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Syllabus
Switching on and setting up
The main components of a radar set. How a radar set measures distance. How a radar set measures bearing. The limitations imposed by the power, antenna size and display size of a typical small craft radar. Switch on a typical small craft radar set; adjust its brilliance, contrast, gain, range and tuning.
Understanding the picture
How antenna size and frequency effect beam width. How pulse length and PRF are varied with range. The factors that determine the strength of echo returned by a target. The effect of beam width on discrimination. The effect of blind arcs, shadows sectors and radar horizon.
Refining the picture
The cause and cure for sea clutter. The cause and cure for rain clutter. The cause and cure for interference. The purpose of echo stretch. The dangers associated with clutter clearance tools. The difference between Head Up, Course Up and North Up mode.
Radar reflectors
How radar cross section is measured. Types of passive reflector in common use (octahedral, stacked array, lens). Types of active reflector in common use (RTE, Racon, SART). The limitations of passive radar reflectors.
Understands Collision Avoidance
The principles of relative motion. The existence of automatic radar plotting aids. The implications of IRPCS Rule Numbers 5,6,7 and 19 (look out, safe speed, risk of collision, restricted visibility). The practical limitations of small craft radar. Assessing the risk of collision with another vessel. Assessing the closest point of approach of another vessel and determining whether it will pass ahead or astern. Assessing the course and speed of another vessel.
Fixing position by radar
The principles of a three point fix. Selecting landmarks for a three point fix. How to take and plot a position fix using the EBL. Limitations of the EBL for position fixing. Plotting the vessel`s position on a chart by using the VRM.
Pilotage by radar
Eyeball pilotage by radar. The limitations of eyeball pilotage The principle of parallel indexing. Preparation and executing a simple pilotage plan using clearing ranges.
Further information and dates can be arranged by contacting Jim at our Administration Centre on 01473 659992.
Award
RYA Small Craft First Aid Certificate Acceptable for RYA/MCA Yachtmaster & RYA Dinghy Instructors endorsement.
Options
An intensive one day course
Dates
Tue 08th Jul 2008 Tue 04th Nov 2008
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