OICNW Task 3.5.A

Set up and maintain an ARPA display ARPA

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 12-14 Task 3.5.A , MMA students must:

NVIC Method

See NVIC method.

STCW Competence Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency

Use of radar and ARPA to maintain safety of navigation

OICNW-A3.3 Principal types of ARPA, their display characteristics, performance standards and the dangers of over- reliance on ARPA
Condition Behavior Standard

In an approved or accepted ARPA course using an ARPA simulator that meets the standards of 33 CFR 164.38 and other applicable national and international performance standards,

the candidate sets up and maintains the ARPA display.


ARPA The assessment is not required for mariners serving exclusively on vessels not fitted with an Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA); a limitation will be added to the OICNW endorsement indicating that it is not valid on vessels equipped with ARPA.

Within 3 minutes, the candidate:

  1. Turns the power on;

  2. Initializes the performance monitor;

  3. Notes error messages;

  4. Switches from standby to on;

  5. Selects the appropriate scale;

  6. Adjusts the gain control so that targets and sea return appear;

  7. Adjusts the tune control (if the unit is not self-tuning);

  8. Adjusts the brilliance control;

  9. Adjusts the sea clutter and rain clutter control to suppress the rain and sea clutter without losing targets;

  10. Selects display north-up stabilized relative motion;

  11. Selects proper gyro course and speed input; and

  12. Selects sea-stabilized mode.