MT-3122 - Radar Observer Certification

TOPIC - Fundamental theory

• states course objectives, reviews learning material used and explains grading system

21A3.01

TOPIC - Fundamental principles of radar

• explains the principles of range and bearing measurement
• explains the function and siting of components

21A3.01

TOPIC - Magnetic Compasses safe distances

• explains the importance of not storing radar spares nearer to magnetic compasses than the specified safe distances

21A3.01

TOPIC - Radiation hazards and precautions

• states the safety precautions necessary in the vicinity of open equipment and the radiation hazard near antennae and open waveguides.

21A3.01

TOPIC - The characteristics of radar sets

• states the relationship between maximum range and pulse repetition rate
• states the relationship between detection range and transmitted energy (power and pulse length)
• states the relationship between minimum range and pulse length
• describes the effects on bearing and range accuracy of beam width, heading marker error, centering error, yawing, parallax, variable range marker
• describes the effects on bearing and range discrimination of beam width, spot size, plan position indicator, pulse length, gain

21A3.01

TOPIC - Factors external to the radar set affecting radar detection

• states the equation for the distance to the radar horizon and explains the relationship between antenna location and detection ranges
• explains the effect of variations in refraction on radar detection range (super refraction, sub refraction, surface radio ducts, elevated ducts)
• explains the effect of precipitation on radar detection ranges (rain, hail, snow, fog)
• explains blind areas and shadow areas, permanent blind and shadow sectors and their relationship to the antenna location
• explains how the characteristics of targets influence their detection range (aspect, shape, composition, size)
• explains how clutter may mask targets (sea clutter, rain clutter)

21A3.01
21A3.02
21A3.04

TOPIC - Factors which might cause faulty interpretation

• states the cause and effect of interference
• explains the cause and effect of side echoes
• explains the cause and effect of indirect echoes
• explains the cause and effect of multiple echoes
• explains the cause and effect of second trace echoes
• explains the effect on radar performance of power lines and bridge crossing rivers and estuaries

21A3.01

TOPIC - Set-up and maintaining displays

21A3.03

TOPIC - Functions and adjustment controls

• demonstrates the use of main controls (power, antenna)
• demonstrates the use of transmitter controls and explains their effects (standby/transmit, pulse length, Pulse Repetition Rate)
• demonstrates the use of receiver controls and explains their effect, and shows an ability to adjust the controls to give an optimal picture (tuning, gain, linear/logarithmic gain, sensitivity time control, fast time constant)
• demonstrates the use of display controls (brilliance, illumination, focus, offset, range selector, range rings, VRM, EBL, cursor, heading flasher, clearscan).5 states the order of making adjustments and the criteria for optimum setting of the controls
• states that small or poor echoes may escape detection
• explains the importance of frequent changes in range scale
• explains the different types of display presentations (true motion, relative motion-unstabilized, relative motion-stabilized)
• explains the need for compass input for relative motion stabilized display, and compass and log input for true motion displays
• explains the effects of transmitting compass error on stabilized and true motion displays
• explains the effects of transmitting log error on true motion display
• demonstrates the use of special controls (presentation, speed, reset, course made good correction, compass repeater)
• explains the effects of incorrect speed settings and CMG correction on true motion display
• explains the purpose and use of the performance monitor

21A3.03
21A3.02
21A3.04

TOPIC - Measurement of range and bearing

• demonstrates how to measure range with emphasis on accuracy
• demonstrates how to measure bearing with emphasis on accuracy
• demonstrates how to check error in range and bearing

21A3.05

TOPIC - Marine radar performance specification

21A3.02

TOPIC - Performance standards for radar equipment

• outlines the performance standards stipulated in resolution A.477 (XII)
• states the required accuracy of range and bearing measurements
• states the requirements for range and bearing discrimination

21A3.02

TOPIC - Plotting

21A3.05

TOPIC - The relative motion triangle

• demonstrates how to draw the relative motion triangle on a plotting chart

21A3.05
21A3.08

TOPIC - Plotting devices

• demonstrates how to draw the relative motion triangle on a plotting chart
• demonstrates how to draw the relative motion triangle on a maneuvering board
• demonstrates how to draw a relative motion triangle on a reflector plotter

21A3.08

TOPIC - Course, speed and aspect of the other ships

• demonstrates how to obtain course, speed and aspect of other ships from a relative motion presentation
• demonstrates how to obtain course, speed and aspect of other ships from a true presentation
• describes the factors affecting the accuracy of derived course, speed and aspect

21A3.05
21A3.08

TOPIC - Closest point of approach (CPA) and time to closest point of approach (TCPA)

• demonstrates how to obtain CPA and TCPA with relative motion presentation
• demonstrates how to obtain CPA and TCPA with true motion presentation
• describes the factors effecting the accuracy of CPA and TCPA obtained by plotting

21A3.05

TOPIC - The effect of course and speed changes on the display

• demonstrates the ability to detect changes in the course and speed of other ships
• states that a change in the course and speed of a target is not immediately apparent
• describes the advantages of compass stabilization of a relative display
• explains and illustrates the effect of changes in "ownship's" course or speed on the movement of targets on the display

21A3.06
21A3.02

TOPIC - Standardized report format and reporting procedures

• states the elements of the two parts of a report (bearing and drift, range and change, CPA, TCPA; course or aspect, speed)

21A3.05

TOPIC - The use of radar in navigation

21A3.02
21A2
21A1
21A3

TOPIC - The use of radar for position fixing

• states the characteristics of good, conspicuous objects for radar navigation
• demonstrates how to obtain a position fix based on radar bearing and range, and explains possible errors and how to minimize them
• demonstrates how to obtain a position fix based on two or more ranges, and explains why this, in general, is a better method than bearing and range
• explains radar use in navigation planning

21A3.05

TOPIC - Aids to radar navigation

• explains the effect and use of passive aids (radar reflectors)
• explains the effect and use of active aids (ramark, racon, echo enhancers, transponders)
• explains radar detection of ice

21A3.04

TOPIC - The use of parallel indexing technique in radar navigation

• demonstrates how to construct a PI line on a reflector plotter
• demonstrates the proper action to be taken when an echo departs from the PI line
• explains the reasons for constructing more than one PI line on the reflector plotter and demonstrates their use
• explains the reasons for constructing lines for two range scales and demonstrates their use
• explains the importance of establishing "wheel over" positions and demonstrates their use
• explains the importance of providing safety margins and demonstrates their use

21A3.09

TOPIC - Radar, 72-COLREGS and Inland Rules

21A3.07

TOPIC - The relationship of 72-COLREGS and Inland Rules to the use of radar

• states that radar is a means of lookout, and explains the importance of continuous plotting
• list factors to be taken into account in determining a safe speed, with emphasis on factors related to radar
• states the importance of obtaining a good plot to avoid a collision
• explains the importance of a substantial alteration of course or speed to avoid collision
• explains the need to carry out radar practice in clear visibility
• explains the need to use radar in clear weather at night when there are indications that visibility may deteriorate, and at times in congested waters

21A3.07