Course Description

Any applicant who has successfully completed your Radar Observer (Unlimited) (ADAMSS-399) course will satisfy:

• The radar observer training requirements of 46 CFR 11.480(d) for an endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited); AND
•  The radar observer training requirements of 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(ii), 11.317(a)(3)(vi), 11.319(a)(4)(ii), and 11.321(a)(3)(vi); AND
• The radar observer standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.309(a) (3) and 11.319(a)(3); STCW Code Section A-II/1 and Table A-II/1, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVICs 12-14(Ch-7) and 02-18(Ch-5) Tasks 1.4.A, 1.4.B, 3.1, 3.2A, 3.2.B, 3.3.A, and 3.4; AND
• The radar observer standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.317(a) (2) and 11.321(a)(2); STCW Code Section A-II/3 and Table A-II/3, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVIC 13-14(Ch-5) Tasks 1.8.A and 1.8.B.

Applicants who have successfully completed this course need not present completed Task Control Sheets for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

Course Objectives

A.M.S. uses state of the art modern TRANSAS / Wartsila training simulators. The student will use this equipment to learn and satisfy the required training for radar equipped vessels.

• The student will be able to recognize when radar should be in use, and will select a mode, and range setting for the circumstances.
• They will be aware of the limitations of the equipment in detecting targets and in terms of accuracy. When within range of the coast, the student will be able to compare the radar display with the chart, and land targets and use these targets to fix their position.
• The student will also be aware of the need to maintain a continuing plot of ship targets which may pose a potential threat of collision and will be able to derive from the plot, the necessary information about other ships courses, speeds and nearest approaches. This is to enable action to be taken in in accordance with COLREGs to prevent a close quarters situation arising.

*The course duration is 38 total hours of classroom lecture and simulator assessment work.