRAMER (Atlantic/Caribbean Sea) - Master

SS/V ROBERT C. SEAMANS (Pacific) - Master

S/V STAR OF INDIA (Pacific) - Master



Course Curriculum


  Lesson 0: Course Introduction (20 minutes)
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  Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Radar (1 hour 18 minutes)
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  Lesson 2: Factors Affecting Radar Performance (2 hours)
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  Lesson 3: Operational Controls, Settings, and Optimum Display (1 hour 40 minutes)
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  Lesson 4: Wartsila Cloud Simulation Tutorials and Overview (1 hour)
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  Exercise 1: Interface and Tuning the Radar (facilitated online learning)
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  Lesson 5: Fundamentals of Speed, Distance, Time, and the Maneuvering Board (50 minutes)
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  Lesson 6: Fundamentals of Relative Motion (1 hour 43 minutes)
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  Lesson 7: Target CPA Calculation (1 hour)
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  Lesson 8: Target Course and Speed Calculation (1 hour 26 minutes)
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  Lesson 9: Advanced Techniques (1 hour 16 minutes)
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  Exercise 2: Target Plotting Practice Session (Self Paced, 4 hours)
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  Lesson 10: Collision Avoidance Regulations as Pertaining to Radar (1 hour, 53 minutes)
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  Exercise 3: Radar Assisted Collision Avoidance (Self-Paced Online Learning)
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  Lesson 11: Radar as a Navigational Aid (1 hour 36 minutes)
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  Exercise 4: Radar Navigation Session (facilitated online learning)
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  Lesson 12: ARPA System and AIS Reporting Functions (2.6 hours)
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  Lesson 13: Operation of ARPA and AIS Reporting Functions (2 hours)
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  Exercise 5: Operational Use of ARPA and AIS (4 hours)
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  Exercise 6: Exam and Assessments
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  Lesson 14: Course Conclusion (20 minutes)
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
How do the exams work?
You will be assessed in two ways. First will be a written exam with multiple choice answers, proctored over a video conference software such as Zoom or Meet, you can accomplish this with your phone or laptop. The second assessment is using the cloud simulator. For these training sessions and assessments, you will need both a laptop (for the simulator), and a second device so that the proctor can see your workspace. All exams are approved for online issuance, you do not need to test with the CG at all.
Why are your courses cheaper than other schools?
1) This is a passion project for me and I only aim to cover my expenses and time. 2) Maritime training is generally overpriced. 3) As an online-only school, we save costs on classroom space. Contact the instructor to sample the course or for financial aid questions.

Get started now!