SQA Use of Radar and Electronic Chart Systems in Code Vessels - Syllabus

The aim of the course is to teach students to use marine radar to assist decision making in navigation, pilotage and collision avoidance whilst the electronic chart system element does the same in the context of the navigation and pilotage elements.

The detailed course content is as follows:

Module: SQA Operate Non-ECDIS Marine Electronic Chart Systems (2.5 days)

The course syllabus addresses:

Be able to interpret information presented by Electronic Chart Systems, specifically:

• Analyse information presented by Electronic Chart Systems.
• Demonstrate how to use the information to monitor and adjust Electronic Chart Systems with regard to the following: Own position; Sea area display; Mode of display; Orientation; Chart data information display; Basic navigation functions; Special functions for route planning and monitoring; User created information layers; Target data; Radar overlay functions; Updating and correcting charts; Status indications; Alarms; Automatic voyage recording; Reconstruction of past track.
• Demonstrate how to respond in the event of a malfunction to Electronic Chart Systems.

Be able to use Electronic Chart Systems to:

• Use electronic charts for vessel navigation including: Vector charts; Raster charts
• Use settings to ensure compliance with operational procedures including: Alarm parameters for antigrounding; Proximity to hazards; Proximity to special areas; Availability of chart data; Chart update status; Back up arrangements; Integrity monitoring; Verification of proper function
• Adjust settings to suit present conditions.
• Demonstrate situational awareness while using Electronic Chart Systems including: Safe water and proximity of hazards; Set and drift; Chart data and scale selection; Suitability of route; Target detection and management; Integrity of sensors; Man overboard facilities; Event triggering. (Copywrite: Powerboat Training UK)
• Use functions integrated with other navigation systems including: Radar superimposition; Automatic Radar Plotting Aid superimposition; Automatic track keeping; Automatic Identification System transponders.
• Confirm position by alternative means such as Line Of Position fixing.

Understand the capability of Electronic Chart Systems, and so be able to:

• Explain the principal types of electronic charts.
• Explain the difference between Electronic Chart Systems and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems.
• Explain Electronic Chart Systems/Raster Chart Display Systems data accuracy and datums.
• Describe Electronic Chart Systems data presentation.

Understand the dangers of over reliance on Electronic Chart Systems, and so be able to:

• Explain the limitations of Electronic Chart Systems.
• Explain errors in display data in Electronic Chart Systems.
• Explain errors in interpretation of data.

Understand rules regarding use of Electronic Chart Systems, and so be able to:

• Explain the acceptance of Electronic Chart Systems by United Kingdom for secondary navigation.
• Explain the legal requirements to carry charts.

Module: SQA Use of Radar for Safe Navigation and Collision Avoidance on Domestic and Code Vessels (2.5 days)

The course syllabus addresses:

Know the regulations and guidance on the use of radar found on domestic and code vessels.

• Explain the content of Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and ‘M’ notices and other regulations and guidance covering the use of radar systems on domestic and code vessels.

Know the principles of operation, including limitations, of radar found on domestic and code vessels.

• Explain how radar is used as a ranging device.
• Explain how radar is used for bearing measurement, including position fixing.
• Explain how radar is used as an aid to navigation, including parallel indexing.
• Explain how radar is used as an aid to collision avoidance, including the use of manual and automatic plotting devices.
• Explain different screen displays.
• Explain the limitations which can affect data obtained from radar, including sea and precipitation clutter, shadow sectors and blind arcs, false echoes, target aspect and beam width.
• Explain the importance of heading marker alignment.
• Explain the function of different controls.
• Explain setting up procedures, including the use of performance monitoring facilities.
• Explain how radar may be interfaced with other electronic navigation and communication systems.

Be able to set up a radar system for operational use.

• Power up a radar system.
• Ensure the heading marker is correctly aligned.
• Select the appropriate display for the intended use, taking into account prevailing sea and weather conditions.
• Select the appropriate range for the intended use, taking into account prevailing sea and weather conditions.
• Set the sea and precipitation clutter controls appropriate for the prevailing sea and weather conditions.
• Set the brilliance and contrast controls appropriate for prevailing sea and weather conditions.
• Set the plotting mode appropriate for the intended use.
• Set up interfaces with other electronic navigation and communication systems.

Be able to operate radar for navigation, including collision avoidance.

• Take bearings and ranges of land and navigational features for fixing the position of a vessel on a chart.
• Transfer bearings and ranges of land and navigational features to a chart to fix the position of a vessel.
• Utilise parallel indexing techniques.
• Take bearings of ship echoes to determine the risk of collision and avoidance actions.
• Use manual and automatic plotting devices to determine the risk of collision and avoidance actions.
• Utilise information obtained from the interface between radar and other electronic navigation and communication systems.