This subpart provides for endorsement as radio officers for employment on vessels, and for the issue of STCW endorsements for those qualified to serve as radio operators on vessels subject to the provisions on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) of Chapter IV of SOLAS (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part).

Each applicant for an original endorsement or renewal of license must present a current radiotelegraph operator license (T) issued by the Federal Communications Commission. The applicant must enter on the endorsement application form the number, class, and date of issuance of his or her Federal Communications Commission license.

Each applicant for an original endorsement must present a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-approved course for operator of radio in the GMDSS meeting the requirements of Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part).