Useful resources - Tips - Adjusting EBLs, VRMs and PIs

Useful resources - Tips - Adjusting EBLs, VRMs and PIs

Note: The way that VRMs and EBLs are adjusted in the simulator reflects the way that they are typically adjusted in Raymarine and Garmin type units. Such units do not though use parallel index lines. The functionality of PIs is based on the methods used in units such as Furuno. 

Adjusting VRMs and EBLs

To adjust the VRMs/EBLs bring up the menu that controls these - top right hand side of the radar screen.

Select to menu to access VRMs/EBLs and PIs

Activate VRM No 1 and EBL No 1 and also remember to select the ‘EDIT’ button to allow you to adjust the VRM/EBL.

This menu also gives you the option to amend between ‘True/Mag’ and ‘Relative’.

Position cursor at the intersection of the VRM/EBL, click and hold the mouse button and drag the VRM and EBL into position.

Switch on VRMs/EBLs and the ‘Edit’ button. Drag VRM and EBL into required position.

You can offset the VRM/EBL by positioning the cursor at the vessel position then drag them into the required position.

VRM/EBL can be dragged into an offset position

Adjusting PIs

Note: Whilst adjusting VRMs and EBLs is based on dragging them where you want adjusting PIs works by entering the required parameters - bearing and distance offset. Dragging the PIs is possible but they tend to have a mind of their own. Whilst this method does reflect ‘real life’ and how it actually works in practice on sets we agree that it could be easier so we have logged a development requirement to work on this. This is unlikely to get development time for some time. (Note added Feb 2026).

These are adjusted via the same menu. Switch on the PI you want to adjust and the ‘Edit’ button to allow you to adjust them.

Adjust range as required to position the PI line to one side or other from the vessel’s position. 

Adjust bearing. As an example a bearing of  0 deg will position the PI to port off the vessel. Changing the bearing to 180 deg will position it to the starboard. 

Position the PI line using degrees and distance
Changing from 0 deg to 180 deg moves the PI line.
PIs can be moved between sides of the vessel
Two or even three or four PIs can be used as needed. The best strategy to using PIs tends to be to work out the required offset and bearing and then bring them in as needed. For example, use PI No 1 and have No 2 and 3 ready. When ready to use No 2 enable it then switch No 1 off. Get ready to use No 3 and so on.

Multiple PIs can be enabled

    • Related Articles

    • Useful resources - Presentation template

      The link below allows you to download a Powerpoint presentation for you to use at your training centre to support the RYA Radar Courses that you run. Link - AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE We have created this presentation as feedback from instructors has ...
    • Useful resources - Tips - Where am I (Exercise 5)?

      Exercise 5 - Position Monitoring stops at two points for the students to position fix and enter their latitude/longitude in order to progress the exercise. The exercise will stop in roughly the same area for all students however as the route each ...
    • Useful resources - Teaching the RYA Radar Course using the simulator

      Maritime Professional Development UK’s radar simulator has been developed to directly support the RYA Radar Course. This document has been written to give RYA Radar Instructors guidance as to how best to use the simulator to teach the course and ...
    • Useful resources - Pilotage plan - Exercise 1 COMING SOON

      COMING SOON We will shortly upload a pilotage plan to support Exercise 1 as referred to in the text for the exercise.
    • Exercise 6 - Single & dual VRMs

      Exercise summary Student to … ‘Execute a passage from the west of ‘Pool Point’ on ‘Swifta Island’ to the NW through Synka Sound passing to the west of ‘Nera Island’. Use single and dual VRMs to maintain a safe distance from shore. As you reach ‘Torre ...