NAV 5: Operational Use of RADAR/ARPA
Reviewer for Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (2nd Year/2nd Semester)
Topic 1: RADAR Theory and Basic Principles
Definition of RADAR: An acronym for Radio Detection And Ranging, used to detect and track
objects at distances.
Basic Principle: RADAR transmits short bursts of radio energy, which bounce off targets and
return as echoes.
Electromagnetic Waves in RADAR: Travels in straight lines, similar to light waves.
Frequency used ranges between 3,000 - 10,000 MHz.
RADAR Beam Characteristics:
- Beam Width: Narrow horizontal beams improve detection range.
- Effect of Sea Surface: Waves can reflect and interfere with RADAR signals, affecting
detection.
RADAR Frequency Bands:
- X-band (9300-9500 MHz, 3 cm wavelength) – Better for high resolution and tracking.
- S-band (2900-3100 MHz, 10 cm wavelength) – Better for operation in fog, rain, and sea
clutter.
Topic 2: IMO Performance Standards for RADAR
Purpose: Ensures safe navigation by providing real-time positioning of ships, obstructions,
and shorelines.
Integration with AIS & Electronic Charts: Enhances safety and situational awareness.
Operational Requirements:
- Frequency bands (X-band & S-band)
- Interference resistance
- Radar range & bearing accuracy (±1° bearing, ±30m or 1% of range)
- Minimum range detection (40m to 1NM)
- Discrimination between two targets (40m apart in range, 2.5° apart in bearing)
- Azimuth stabilization using gyrocompass
Topic 3: RADAR Controls
Basic RADAR Controls:
- Power/Standby/Transmit: Controls radar activation and transmission.
- Brilliance: Adjusts screen brightness.
- Gain: Controls signal amplification for better detection.
- Range: Adjusts displayed area scale.
- Tuning: Fine-tunes receiver for signal clarity.
- Anti-Sea Clutter (STC): Reduces echoes from waves.
- Anti-Rain Clutter (FTC): Reduces rain interference.
- Pulse Length Control: Affects target detection; short pulse improves range discrimination.
Topic 4: Setting Up & Maintaining Display
Tuning Sequence:
1. Check scanner rotation clearance.
2. Set brilliance & gain to minimum before switching on.
3. Warm-up for 120 seconds before transmission.
4. Adjust gain to reveal weak echoes.
5. Check heading marker and range rings for obstruction.
6. Select an appropriate range for navigation.
7. Fine-tune for maximum target clarity.
Topic 5: Dangers of Over-Reliance on RADAR
False Radar Information:
- False Echoes: Side echoes, indirect echoes, multiple echoes, second trace echoes.
- Interference Issues: Blind & shadow sectors, beamwidth distortion.
- Range & Bearing Discrimination: Short pulse improves range discrimination, narrow beam
improves bearing discrimination.
Final Tips for Using RADAR Effectively
✔️Regularly adjust settings for optimal detection.
✔️Compare visual observations with RADAR to confirm target locations.
✔️Understand limitations (blind spots, interference, false echoes).
✔️Use multiple display modes for accurate navigation.
