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.

• 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.

Candidates for this module are recommended to have completed the Electronic Chart Systems and Bridge Watchkeeping module prior to attendance, have experience working on small vessels, and hold a level of certification that permits commercial operation of small vessels in Area Category of Operation 6 or above.

• 2 days use of our simulator

• Notepad/Pen

• 2 Days of tuition by an experienced instructor

• Extensive supporting course notes

• Light refreshments - tea, coffee & biscuits

Not Included

• Accommodation

• Meals