MCA Small Ships Nav & Radar

MCA Small Ships Electronic Charting system (approved)

Charts

• Differences between vector, raster, official, and non-official charts.

• Chart ordering and updating.

• Data sources and category of zone confidence (CATZOC).

• Symbology and interrogating chart features (pick reports).

Electronic Charting Systems

• Key types (approved/non-approved) and associated standards/regulations.

• Required inputs and outputs including and sensor setup.

Device setup

• Chart loading and selection (scales).

• Orientation, zoom levels, base, standard and custom displays, vectors/trails.

• Overlays, to include ARPA and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).

Safety settings

• Safety depth/contour calculations.

• Contours and safety depth settings.

• Anti-grounding.

• Alarms and indications.

• Man-overboard functions.

Position monitoring

• Methods of position fixing and application to electronic charting systems.

• Monitoring global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) integrity, verification of position and datums.

• Suitable actions and alternate fixing methods in situations of GNSS denial.

Tides

• Tidal calculations using digital means.

• Using tidal calculations with electronic charts and routes.

Routes

• Requirement for route planning.

• Route planning, validation, and editing.

• Route monitoring.

Module: MCA Bridge Watchkeeping

• Set up procedures for global navigation satellite systems and navigational aids other than those previously referred to.

• Operational limitations and errors in the use of bridge equipment.

• Echo sounder use including operational misunderstandings and use of warning limits.

• Use of relevant M Notices and Bridge Procedures Guide (BPG).

• Use of radio communication equipment.

• Use of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). Including: i) Different system types and performance characteristics. ii) Any limitations, benefits, and the reliability of data. iii) The use of AIS when complying with the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.

• Sources of navigation warning data.

• Passage plan development including the use of all relevant publications.

• Compass errors, and corrections.

• Effective monitoring of courses by hand steering or autopilot.

• Watchkeeper briefing and handover procedures.

• Bridge record keeping.

Module: MCA Small Ships Radar and Meteorology (2 days)

The course syllabus addresses:

Module: MCA Small Ships Radar

• Types of Radar and differences in use.

• Using Radar as a ranging device.

• Use and limitations of radar for bearing measurement.

• Effect of horizontal bandwidth, particularly on land targets.

• Use of Sea and ground stabilised modes of operation

• Display set up procedures including the use of performance monitoring facilities.

• Understanding of the heading marker and its alignment.

• Sea and rain clutter settings.

• Relative and true motion displays.

• True and relative trails and vectors.

• Head-up (unstabilised) and North-up (stabilised) displays.

• Shadow sectors and blind arcs.

• False echoes.

• Plotting as an aid to collision avoidance.

• Position fixing and radar navigation.

• Use of parallel indexing techniques.

• Semi-automatic and automatic plotters.

• Errors associated with automatic plotting aids.

Module: MCA Meteorology

• How to obtain weather information.

• Use of weather reports in relation to a proposed passage plan.

• Actions upon encountering reduced visibility.

• An appreciation of voyage limitations imposed by reduced visibility.

• Possible effect of wind on tracks made good.

• The effect of wind on tides and tidal streams.

• Local weather anomalies.

• Effect on sensors/equipment of weather.

• The course is intended for all masters and any crew responsible for, or involved in, navigation on commercially operated small craft (<24m). It is essential for candidates to have a basic understanding of navigational principals prior to attendance. Candidates are recommended to have experience navigating small vessels and hold a level of certification that permits operations in an Area Category of Operation 6 or above.

• 5 days use of our simulator

• Notepad/Pen

• 5 Days of tuition by an experieced instructor

• Extensive supporing course notes

• Light refreshments - tea, coffee & biscuits

Not Included

• Accommodation

• Meals