Radar Basics: Technical Background

 Course Description

Radar is one of the essential components of modern navigation as it provides a picture of the vessel’s surroundings, through independent means, during the day, at night and in nearly all kinds of environmental conditions.

To understand the potential and limitations of radar systems, it is crucial for the user to know the technical basics. The radar working principle and the fundamentals about radar radio waves are therefore described in full. The functioning of the main components of radar systems is explained and the process of digitalisation and imaging elucidated. An insight is given into detection, size, shape, and the extent of targets.

 Course Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide technical background knowledge that enables operators to fully understand the potential, as well as the limitations of radar and ARPA equipment on-board.

 Target Audience

Officers who are looking for an easy-to-follow supplement or refresher to their radar and ARPA courses and anyone requiring knowledge of the general features of radar.

 Course Structure

Module 1: Technical Basics

Module 2: Radar Targets

Module 3: Radar and ARPA Failures

 Learning Outcomes

Module 1: Explains different parts of a marine radar system and the physical principles they are based on. It gives a complete overview of the technical workings, from gathering data to delivering a radar picture.
Module 2: Focuses on how different factors and settings affect the displayed radar targets.
Module 3: Prepares the operators for possible failures and enables them to react accordingly.

 Prerequisites

Required: Basic nautical knowledge.

Note: It is not necessary for you to have a CoC as a navigational watch officer; however, an understanding of terrestrial and electronic navigation is recommended.

 Course Characteristics

Course Access: 90 days
Timeframe: Approx. 1 hour and 45 min
Language: English
Certificate: Yes (valid indefinite)
Strong Authentication: No
Daily test attempts: 2
Min % of progress on GuideMe to access TestMe: 70%
Min % of passing the TestMe: 70%
Total test time: 60 min

 Technical Requirements

We recommend the use of a wired internet connection when taking this course. Connection via mobile internet is also possible; however, it is considered unstable and might cause the failure of your exam.

Supported Internet Browsers: 

Operating Systems:

• Microsoft Windows
• Apple macOS
• Linux,
• Android
• Apple's iOS