• Radar Principles, microwave propagation, radar set components. Radar controls. Setting up a radar set.
  • Target detection, accuracy and resolution. Performance characteristics – detection range, bearing accuracy and resolution, range accuracy and resolution. Antenna size, pulse width, target characteristics, fasle echos (clutter) including rain and sea clutter. Clutter controls. Radar shadow.
  • Radar reflectors. Radar target enhancers. Radar transponders. Racons.
  • Radar displays. Head-up and North up orientation. Azimuth stabilisation sensors including flux-gate compass and fast heading sensors.
  • Radar Plotting to determine collision risk and target course and speed.
  • The IRPCS as they apply to radar. Lookout. Safe Speed. Collison Risk Assessment. Rule 19. Action to be taken to avoid a close quarters situation. General conduct in restricted visibility.
  • Uswe of MARPA (Mini-Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)
  • Use of radar as an aid to navigation. Radar-conspicuous targets – need for positive identification, parallel indexing methods, integration with GPS.
  • Fix accuracy in range and bearing. PPI distortion. Heading marker alignment. Checking accuracy of VRM and EBL.
  • Safety precautions and good practice.