Radar For Sailors And Boaters

Using radar to navigate more safely on the water

What you'll learn

Understand the principles of radar and operational controls of a commercial marine radar.

Understand the basics of relative motion, speed, distance, and time to aid in collision avoidance.

Understand the Collision Avoidance Regulations (COLREGS) as pertaining to marine radar.

Understand the use of marine radar for navigation.

Requirements

No experience is required, although learners with some time on the water or using a radar will benefit most from this course.

Description

This course is derived from a commercial course for Radar Observer for professional mariners, but tailored to an audience that suits all sailors and boaters.  The course discusses the following concepts:Overview of radar theory and factors affecting radar performance.Operational controls for a radar, demonstrated by the Bridgemaster-E radar set, which is similar to many radar sets in modern navigation. Fundamentals of relative motion, speed, distance, and time, to help you better understand the power of radar as a navigational and collision avoidance tool.The Collision Avoidance Regulations (COLREGS) as pertaining to radar. The use of radar as a navigational tool for marine navigation. Advanced concepts of maneuvering boards and vector analysis for determining the course, speed, and closest point of approach of a nearby radar target. This course uses the Bridgemaster-E Radar and a maritime simulator to describe concepts and problems in maritime navigation.  The course is based on the International Maritime Organization's requirements for "Radar at the Operational Level" and is based on domestic USA courses such as "Radar Observer Unlimited" which often cost over $1000 dollars.  The course is distilled and targeted for all mariners, but still includes challenging concepts and advanced details about radar and collision avoidance - it is not a cakewalk!  The course does not discuss installation, power management, or operation of small recreational radars but instead uses commercial and professional discussions to help you understand radar at a fundamental level - helping you operate ANY radar more efficiently. The course is presented by Captain Chris Nolan, a licensed mariner at 1600/3000 Tons upon all oceans and a professional maritime instructor at a certified maritime training provider in the United States.  Chris also sails as captain of tall ships in the United States and serves as a Coast Guard reservist.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction to the Course

Section 2: Principles of Radar

Lecture 2 Section Intro

Lecture 3 Fundamentals of Radar (Overview)

Lecture 4 (Optional) Deep Dive into Radar Principles

Lecture 5 Equipment Factors Affecting Radar (Overview)

Lecture 6 External Factors Affecting Radar

Lecture 7 (Optional) Deep Dive into Factors Affecting Radar Performance

Lecture 8 Demonstration of FTC and STC (Rain and Sea Clutter)

Lecture 9 Demonstration of Target Characteristics

Section 3: The Radar as a Tool for Mariners (Bridgemaster E Radar Example)

Lecture 10 Section Intro

Lecture 11 Transmitting and Radar Presentations

Lecture 12 Vectors and Target Trails

Lecture 13 Relative vs. True Vector Example

Lecture 14 8 Step Tuning Process

Lecture 15 Menu and Centering

Lecture 16 Other Operational Controls and EBL/VRM

Lecture 17 Introduction to AIS and ARPA

Lecture 18 Target Acquisition and AZ Guard Zones

Section 4: Radar as a Tool for Relative Motion

Lecture 19 Section Introduction

Lecture 20 Fundamentals of Speed, Distance, and Time

Lecture 21 Introduction to the Maneuvering Board

Lecture 22 Vectors and Maneuvering Board Lingo

Lecture 23 Relative Motion and Closest Point of Approach

Lecture 24 Speed and Direction of Relative Motion on a Maneuvering Board

Lecture 25 Demonstration (Dead Ahead - Radar)

Lecture 26 Demonstration #1 (Dead Ahead - Maneuvering Board)

Lecture 27 Demonstration #2 (Reciprocal Courses - Radar)

Lecture 28 Demonstration #2 (Reciprocal Courses - Maneuvering Board)

Lecture 29 Demonstration #3 (Same Course/Speed - Radar)

Section 5: Radar as a Tool for Collision Avoidance

Lecture 30 Section Introduction

Lecture 31 Rule 2 Discussion

Lecture 32 Rule 4 Discussion

Lecture 33 Rule 5 Discussion

Lecture 34 Rule 6 Discussion

Lecture 35 Rule 7 Discussion

Lecture 36 Rule 8 Discussion

Lecture 37 Rule 19 Discussion

Lecture 38 Radar Demonstration of Head On Situation

Lecture 39 Radar Demonstration of Crossing Situation

Lecture 40 Radar Demonstration of Overtaking Situation

Section 6: Radar as a Tool for Maritime Navigation

Lecture 41 Introduction to Radar Navigation

Lecture 42 The Radar Fix

Lecture 43 Turn Ranges

Lecture 44 Tangent Bearings

Lecture 45 Parallel Indexing

Lecture 46 Radio Beacon (RACON)

Lecture 47 Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)

Section 7: Advanced Techniques on Maneuvering Boards (Optional Content)

Lecture 48 Section Introduction

Lecture 49 CPA Discussion

Lecture 50 CPA Calculations

Lecture 51 Course and Speed Discussion

Lecture 52 Course and Speed Calculation (Transfer)

Lecture 53 Course and Speed Calculation (Rapid)

Lecture 54 Avoidance (Transfer)

Lecture 55 Avoidance (Rapid)

Lecture 56 Intercept

Lecture 57 Trail Maneuvers and Course Change Demonstration

Section 8: Conclusion and Takeaways

Lecture 58 Key Takeaways from the Course

This course is intended for recreational or commercial mariners, sailors and boaters looking to understand more about marine radar. This course is taught to a professional standard, but tailored for the audience.