Overall Course Objectives
Trainee successfully completing this course and meeting the required performance standards will be able to recognize the time when radar should be in use and to a suitable mode and range setting for the particular circumstances. In addition they will be able to set the controls for optimal performance and be aware of the limitations of the device in detecting targets and. The trainee will also be aware of the need to maintain a continuing plot of ship targets which may pose a potential threat of collision and he will be able to derive from the plot the necessary information about other ships courses, aspects and nearest approaches to enable action to be taken in ample time, in accordance with COLREG to prevent a close-quarters situation arising. Moreover, trainee will be able to understand the concept of "blind pilotage" navigation. Regarding ARPA section, the trainee will able to choose an appropriate mode of display plotting and graphic controls suitable to the circumstances make appropriate use of operational alarms.
Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Understand the basic theory and use of radar and ARPA, as an officer in charge of a navigational watch.
• Understand how radar information is obtained and displayed.
• Understand concept of "blind pilotage" navigation
• Demonstrate the ARPA acquires targets, track them and derives information on their movements.
Course content
1. Introduction to the electromagnetic waves, Fundamental principles of radar.
2. The function and sitting of components.
3. Perform manual radar plotting- Introduction to manual plotting, Construct relative motion triangle, Determine CPA & TCPA, targets course, speed and aspect.
4. Set Up and Operate Radar in Accordance with Manufacturer’s Instructions - Different Types of Display Mode.
5. Perform Manual Plotting - Determine set and rate of current from observations of fixed targets.
6. Set Up and Operate Radar in Accordance with Manufacturer’s Instructions- Set up and maintain optimum radar display, Measures range and bearings.
7. Perform Manual Radar Plotting- Determine course, speed and aspect of other ships, Determine CPA & TCPA
8. Factors External to the Radar Set Affecting Radar Detection. Factors which might cause faulty interpretation of the radar picture.
9. Use Radar to Ensure Safe Navigation- Fix a vessel’s position by radar, Identify aids to radar navigation and safety Use parallel indexing in radar navigation.
10. Use Radar to Avoid Collisions or Close Encounters- Apply COLREG to avoid collision or close encounter.
11. Blind pilotage navigation and parallel index technics.
12. Perform Manual Plotting- The effect of course and speed changes.
13. Use Radar to Ensure Safe Navigation- Fix a vessel’s position by radar Use parallel indexing in radar navigation.
14. Perform Manual Plotting- Recognize the effect of course and speed changes.
15. Describe an ARPA System- ARPA system display characteristics, IMO performance standards for ARPA, Acquisition of targets, Tracking capabilities and limitations, processing delays.
