Radar Observer Recertification (USCG Approved)

This course is designed for mariners who hold an original radar observer certification but have not met the renewal requirements.

This course is designed for those renewing (re-certifying) and existing radar observer that has lapsed due to lack of 360 days of sea service in accordance with USCG MMC Policy Letter Number 03-19.

The course relies on video lectures and live online simulations. You will receive a package with the sealed final exam, some maneuvering boards, and plotting gear if you need to borrow it in the mail so that you can work the maneuvering board problems. Contact the instructor with any questions!

There will be limited simulation availability until 31 Dec 2024. For a preview of availability see this link: https://calendly.com/practical-navigator-proctors

You can still enroll in the course anytime to work on the self-paced material, just be aware of the reduced availability until 31 Dec.



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


  Course Introduction (30 minutes)
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days after you enroll
  Online Simulation Overview and Login Process (30 minutes)
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days after you enroll
  Assessments Preparation
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days after you enroll
  Final Exam Preparation
Available in days
days after you enroll

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.

Get started now!