RYA Radar

The aim of the course is to give an understanding of the use of radar in small boats as an aid to navigation and collision avoidance.

An RYA booklet is provided and a certificate issued at the end upon successful completion. There is no pre-course knowledge required and the syllabus includes basic understanding of radar wave propagation and conditions giving rise to abnormal propagation: radar set components, function & correct use of controls including the correct setting up procedure; target definition and discrimination, spot size, pulse length & beam width, target characteristics, size, shape and material, false echoes, shadow sectors and shadow diagrams; radar reflectors, both passive and active; types of radar display and azimuth stabilisation; accuracy in range and bearing, PPI distortion, non linearity, heading marker alignment and checking obtain accuracy of VRM, EBL; parallel indexing (if provided) and general safety precautions in using equipment.

The course will cover the theory and include practical exercises for radar plotting: the use of radar to avoid a close quarter situation, appreciation of IRPCS, action to be taken in reduced visibility and general precautions and action to be taken in fog; the use of Radar as an aid to navigation; radar conspicuous targets and the need for positive identification.