Description of the Radar operator exam

Theoretical Exam

  • The theoretical exam is carried out by filling in a multiple-choice test sheet
  • The test sheet contains 20 multiple-choice test questions
  • There is only one correct answer for each question
  • Answering the test questions correctly is worth 1 point per question
  • The exam lasts no more than 20 minutes from the moment you get to know the questions
  • The theoretical exam subject is given a successful grade (M/Pass) if the examinee indicates the correct answer for at least 15 of the 20 questions
  • In the event of an unsuccessful theoretical exam, the examinee may take a retake exam from the theoretical part of the exam at least one week after the date of the failed exam
  • In case of unsuccessful theoretical examination, the examinee may not be admitted to the practical examination

Theoretical exam questions >> 

The compressed folder on the link above must be unzipped to your own drive, in order for the links to the images to work, otherwise the images can be opened from the folder. To access the questions, you need to open the Radar operator questions.xlsx file.


Practical exam

  • After a successful theoretical exam, the practical exam can begin on board
  • The examiner checks the professional quality of the implementation of the activities included in the practical exam sheet
  • Examiners are free to decide on the content of each exam element
  • The examiner may determine specific tasks for the examinee in relation to the topics, may ask questions and independently evaluate the implementation and answering
  • In order to pass the exam, the examinee must achieve at least 7 points out of 10 in each exam elements
  •  At the practical exam, the exam elements specified in the table will be examined in the following groups:
    • -> Preparing for radar navigation
    • -> Sailing with radar and ECDIS device (upstream and downstrea, turning, meeting, overtaking, waiting), embarking and entering at port entrances, bridge openings, constrictions
    • -> Dealing with disturbances (e.g. multiple or false echoes)
    • ->Conduct in a special situation

Vessels used for practical exam to assess the competence of using radar shall comply with the technical requirement set out in Article 7.06 of ES-TRIN 2017/1 (1). Vessels shall be equipped with a functioning inland waterway ECDIS system or a similar device for displaying electronic charts.

In the event of an unsuccessful exam, a retake exam can be taken no earlier than one week after the failed exam.

Practical exam tasks >>