Exercise 1 - Basics of using radar

Exercise 1 - Basics of using radar



Exercise summary

Student to … ‘Execute a passage from ‘Leslie Head’ to enter ‘Rozelle Cove Marina’. The passage occurs in good visibility giving an opportunity to become familiar with the operation of the radar and become familiar with how land masses, buoyage and vessels will appear on the radar’.

Duration

20 minutes

Previous knowledge, understanding or skills

Theory sessions to give background knowledge to support this exercise.

Aim

To develop the skills needed to use the simulator with confidence so that the student can undertake the subsequent exercises.
 
To develop an understanding of how to set up the radar for use, what settings to apply and how to adjust the radar view and settings as a passage proceeds.
 
To develop the confidence to switch between the views available to a skipper/navigator and the pros/cons of each – window, radar display and plotter.

Desired learning outcomes

Evidences competence in helming the simulator, navigating between radar, plotter and exercise control screens.
 
Can adjust radar settings such as gain, rain & sea clutter, range and range rings, vessel position, vessel offset, heading marker, VRM and EBL.
 
Has the required competencies to be able to undertake subsequent exercises.

Session running order

Leg 1
 
Demonstrate how to start vessel, accelerate and decelerate, turn left and right, change view to see screens.
 
Student to drive vessel becoming familiar with its operation to position slightly north of ‘Calf of Synka’ Island and stop.
 
Whilst stationary, demonstrate how to bring up radar screen, plotter screen and control screen. Show how to:
 
·      Adjust gain, tune, sea & rain clutter controls. How to choose preset modes.
·      Adjust range and switch range rings off/on.
·     Switch heading marker on/off.
·      VRM and EBL on/off and adjust.
·      Orientation – HU/CU/NU.
 
Leg 2
 
Student to then navigate towards entrance to Rozelle Cove at a speed of approximately 15Kn. Student to take opportunity to alternate between radar, plotter and visual and to make adjustments as per above.
 
Leg 3
 
Navigate between buoyage towards Rozelle Cove Marina. Use opportunity to alternate between plotter image and radar image as a means for student to become happy with way that land masses and buoyage are displayed. Show radar overlay on chart and highlight benefits of this feature.
 
Instructor recommended to have pre-prepared a pilotage plan for this element of the passage that the student can refer to alongside using the radar and plotter – make plan available to student on a tablet or printed. (Example included).
 
Stop at position marked on image as ‘Task: Tidal height’. Point bow towards starboard mark. ‘Esc’ to bring up control panel. Alter tidal height and show visually sandbank becoming exposed/covered. Show how this appears on radar display.  Proceed on and conclude exercise outside marina.

Stretch options and other comments

Some students may arrive at Rozelle Cove Marina sooner than others. Exercise can cease when they reach the marina or they could be tasked to turn and undertake outbound passage until Instructor ready to conclude session for all. Instructor to ensure this leg is conducted at an appropriate speed.













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