RADAR SIMULATOR COURSE

The course is essentially practical and consists of a series of exercises performed on a radar simulator with two or more “own ships” and a number of others controlled by the instructor. Each exercises will involve observing the movement of ships seen on the radar, recognizing those presenting a threat of collision and taking action to avoid collisions , Trainees will act either as master or as an observing officer for the exercises and will change roles to allow each a turn in command of an “own ship”.

As the course progresses, exercises of increasing complexity will be set to provide realistic practice in the use of radar for navigation and collision avoidance in confined waters with heavy traffic.

Each exercise will be followed by class discussion, giving participants the opportunity to analyze the actions taken and discuss possible alternatives.

Those successfully completing this course will be able to make efficient and effective use of radar as a navigational aid in congested, confined waters, recognize potential threats and make valid navigational and collision-avoidance decisions based on sound radar observation and plotting in compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) 1972. They will be aware of the time needed to appreciate that a dangerous situation is developing, to decide upon and take appropriate action, and to ascertain that such action is adequate and does not give rise to further conflicts with other vessels. They will also realize that excessive speed in poor visibility reduces the time available to assess a threat and to take appropriate action.