FCC Rules and Licensing for Ship Radio and Radar Stations (47 CFR Part 13)
Where the endorsement sits
47 CFR Part 13 is the FCC's commercial radio operator licensing system, and the ship radar endorsement is a part of it, not a license standing alone. The exam tests three things: who may legally adjust or repair ship radar, how the endorsement is obtained, and how it relates to the vessel's own station authorization under Part 80.
- The radar endorsement is added to an existing commercial operator license: Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP), Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RP), or General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL).
- The qualification is Element 8, Ship Radar Techniques: a 50-question multiple-choice examination with a 75 percent passing score. The FCC does not examine applicants itself; designated Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) administer the elements.
- Application is made on FCC Form 605 through the Universal Licensing System, using an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and paying the applicable fee.
- Commercial operator licenses, including radar endorsements, are issued for the lifetime of the holder. There is no periodic renewal; modification or replacement is requested when needed.
- Scope: the endorsement authorizes adjusting, maintaining and repairing ship radar equipment, including internal repair. Merely operating a radar does not require it; operation is covered by the ship station license issued to the vessel.
- Part 13 also contains examination-integrity rules and the grounds for suspension or revocation of an operator license.
Worked example
A technician holds a GROL and is hired to service the X-band radar on a 900 GT supply vessel. A GROL alone permits radiotelephone operation, not radar repair, so the endorsement is required before the transmitter case is opened. She files Form 605, pays the fee and sits Element 8 at a COLEM; 38 of 50 correct (76 percent) passes. The endorsement is then printed on her GROL and never needs renewal. Separately, the vessel holds its own Part 80 station license covering on-air operation.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating the endorsement as a separate certificate with a renewal cycle.
- Confusing the ship station license (the vessel) with the operator license (the person).
- Believing a GROL without Element 8 authorizes internal radar repair.
- Assuming FCC field offices give the examination, or that the endorsement authorizes GMDSS or radiotelegraph duties.