RADAR

Main uses of radar Collision avoidance i.e. look-out, plotting, finding course & speed, finding closest point of approach, determining risk of collision 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 Navigation i.e. range, bearings, mixed fixes Pilotage i.e. clearing lines Pilotage i.e. clearing lines

Range rings Ships head marker BREAK DOWN OF A RADAR SCREEN

IRPCS & the use of radar Rule 5 (Lookout), Rule 6 (Safe speed), Rule 7 (Risk of collision), Rule 19 (conduct in restricted visability Rule 5 (Lookout), Rule 6 (Safe speed), Rule 7 (Risk of collision), Rule 19 (conduct in restricted visability Rule 7b 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 Rule 7c “Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information.”

SOLAS regulations Specifies that you must have a radar reflector ! Specifies that you must have a radar reflector ! If your craft is over 15m in length then it must be a specific size. If your craft is over 15m in length then it must be a specific size.

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)

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.

Postives: Picture corresponds to chart.

Postive: Similar look to HU. Good for collision avoidance but needs to be reset whenever you alter your course

Principles RANGE RANGE Depends on height of scanner & target Effected by the horizon TARGETS TARGETS Signal depends on size, material, aspect, texture, shape i.e. a port marker will show up better than a starboard marker

Beware ! False echos False echos Side echos – i.e. when a boat goes past you there can be a repeated appearance on screen Side echos – i.e. when a boat goes past you there can be a repeated appearance on screen Shadows – i.e. blind spots Shadows – i.e. blind spots Interference – i.e. from another radar Interference – i.e. from another radar **ATTEND AN RYA RADAR COURSE PRIOR TO USE !**