Course description

Both sailing and motor boats increasingly have radar onboard. The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea state that if you have a radar, you must know how to use it. Radar is probably the most versatile of all electronic navigation aids, but the best results are only obtained when you know how to use all of the functions correctly. It is not an all seeing eye, and can easily mislead those who do not understand its controls, allow for its limitations, or interpret its picture.

The RYA Radar course is a one-day course providing a clear understanding of radar and how it can be used to aid navigation and avoid collisions.

Course overview

Course length 1 day
Course format Classroom based or afloat.
Required experience None
Minimum age None

Course content

• Radar wave propagation
• Radar set components
• Target definition and discrimination
• Radar reflectors
• Types of radar display
• Radar plotting
• Navigation
• Range
• Bearing