Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal Page |1

Radar Plotting Workbook

By Dennis A Degner Edition: 2019-03-15

The intent of this workbook is to provide a rapid radar plotting review for mariners
preparing renew any Radar Observer Endorsement. A printable radar plot sheet is
available on the last page of this workbook.

Columbia Pacific Maritime provides a Radar Recertification Course that will satisfy the
renewal of any Radar Observer Endorsement, including Rivers, Inland, or Unlimited.
This course is available by appointment any day the school is open, 7-days a week.

Columbia Pacific Maritime INC

10580 SE Washington Street
Portland, Oregon 97216

(503) 841-6066

Table of Contents
Lesson 1.1 Radar Plotting Review .................................................................................. 2

Lesson 1.2 Transfer Plotting: Relative Motion Line ......................................................... 5

Lesson 1.3 Transfer Plotting: Contacts Course and Speed............................................. 8

Lesson 1.4 Transfer Plotting: New Course and Speed Solutions .................................. 11

Lesson 1.5 Transfer Plotting: Multiple Contacts ............................................................ 14

Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal Page |2

Lesson 1.1 Radar Plotting Review

The expected learning outcome is that the student will review and discuss with the
instructor rapid radar plotting methods including:

a. The 6-minute rule for making speed and distance calculations.

b. The meaning of the rm, er, and em vectors.
c. The meaning of the acronyms CPA, TCPA, DRM, and SRM.
d. How to determine the CPA, TCPA, DRM, SRM, and the contacts true course and
speed from a radar transfer plot.

Read the following information and discuss it with the instructor:

6-Minute Rule. The six-minute rule is a quick way to solve speed and distance
problems when using a 6-minute time interval.

• 1 hour = 60 minutes.
• 6 minutes = 0.1 hours (one-tenth of an hour) 6 ÷ 60 = 0.1 6 x 10 = 60

To find the distance traveled in 6-minutes move the decimal point one place to the left
or divide by 10.

• A vessel making 6 knots moves 0.6 miles in 6 minutes 6 x 0.1 = 0.6

• A vessel making 15 knots moves 1.5 miles in 6 minutes 15 x 0.1 = 1.5

To find the speed traveled by observing the distance for 6-minutes move the decimal
point on place to the right or multiply by 10.

• A vessel that travels 0.7 miles in 6 minutes is making 7 knots 0.7 x 10 = 7

• A vessel that travels 1.2 miles in 6 minutes is making 12 knots 1.2 x 10 = 12

REM Plotting Vectors

Vector Direction Meaning
er From e to r Our own ship’s initial course and speed
em From e to m Them; contacts course and speed
rm From r to m Relative Motion; direction and speed of the
relative motion setup between the two vessels
er’ From e to r’ (r-prime) Our own ship’s new course and speed

REM Plotting Acronyms

Symbol Meaning
CPA Closest Point of Approach
TCPA Time of Closest Point of Approach
DRM Direction of Relative Motion
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The 6-minute Vector Triangle Explanation.

A vector is simply a line that represents the
direction and distance traveled over a specific
time frame. In the case of most radar plots
the time frame will be 6-minutes; although
they can be more or less depending on the
situation. The important thing to remember is
that all sides of a vector triangle represent the
same amount of time. The Six-Minute vector
triangle explained.

• Point “r” was plotted using the range

and bearing to the contact taken at
0200.
• Point “m” was plotted using the range
and bearing to the contact taken at 0206.
• The “x’s” represent the contact vessel as viewed on the radar scope.
• Vector “er” is a 6-minute vector that represents our own ship’s course and speed.
• Vector “em” is a 6-minute vector that represents the contacts course and speed.
• Vector “rm” is a 6-minute vector that represents the relative motion setup
between the two vessels.

Quick Reference Solutions

To Find This Do This
CPA Draw a line from r through m extending past the middle of the
plot sheet. This is the RML. Measure from the center of the
plot sheet to the closest point on the RML
TCPA Measure the distance from r to m. This represents six
minutes of relative motion. Mark off the RML from r to the
CPA in six minute intervals and count the minutes from r to
CPA.
DRM Measure the direction from r to m
SRM Measure the distance from r to m and multiply by 10
Contacts Course Measure the direction from e to m
Contacts Speed Measure the distance from e to m and multiply by 10
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal Page |4

Five Common Radar Contact Situations. The following are some common situations
that can be confusing because the three vectors (em, rm, and er) may overlap each
other.

Vector Triangle Situation Explanation

Crossing A crossing situation exists when you are
observing the port or starboard side of the
contact. This situation will always plot as a
triangle.

Station A station keeper means that the contact is

Keeper (SK) keeping the same station on the radar. This
happens when the contacts course and speed
are equal to our ship and the relative motion is
zero.

Dead in the When the contacts speed is zero the contact is

Water (DIW) drifting or dead in the water.

Overtaking When m is plotted between e and r the contact

Situation and our ship are on the same course at
different speeds. This is an overtaking situation.

Meeting When e is plotted between r and m the contact

Situation and our ship are on reciprocal courses. This is
a meeting situation.
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Lesson 1.2 Transfer Plotting: Relative Motion Line

The expected learning outcome is that the student will complete a rapid radar transfer
plot to determine the:

a. CPA
b. TCPA
c. DRM
d. SRM

The relative motion line (RML) is used to determine the contacts CPA, and thereby to
determine risk of collision. The following steps outline the how to plot a contacts RML on
a radar transfer plot sheet. The example exercises will use the 12-mile scale with a time
interval of 6-minutes.

Complete these steps to plot the RML.

• Plot our own ship’s heading.

• Plot the first (00 Min) range and bearing to the contact and label this point as “R”.
• Plot the second (06 min) range and bearing to the contact and label this point as
“M”.
• Draw a line from “R” through “M” and past the center of the plot sheet. This is the
Relative Motion Line (RML).

Quick Reference Solutions

To Find This Do This
CPA Measure from the center of the plot sheet to the closest point on
the RML.
TCPA Measure the distance from r to m. This represents six minutes of
relative motion. Mark off the RML from r to the CPA in six-minute
intervals and count the minutes from r to CPA.
DRM Measure the direction from r to m
SRM Measure the distance from r to m and multiply by 10
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal Page |6

Lesson Exercise

Follow the steps provided to plot the relative motion line for the contact on a Radar
Transfer Plot Sheet. Check your answers and discuss the plot with the instructor when
finished. Please ask for assistance immediately if needed.

Plot 1

Our own ship is on a course of 000° T at a speed of 12 knots when a contact is

observed at the following radar ranges and bearings.
Time Bearing (T) Range (nm)
0300 035.0° 11.1
0306 031.1° 9.2

1. What is the CPA? _________________

2. What is the TCPA? _________________

3. What is the DRM? _________________

4. What is the SRM? _________________

Answers:

1. CPA 3.5nm (within 0.5nm)

2. TCPA 0332 (within 3-minutes)
3. DRM 233° (within 5°)
4. SRM 20 knots (within 2 knots)
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal Page |7

Plot 2

Our own ship is on a course of 030° T at a speed of 23 knots when a contact is

observed at the following radar ranges and bearings.
Time Bearing (T) Range (nm)
0600 081.0° 10.8
0606 083.1° 7.7

1. What is the CPA? _________________

2. What is the TCPA? _________________

3. What is the DRM? _________________

4. What is the SRM? _________________

Answers:

1. CPA 1.0nm (within 0.5nm)

2. TCPA 0621 (within 3-minutes)
3. DRM 255° (within 5°)
4. SRM 31 knots (within 2 knots)
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal Page |8

Lesson 1.3 Transfer Plotting: Contacts Course and Speed

The expected learning outcome is that the student will complete a rapid radar transfer
plot to determine the:

a. CPA and TCPA

b. DRM and SRM
c. Situation
d. Contacts True course and speed

The RML shows the contacts relative motion, which is generally very different than the
contacts true motion. To determine the contacts true motion our own ship’s vector (er) is
plotted from point “R” on the relative motion line. Once “ER” has been plotted then the
contacts true course and speed (EM) becomes apparent. Collectively, the points E, R,
and M are called the first vector triangle. The situation is determined by comparing our
own ship’s course and speed to the contacts true course and speed. Review the table
on page 5 for more information on the five situations. Follow these steps to plot the first
vector triangle.

1. Plot our own ship’s heading and then plot the first (00 Min) range and bearing to
the contact and label this point as “R”.
2. Plot the second (06 min) range and bearing to the contact and label this point as
“M”. Then draw a line from “R” through “M” and past the center of the plot sheet.
This is the Relative Motion Line (RML).
3. From point “R” draw a line parallel to our own ship’s heading down-scope and
then measure a distance of 1/10th of our own ship’s speed along this line and
label this point as “E”.
4. Draw a line from “E” to “M”. This line (E to M) represents the contacts true course
and speed.

Quick Reference Solutions

To Find This Do This
CPA Draw a line from r through m extending past the middle of the
plot sheet. This is the RML. Measure from the center of the
plot sheet to the closest point on the RML
TCPA Measure the distance from r to m. This represents six
minutes of relative motion. Mark off the RML from r to the
CPA in six minute intervals and count the minutes from r to
CPA.
DRM Measure the direction from r to m
SRM Measure the distance from r to m and multiply by 10
Contacts Course Measure the direction from e to m
Contacts Speed Measure the distance from e to m and multiply by 10
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal Page |9

Lesson Exercise

Follow the steps provided to plot the first vector triangle for the contact on a Radar
Transfer Plot Sheet. Check your answers and discuss the plot with the instructor when
finished. Please ask for assistance immediately if needed.

Plot 1

Our own ship is on a course of 025° T at a speed of 18 knots when a contact is

observed at the following radar ranges and bearings.
Time Bearing (T) Range (nm)
1100 349.8° 10.6
1106 349.3° 8.8

1. What is the CPA? _________________

2. What is the TCPA? _________________

3. What is the DRM? _________________

4. What is the SRM? _________________

5. What is the contacts true course? _________________

6. What is the contacts true speed? _________________

7. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

Answers:

1. CPA 0.5nm (within 5°)

2. TCPA 1136 (within 3 minutes)
3. DRM 173° (within 5°)
4. SRM 18 knots (within 2 knots)
5. Contacts course 097° (within 5°)
6. Contacts speed 10 knots (within 2 knots)
7. B
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 10

Plot 2

Our own ship is on a course of 315° T at a speed of 10 knots when a contact is

observed at the following radar ranges and bearings.
Time Bearing (T) Range (nm)
1200 316.4° 11.1
1206 316.7° 9.0

1. What is the CPA? _________________

2. What is the TCPA? _________________

3. What is the DRM? _________________

4. What is the SRM? _________________

5. What is the contacts true course? _________________

6. What is the contacts true speed? _________________

7. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

Answers:

• CPA 0.3nm (within 0.5nm)

• TCPA 1232 (within 3 minutes)
• DRM 135° (within 5°)
• SRM 21 knots (within 2 knots)
• Contacts course 135° (within 5°)
• Contacts speed 11 knots (within 2 knots)
• A
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 11

Lesson 1.4 Transfer Plotting: New Course and Speed Solutions

The expected learning outcome is that the student will complete a rapid radar transfer
plot to determine:

a. The CPA and TCPA

b. The DRM and SRM
c. The Contacts True course and speed
d. The New course solution to avoid collision with a safe CPA
e. If a speed reduction will allow the contact to pass at a safe CPA

Plotting the first vector triangle to determine risk of collision is an important first, the
second step is collision avoidance. What action should be taken by our own ship to
avoid collision and pass the contact at a safe distance. This is called the second vector
triangle. Follow these steps to plot the second vector triangle and determine the new
course and new speed solutions to avoid collision and pass the contact at a safe
distance. For these exercises a safe distance is a 2-mile CPA, and the maneuvering
point (Mx) will be 4-miles.

1. Plot our own ship’s heading and then plot the first (00 Min) range and bearing to
the contact and label this point as “R”.
2. Plot the second (06 min) range and bearing to the contact and label this point as
“M”. Then draw a line from “R” through “M” and past the center of the plot sheet.
This is the Relative Motion Line (RML).
3. From point “R” draw a line parallel to our own ship’s heading down-scope and
then measure a distance of 1/10th of our own ship’s speed along this line and
label this point as “E”. Draw a line from “E” to “M”. This line (E to M) represents
the contacts true course and speed.
4. Mark Mx at the point where the 4-mile range ring crosses RML. From this point
draw a line tangent to the 2-mile range ring on the left side of our own ship. This
is the New Relative Motion Line (NRML).
5. From “M” draw a line in reciprocal direction as the NRML, this is called the
NRML1 and evaluate the course and speed solutions.
a. If the NRML1 crosses the original ER vector than there is a speed
solution, if it does then reducing our ship’s speed will not result in passing
the contact at a safe distance.
b. To find the new course solution place one point of the dividers on point E
and the other on point R and then rotate point R clockwise until it touches
the NRML1. Label this point as R1. Measure direction of ER1 to find the
new course solution.
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Lesson Exercise

Follow the steps provided to plot the first and second vector triangles for the contact on
a Radar Transfer Plot Sheet. Check your answers and discuss the plot with the
instructor when finished. Please ask for assistance immediately if needed.

Plot 1

Our own ship is on a course of 000° T at a speed of 11 knots when a contact is

observed at the following radar ranges and bearings.
Time Bearing (T) Range (nm)
0600 080.0° 11.4
0606 080.0° 10.2

1. What is the CPA? _________________

2. What is the TCPA? _________________

3. What is the DRM? _________________

4. What is the SRM? _________________

5. What is the contacts true course? _________________

6. What is the contacts true speed? _________________

7. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

8. What is the new course solution for a 2nm CPA using an Mx of 4nm? __________

9. Is there a speed solution? A. Yes B. No

Answers:

1. CPA 0.0nm (within 0.5nm)

2. TCPA 0700 (within 3 minutes)
3. DRM 260° (within 5°)
4. SRM 12 knots (within 2 knots)
5. Contacts course 307° (within 5°)
6. Contacts speed 15 knots (within 2 knots)
7. B
8. New course 087° (within 5°)
9. A
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 13

Plot 2

Own ship is on a course of 020° T at a speed of 12 knots when a contact is observed

at the following radar ranges and bearings.
Time Bearing (T) Range (nm)
1300 021.0° 11.0
1306 021.3° 8.3

1. What is the CPA? _________________

2. What is the TCPA? _________________

3. What is the DRM? _________________

4. What is the SRM? _________________

5. What is the contacts true course? _________________

6. What is the contacts true speed? _________________

7. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

8. What is the new course solution for a 2nm CPA using an Mx of 4nm? __________

9. Is there a speed solution? A. Yes B. No

Answers:

1. CPA 0.2nm (within 0.5nm)

2. TCPA 1324 (within 3 minutes)
3. DRM 200° (within 5°)
4. SRM 27 knots (within 2 knots)
5. Contacts course 200° (within 5°)
6. Contacts speed 15 knots (within 2 knots)
7. A
8. New course 094° (within 5°)
9. B
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 14

Lesson 1.5 Transfer Plotting: Multiple Contacts

The expected learning outcome is that the student will complete a rapid radar transfer
plot for multiple contacts to determine:

a. For all contacts the CPA, DRM, and SRM

b. For the contact with the greatest risk of collision the TCPA, Contacts true course
and speed, the new course solution to avoid collision with a safe CPA, and if a
speed reduction will allow the contact to pass ahead at a safe CPA.

When plotting multiple contacts plot the RML for all contacts on the same plot sheet to
evaluate risk of collision and then maneuver for the contact with the greatest risk of
collision. Follow the steps provided in the previous lessons to complete these exercises
and please contact an instructor immediately if assistance is needed.

Lesson Exercise

For all contacts determine the:

• CPA
• DRM
• SRM

For the contact with the greatest risk of collision (smallest CPA) determine the:

• TCPA
• Contacts true course
• Contacts true speed
• Situation

Maneuver for a 2nm CPA using an Mx of 4nm and:

• Determine the new course solution.

• Evaluate if there is a speed solution.
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 15

Plot 1

Own ship is on a course of 067° T at a speed of 11 knots when the following radar
ranges and bearings were observed.
Time Contact A Contact B
Bearing (T) Range (nm) Bearing (T) Range (nm)
2000 040.9° 6.2 137.4° 9.5
2006 035.5° 5.2 137.6° 8.1

Questions 1 thru 3 refer to Contact A.

1. CPA ______________ 2. DRM _______________ 3. SRM _______________

Questions 4 thru 6 refer to Contact B.

4. CPA _____________ 5. DRM _______________ 6. SRM _______________

Questions 7 thru 12 refer to the contact with the smallest CPA.

7. What is the TCPA? _______________

8. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

9. What is the contact’s True Course? _______________

10. What is the contact’s True Speed? _______________

11. What is the new course for a 2nm CPA using an Mx of 4nm? _______________

12. Is there a new speed solution? A. Yes B. No

Answers:

1. CPA 2.7nm (within 0.5nm) 7. TCPA 2040 (within 3 minutes)

2. DRM 247° (within 5°) 8. B
3. SRM 11 knots (within 2 knots) 9. True course 000° (within 5°)
4. CPA 0.1 nm (within 0.5nm) 10. True speed 15k (within 2 knots)
5. DRM 317° (within 5°) 11. New course 153° (within 5°)
6. SRM 14 knots (within 2 knots) 12. A
Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 16

Plot 2

Our own ship is on a course of 000° T at a speed of 15 knots when the following radar
ranges and bearings were observed.
Time Contact A Contact B
Bearing (T) Range (nm) Bearing (T) Range (nm)
1900 350.2° 7.7 031.0° 11.4
1906 350.2° 7.7 031.0° 9.2

Questions 1 thru 3 refer to Contact A.

1. CPA ______________ 2. DRM _______________ 3. SRM _______________

Questions 4 thru 6 refer to Contact B.

4. CPA _____________ 5. DRM _______________ 6. SRM _______________

Questions 7 thru 12 refer to the contact with the smallest CPA.

7. What is the TCPA? _______________

8. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

9. What is the contact’s True Course? _______________

10. What is the contact’s True Speed? _______________

11. What is the new course for a 2nm CPA using an Mx of 4nm? _______________

12. Is there a new speed solution? A. Yes B. No

Answers:

1. CPA 7.7nm (within 0.5nm) 7. TCPA 1931 (within 3 minutes)

2. DRM NA 8. B
3. SRM NA 9. True course 251° (within 5°)
4. CPA 0.0 nm (within 0.5nm) 10. True speed 12k (within 2 knots)
5. DRM 211° (within 5°) 11. New course 054° (within 5°)
6. SRM 22 knots (within 2 knots) 12. A

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Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 17

Plot 3

Our own ship is on a course of 000° T at a speed of 15 knots when the following radar
ranges and bearings were observed.
Time Contact A Contact B
Bearing (T) Range (nm) Bearing (T) Range (nm)
2200 344.1° 7.8 000.0° 11.3
2206 343.1° 7.3 000.0° 8.6

Questions 1 thru 3 refer to Contact A.

1. CPA ______________ 2. DRM _______________ 3. SRM _______________

Questions 4 thru 6 refer to Contact B.

4. CPA _____________ 5. DRM _______________ 6. SRM _______________

Questions 7 thru 12 refer to the contact with the smallest CPA.

7. What is the TCPA? _______________

8. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

9. What is the contact’s True Course? _______________

10. What is the contact’s True Speed? _______________

11. What is the new course for a 2nm CPA using an Mx of 4nm? _______________

12. Is there a new speed solution? A. Yes B. No

Answers:

1. CPA 2.1nm (within 0.5nm) 7. TCPA 2325 (within 3 minutes)

2. DRM 180° (within 5°) 8. A
3. SRM 5 knots (within 2 knots) 9. True course 180° (within 5°)
4. CPA 0.0 nm (within 0.5nm) 10. True speed 12k (within 2 knots)
5. DRM 180° (within 5°) 11. New course 054° (within 5°)
6. SRM 27 knots (within 2 knots) 12. B

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Columbia Pacific Maritime- Radar Renewal P a g e | 18

Plot 4

Our own ship is on a course of 000° T at a speed of 14 knots when the following radar
ranges and bearings were observed.
Time Contact A Contact B
Bearing Range Bearing Range
2100 356.2° 8.1 045.0° 11.6
2106 355.9° 7.4 054.8° 8.8

Questions 1 thru 3 refer to Contact A.

1. CPA ______________ 2. DRM _______________ 3. SRM _______________

Questions 4 thru 6 refer to Contact B.

4. CPA _____________ 5. DRM _______________ 6. SRM _______________

Questions 7 thru 12 refer to the contact with the smallest CPA.

7. What is the TCPA? _______________

8. Which best describes the situation? A. Meeting B. Crossing C. Overtaking

9. What is the contact’s True Course? _______________

10. What is the contact’s True Speed? _______________

11. What is the new course for a 2nm CPA using an Mx of 4nm? _______________

12. Is there a new speed solution? A. Yes B. No

Answers:

1. CPA 0.5nm (within 0.5nm) 7. TCPA 2207 (within 3 minutes)

2. DRM 180° (within 5°) 8. C
3. SRM 7 knots (within 2 knots) 9. True course 000° (within 5°)
4. CPA 5.3 nm (within 0.5nm) 10. True speed 7k (within 2 knots)
5. DRM 198° (within 5°) 11. New course 012° (within 5°)
6. SRM 33 knots (within 2 knots) 12. A

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