Nav 5

Operational Use of RADAR / ARPA

Week 1-2
Basic Theory and operation of a Marine Radar System
-Familiarization and Radar Control Operation
Learning Outcome
At the end of the module, the student should be able to:

 Explain the Fundamental principles and operation of radar

 Identify the factors affecting performance and accuracy of RADAR.
 Familiarize with simulator’s own ship character and control.
 Discuss the safe distance and possible radiation hazards and precautionary
measures in the operation of RADAR/ ARPA
 Carry out maneuvers to determine own ship responsible to control
 Demonstrate radar operation procedure and control
WEEK 1
 What is Marine Radar?
A mandatory aid to navigation, the radar is used in identifying,
tracking (with integrated ARPA) and positioning of vessels
(including one’s own vessel) among other things in order to
adhere to the COLREGs so as to safely navigate a ship from one
point to another.

The marine radar is classified under the x-band (10 GHz) or S-

band (3GHz) frequencies. The x-band, being of higher frequency
is used for a sharper image and better resolution whereas the S-
band is used especially when in rain or fog as well as for
identification and tracking.
 Tracking ship devices are compulsory as per COLREGS (International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea).

SOLAS Chapter 5, Regulation 19 states that “All ships of 3000 gross tonnages
and upwards shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph
2.5, have a 3 GHz radar or where considered appropriate by the
Administration a second 9 GHz radar, or other means to determine and
display the range and bearing of other surface craft, obstructions, buoys,
shorelines and navigational marks to assist in navigation and in collision
avoidance, which are functionally independent of those referred to in
paragraph.”
With the help of ship radar, accidents can be prevented at sea with the use of the various inherent
functionalities of the radar (determining the CPA and the TCPA, EBL, VRM etc).
However, even while the ships are docked in the port, with the help of these radars, the coast guard,
VTS and the other authorities can use them to monitor the traffic in the small radar range.

The ship radar has a screen (referred to as the Plan Position Indicator) that displays all the targets
that are present within the radar range. Since all the objects are clearly visible on the screen,
navigating and monitoring the position of the ship becomes really feasible, hence the term ‘aid to
navigation.’
Main Features of the Marine Radars
The main features of the marine radars can be explained as follows:

• The parabolic radar antenna transmits and receives electromagnetic waves; as far as a
target being displayed is concerned, that is basically the wave that bounced off a certain
object that paints itself on the PPI (Plan Position Indicator)
• The frequency and the time taken by the flashes to return (reflections) to the radar
receiver of the ship helps to find out whether the route of the boat can be continued
with or not. The transmission and receiving of the pulse travels twice the distance in
going and hitting the target and back; therefore, the target displayed on the PPI is
basically halved with regard to its range
• On the PPI, the reflections can be seen so that identifying the actual distance of the
objects can be even easier. The same paint on the PPI can be also be checked for the
determination of the bearing of the target
Marine Radar Diagram
The basic components of marine radar are shown in the below diagram:
Component of Radar:
• Antenna Unit- Comprising the radiating antenna and its motor for
rotation
• Transceiver Unit- Responsible for wave generation and signal
processing
• Display Unit- Showcase the RADAR
• Processing Unit- Assimilates signals from RADAR components and
external devices
• Showcase the RADAR screen and connected data
• Control Unit- centralized radar controls
WEEK 2
Basic setting of RADAR/ARPA
1. Before turning on the RADAR/ARPA make sure no one is working on or near the
scanner, also make sure no halyards etc. fouling the scanner.
2. Ensure all the controls are set to zero.
3. Turn the radar Set to standby and wait for the RADAR/ ARPA to warm up.
4. After warming up, Turn the RADAR/ARPA to transmit.
5. Adjust the Brilliance according to the prevailing condition.
6. Adjust the Gain to just the right amount.
7. Adjust the Tunning.
8. Adjust the Sea clutter according to prevailing conditions.
9. Adjust the Rain Clutter according to prevailing conditions.
Uses of Marine Radar
• To calculate range and bearing of a target and thereafter use the information to determine
speed, course etc
• Integration with other shipboard equipment (such as ECDIS) to derive precise data
• Navigating own vessel and her course with regard to collision avoidance
• Fixing the ship’s position using terrestrial objects such as lighthouses, buoys etc
• Differentiating between targets in high traffic density areas
• Determination of the weather, to an extent
• Use by VTS in controlling coastal traffic
• Usage of features such as parallel indexing to ensure safe navigation
• Alleviating workload on the OOW on the bridge
• Used extensively in pilotage that covers the above aspects
15 Things To Consider While Using Radar On Ships

1. CHOICE OF RANGE SCALE: Appropriate range scales should be used

depending on the prevailing circumstances and conditions of the
environment the ship is in. Where two radars are used, one radar can be kept
on a longer range scale to obtain advance warning of the approach of other
vessels, changes in traffic density, or proximity to the coastline. The other
radar can use a short range scale, which helps to detect smaller targets easily.
Use the RANGE key in the keyboard to select the range desired. The ‘+’ key
increases the range whereas the ‘-’ key decreases the range.
2. RANGE MEASUREMENT: Measurement of range to a target can be achieved
either by the fixed range rings or the Variable Range Marker (VRM). The fixed
range rings appear on the screen with a pre-determined interval depending upon
the range scale in use and provide a rough estimate of the range to a target. The
current interval is shown in the upper left position on the screen. Count the number
of rings between the center of the display and the target to measure the range to a
target. The Variable Range Marker’s diameter can be increased or decreased so
that the marker touches the inner edge of the echo of the target thus giving more
accurate range measurements. There are two sets of VRMs available and they
appear as dashed rings. Press the VRM ON key to display either of the VRMs.
3. BEARING MEASUREMENT: Electronic Bearing Lines is used to take the
bearing of targets. The EBL extends from the own ship position to the
circumference of the radar screen. If bearing remains constant with
decreasing range, the risk of collision exists.
4. GAIN: The gain control on the keyboard is used to adjust the sensitivity of the
radar. It should be so adjusted that the background noise is just visible on the
screen. In simple words, if the gain is set too low, weak echoes may be missed
while excessive sensitivity yields too much background noise. Echoes from two
targets on the same bearing can appear as a single pip on the PPI or the radar
screen. A reduction in the gain setting is therefore required in this situation.
5. REDUCING SEA CLUTTER / RAIN: If rain or sea clutter is set too low, targets
will be hidden in the clutter whereas if set too high can cause targets to
disappear from the radar screen. The radar can also detect rain, snow or hail
clutter in the same manner as normal targets. The A/C RAIN and A/C SEA
control is used to adjust the rain and sea clutter respectively. The scroll wheel is
rolled clockwise or anticlockwise to increase or decrease the clutter.
6. OF CENTRE DISPLAY: Own ship position can be displaced to expand the view
field without switching to a large range scale. However while doing so care
should be taken that at least one mile of viewing range is kept on the aft of the
ship to view targets on the ship’s aft or ships trying to overtake own vessel. The
cursor can be put to the position where you wish to move the ship’s position
and then press the OFF CENTRE key on the keyboard.
7. TARGET TRAILS: Target trails can be of great assistance to the radar
observer in making an early assessment of the situation. The trail can either
be relative or true. Relative trail shows relative movement between own ship
and target. True trail presents true target movements depending on their over
the ground speed and course. Relative trails give an early indication if a close
quarter situation is developing or risk of collision exists. Relative trails when
combined with true vectors gives an indication of the relative movement of
other vessels and the risk they present. The trail time can be adjusted as per
requirement.
8. PI (PARALLEL INDEX) LINES: This is a useful method of monitoring cross track
tendency. It helps us to assess the distance at which the ship will pass a fixed
object on a particular course. The index line is drawn parallel to the planned
ground track and should touch the edge of a radar echo of a fixed object, at a
range equal to the desired passing distance. Any cross track tendency (such as
caused by a tidal stream, drift or current) becomes apparent as the target
moves off the parallel line. This technique can be used in both relative and true
motion. Use the trackball to select the PI line number box. Select a PI line
number and push left button to turn it off or on. Roll the scroll wheel to adjust
the PI line orientation (between 000°T to 359.9°T).
9. HEADING/SPEED/COURSE: The top right corner of the radar screen display
shows the heading, speed, course, and speed over the ground, own ship
position, and the source. Speed can be entered from a log(STW) or GPS(SOG)
or manually.

Speed over the ground (SOG) IS the speed of the vessel referenced to the
surface of the earth. Speed through the water (STW) is the speed of the vessel
referenced to the water in which it is navigating. In general, STW is used for
radar collision avoidance to provide a more accurate indication of the target’s
aspect and SOG is used for navigation. Right click the speed box to select the
source for speed.
10. BRILLIANCE: The overall brilliance of the screen can be adjusted according
to lighting conditions using the BRILL KEY by turning clockwise or anti-
clockwise. The brilliance box at the bottom left corner of the screen provides
various palettes and other options as shown below. Select the item needed
and roll the scroll wheel to adjust the brilliance. The brilliance menu can be
seen by right-clicking on the brilliance box.
11. WATCH ALARM: the function of the watch alarm is quite similar to that of
BNWAS. The watch alarm sounds the audio alarm at selected time intervals to
help keep regular watch of the radar picture. The countdown starts from the
value set. Officers often need to spend time inside chart table thus sometimes
forgetting to keep a radar watch. Watch alarm can, therefore, be used to avoid
being occupied for a long time inside radio room or chart room. The ALARM 1
and 2 in the picture below is used to set up the alarm. The ALARM ACK key
should be pressed to silence the alarm.
12. VECTOR MODE: target vectors CAN BE SET relative to own ship’s heading
(RELATIVE) or North (TRUE). When determining close quarter situation or risk of
collision exist use of relative vectors is preferred. It is a good practice to switch
between true and relative vectors to gain a better appreciation of the navigational
situation. When using a true vector, own ship and other ship moves at their true
speed and course. True vectors can distinguish between moving and stationary
targets. The relative vector helps to find ships on a collision course. A ship whose
vector passes through own ship’s position is on a collision course. The Vector
Length can be adjusted to the required time frame. It is useful to have both
relative and true information visible simultaneously; this can be achieved by
selecting relative vectors with true trails. Combining true vectors with true trails
will give no indication of the relative movement of other vessels and the risk they
present. Shift the cursor to vector mode box and left click to select the vector
required. The vector time can also be selected using the left button.
12. PAST POSITION: The past position Is a useful indicator. These history dots
are placed at a fixed preset interval. Dots in a straight line at even spacing
indicate a steady course and speed by the targets. Any changes can be noted
as the spacing becomes uneven. Change of course will not be shown in a
straight line. A curve in the trail indicates an alteration of course whereas the
change in the spacing of the plots indicates a change in the speed of the
target. The past data can also help the observer to check whether a particular
target has maneuvered in the recent past, possibly while the observer was
away from the display on other bridge duties. However past position, if used
can clutter the screen and should be avoided in heavy traffic as the plots of
different targets start crossing and overlapping each other and should be used
with caution.
13. MARK: The MARK menu enables the officer to mark any prominent target
or a point of particular interest. For example, you can use the trackball to select
the desired mark from the mark box at the left side of the screen. Also, you can
drop anchor mark by entering the Anchor coordinates provided by VTS in port
areas in the Mark menu. Right-click to open the mark menu and use L/L to
enter the coordinates.
14. TARGET TRACKING/ AIS DATA BOX: appears on the right side of the radar
screen. It provides information of automatically or manually acquired targets
including display of range, bearing, course, speed, CPA and TCPA, BCR and BCT.
The target list provides a comprehensive data display of all targets being
tracked. To acquire a target on the radar screen, simply move the cursor to the
target and left click. The TARGET ACQUIRE key on the keyboard can also be
used to acquire the target. The CPA limit box can be used to set the range and
time for CPA as required. If a target is predicted to breach the CPA limits, the
alarm will sound and/or displayed.
15. PRESENTATION MODES: Radar users must clearly understand what they are
seeing. North up relative motion is the normal default radar display format. Within
that relative and true vector and trails can be selected. The North Up mode shows
the targets in their true (compass) directions from own ship, North being maintained
up on the screen. The heading marker changes its direction according to the ship’s
heading. If the TRUE motion is used, own ship and other moving targets move
according to their course and speed. Fixed targets such as landmasses appear as
stationary echoes. In the pictures above, the presentation mode used is North Up
Relative Motion.
Other Features of RADAR/ARPA:
• Position- RADAR can determine the position of the targets in terms of
their latitude and longitude or in relation to the radar’s own ship
• Course Over Ground (COG)- Indicate the direction in which a target is
moving over the earth surface .
• Speed Over Ground (SOG)- Represent the speed at which a target is
moving over the earth surface.
Other Features of RADAR/ARPA:
• Relative Motion- Information helps help assess the changing
relationship between the radars own vessel and other targets,
indicating if they are on a collision course or moving away.
• Closest Point of Approcah (CPA)- This is a prediction of the closest
distance between the radar’s own vessel and another target,
considering their current courses and speed
• Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA)- This indicate the time it will
take for two targets to reach their CPA based on their current course
and speed.
Other Features of RADAR/ARPA:
• Electronic Bearing Line (EBL)- A line on the radar display that shows
the bearing from the radar own ship to selected target
• Variable Range Marker (VRM)- It aids in estimating distance and
target tracking and line on the radar display that shows the distance
from the radar own ship to selected target
• Rate of Turn- Radar system can sometimes estimate the rate at which
a target
Other Features of RADAR/ARPA:
• Target Size and Aspect- Radar system can something provide
information about the size and aspect of detected targets, which can
help identifying the type of object
• Radar Cross Section (RCS)- This measures detectable an object is to
radar waves, different objects have different RCS values
• True Motion- Radar can provide information on whether a target’s
motion is steady or erratic aiding in identifying potential collision risk.
In summary importance of RADAR/ARPA
are essentially utilized to improve the standard of
collision avoidance at sea. Primarily designed as
anti-collision radar, the ARPA technology removed
the chore of plotting targets manually on a
reflection plotter or separate plotting aid.
 End of Slide…

Thank you for listening!!!