The presentation can be presented in 4 formats: PowerPoint (1.2Gb), PDF (2.6Mb), GIF (142Mb) and MP4 (1.1Gb - Duration - 2h17m).
 
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
PART 1. BASIC THEORY AND OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF A MARINE RADAR SYSTEM
PART 2. RADAR SETTING AND OPERATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
PART 3. USING RADAR TO ENSURE SAFE NAVIGATION
PART 4. MANUAL RADAR PLOTTING
PART 5. ARPA SYSTEM OR RADAR TARGET TRACKING (TT) AND AIS REPORTING
PART 6. OPERATION OF ARPA OR RADAR TARGET TRACKING (TT) AND AIS REPORTING FUNCTIONS
PART 7. APPLICATION OF COLREGS WHEN USING RADAR
 
This model course aims to meet the mandatory minimum standards of competence given in the table under section A-II/1 of the STCW Code for “use of radar and ARPA to maintain safety of navigation”. The course includes the theory necessary to understand the system configuration, principles, performance of shipborne marine radar and ARPA, the factors affecting radar performances, how radar information is obtained, displayed and analysed, the limitations and accuracy of that information, the correct use of operational controls to obtain an optimal display and use radar information to maintain safety of navigation. In the design of this course, due consideration has been given to the available IMO resolutions and guidelines on marine radar operations, including regulations 18 and 19 in chapter V of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, sections A-I/12 and B-I/12 of the STCW Convention and IMO Performance Standards for Radar Equipment as amended.
 
A trainee successfully completing this course and meeting the required performance standards will recognize when radar should be in use; select a suitable mode and range setting for the circumstances; be able to set the controls for optimal performance; and be aware of the limitations of the equipment in detecting targets and in terms of accuracy. When within range of the coast, the trainee will be able to compare the radar display with the chart, select suitable conspicuous land targets and use these targets to fix his position; and be able to use radar maps, navigation lines and routes to maintain the own ship on the planned and safe routes. The trainee will also be able to choose an appropriate radar presentation mode; select plotting and graphics controls suitable for the circumstances; make appropriate use of operational alarms; acquire and track those targets which may present a potential threat of collision; extract the information needed on course, speed and nearest approach to enable early actions to be taken in accordance with the COLREGs to prevent a close-quarters situation arising; and make use of radar to confirm and monitor their actions. The trainee will understand the dangers of over-reliance on the automatic acquisition and tracking of targets and on operational alarms; be aware of the performance standards set out in IMO resolutions on radar performances, and factors (including errors from sensor inputs) which may affect the accuracy of derived information; and realize the need to check the accuracy of inputs and the correct functioning of the radar.
 
This course is principally intended for candidates for certification as officers in charge of a navigational watch. Prior to entering the course, it is recommended the trainees should have completed a minimum period of six months at sea and preferably have gained some experience of watchkeeping. Trainee officers for certification as officers in charge of a navigational watch should have completed or be following a planned and structured programme of training; shipboard training should include tasks or projects relating to bridge work and watchkeeping duties. Instructors may find evidence of the standard attained by trainees in the prospective officer's training record book. The course would also be of value to others using radar, e.g. those working in such craft as harbour and customspatrol launches, in which case the entry standards may be adjusted to suit the particular circumstances. However, the intake of trainees for each course should normally have similar back grounds. In consideration of radar technology development, it is advised that trainee officers be familiarized with personal computer operations, have the knowledge of planning and conducting a passage and determining position and maintaining a safe navigational watch related to this course in the KUP table A-Il/1 of the STCW Code, and be proficient of such navigational aids as transmitting heading device (THD), speed and distance measuring equipment (SDME), electronic position-fixing sytem (EPFS) and automatic identification system (AIS).