Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Element 1 Practice Exam

The key idea is that radio operator licenses cover equipment used for radio communications, not navigational radar. A fixed-tuned ship radar with external controls is a navigation radar, not a radiotelephone or radiotelegraph transmitter. Because you’re not handling any radiocommunication gear, no radio operator authorization is required to operate it. You would need a license only if you were operating actual radio/communication equipment (like VHF, MF/HF, or GMDSS radios). Of course, radar operation itself requires proper training for safe navigation, but that training is separate from radio licensing.