2. Main uses of radar
Collision avoidance i.e. look-out,
plotting, finding course & speed,
finding closest point of approach,
determining risk of collision
Navigation i.e. range, bearings,
mixed fixes
Pilotage i.e. clearing lines
3. BREAK DOWN OF A RADAR SCREEN
Range
rings
Ships
head
marker
4. IRPCS & the use of radar
Rule 5 (Lookout), Rule 6 (Safe speed),
Rule 7 (Risk of collision), Rule 19 (conduct
in restricted visability
Rule 7b
“Proper use shall be made of radar
equipment if fitted and operational,
including long range scanning to obtain
early warning of risk of collision and radar
plotting or equivalent systematic
observation of detected objects.”
Rule 7c
“Assumptions shall not be made on the basis
of scanty information, especially scanty
radar information.”
5. SOLAS regulations
Specifies that you must have a radar
reflector !
If your craft is over 15m in length
then it must be a specific size.
6. Collision avoidance
Alter course as follows in
collision situations
depending on what
sector the other craft
appears.
This method of collision
avoidance matches Rule
19 for radar users
(conduct in restricted
visability)
7. POSITIVE:
The virtue of
head-up mode
is that the
picture
corresponds to
the view from
the helm.
DRAWBACK:
When you alter
course, the
picture rotates.
This can make it
difficult to spot
weak contacts.
10. Principles
RANGE
Depends on height of scanner & target
Effected by the horizon
TARGETS
Signal depends on size, material,
aspect, texture, shape i.e. a port
marker will show up better than a
starboard marker
11. Beware !
False echos
Side echos – i.e. when a boat goes
past you there can be a repeated
appearance on screen
Shadows – i.e. blind spots
Interference – i.e. from another
radar
**ATTEND AN RYA RADAR COURSE
PRIOR TO USE !**