To operate a fixed-tuned ship radar station with external controls, which license is required?

To operate a fixed-tuned ship radar station with external controls, which license is required?

• A. A radar operator license
• B. A general FCC radio operator license
• C. No radio operator authorization is required
• D. A radar endorsement plus general license

Answer: (C)

Licensing is tied to operating radio transmitting equipment used for communications. A fixed-tuned ship radar is a navigation instrument, not a radiotelephone/radiotelegraph transmitter. Because you’re not transmitting for radio communications, no radio operator authorization is required to operate that radar with external controls. If you later needed to handle shipboard radio communications (VHF, MF/HF), then the appropriate marine radio licenses would come into play, but for the radar itself, none is required.

Licensing is tied to operating radio transmitting equipment used for communications. A fixed-tuned ship radar is a navigation instrument, not a radiotelephone/radiotelegraph transmitter. Because you’re not transmitting for radio communications, no radio operator authorization is required to operate that radar with external controls. If you later needed to handle shipboard radio communications (VHF, MF/HF), then the appropriate marine radio licenses would come into play, but for the radar itself, none is required.