Radar for Sailors and Boaters from Udemy

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to the Course

In this section we will discuss radar theory, tailored to a maritime audience, as well as operational controls of common marine radar equipment.

Section Intro

This video describes the fundamental principles of the radar in a broad overview.

This video is maybe more detailed than is helpful, but provides a bit of a deep dive into a few characteristics of radar principles that might help mariners understand their radar set.

This video provides an overview of equipment factors affecting radar performance.

This video provides an overview of external factors affecting radar performance.

This optional video is a deeper dive into factors affecting radar performance for those interested in more details.

This video uses the radar simulator to show FTC and STC adjustments and how they can help you achieve a better radar picture.

This video demonstrates target composition and shadows.

In this section, students learn about operational controls of a radar using an industry standard - the Bridgemaster E radar.

This video uses the Bridgemaster E Radar as an example for transmit and presentation modes.

This video uses the Bridgemaster E Radar to describe vectors and target trails.

This video uses the Bridgemaster E Radar as a showcase for relative vs. true vectors.

This video describes an 8 step tuning process that would work on any radar system.

This video uses the Bridgemaster E Radar to describe menu items and centering process.

This video describes the EBL and VRM functions as well as other menu items on the Bridgemaster E Radar.

This video introduces AIS and ARPA, which are modern tools for collision avoidance.

This video describes acquiring targets for the ARPA using the Bridgemaster E as well as Guard Zones.

In this section we discuss relative motion and its importance to avoiding collisions using the radar.

Section Introduction

This video discusses the basics of speed distance and time for later purposes.

This video introduces the maneuvering board, which is something you may or may not choose to use as a boater.

This video discusses the basics of vector math and how it works on the maneuvering board and in radar theory.

This video discusses relative motion and CPA, and how they are important to collision avoidance.

This video does an example problem on a manuevering board to show the importance of relative motion.

This video has a demonstration on the radar to show relative motion.

This is the same demonstration as the last video, but on a maneuvering board.

This is another demonstration in a different situation on the radar.

This is the same situation as the last video, just on the maneuvering board.

This is a final demonstration, for vessels on the same course and speed as you - no relative motion!

This section of the course describes key elements of the COLREGS regarding Radar.

This video describes an overview of the Rules we will discuss in this section. Be sure to download the resources for your library as well!

Rule 2 Discussion

Rule 4 Discussion

Rule 5 Discussion

Rule 6 Discussion

Rule 7 Discussion

Rule 8 Discussion

Rule 19 Discussion

This demonstration uses the radar simulator to discuss a head on situation at sea.

This demonstration uses the radar simulator to discuss a crossing situation at sea.

This demonstration uses the radar simulator to discuss overtaking situations at sea.

This short quiz will help you solidify your understanding of the Rules.

In this section we discuss using the radar to help with maritime navigation.

This is an introduction to the key elements of radar navigation.

In this video we discuss fixing your position using the radar.

In this video we give a demonstration of turn ranges on the radar for precision navigation.

In this video we discuss the use of tangent bearings in navigation.

In this video we discuss parallel indexing which is a useful tool in maritime navigation.

This video describes RACON marks.

This video discusses SAR Transponders.

This bonus section goes into greater detail on maneuvering board calculations for those interested in a deeper understanding.

This video describes theory behind closest point of approach (CPA).

This video completes a CPA calculation for bearing, time, and range.

This video describes calculating course and speed.

This video demonstrates transfer plotting on the maneuvering board.

This video demonstrates rapid radar plotting methods on the maneuvering board.

This video describes avoidance of vessels with risk of collision.

This video solves similar problems as the last, but using the rapid method.

This video describes intercept calculations.

This video shows a demonstration of trial maneuver and course changes on the relative motion line on radar sets.

This short section closes out the course and provides some advice about Radar.

This closes the course - thanks for watching!

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Radar for Sailors and Boaters with these activities:

Review COLREGS (Navigation Rules)

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Reinforce your understanding of the Collision Regulations (COLREGS) to better apply them in conjunction with radar information for collision avoidance.

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Download and review the official COLREGS document.
Focus on rules related to radar use and conduct in restricted visibility.
Take practice quizzes on COLREGS scenarios.

Review 'American Practical Navigator (Bowditch)'

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Gain a broader understanding of maritime navigation principles to complement your radar knowledge.

View American Practical Navigator on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'American Practical Navigator (Bowditch)'.
Review sections related to position fixing, chart reading, and navigation rules.
Relate the information in Bowditch to the use of radar for navigation.

Review 'Radar for Mariners' by David Burch

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Deepen your understanding of radar principles and practical applications by studying a dedicated radar textbook.

View Radar for Mariners, Revised Edition on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Radar for Mariners' by David Burch.
Read chapters related to radar operation, interpretation, and collision avoidance.
Work through example problems and scenarios presented in the book.

Four other activities

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Radar Simulator Tutorials

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Enhance your practical radar skills by working through tutorials on a radar simulator.

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Find a radar simulator (online or software-based).
Complete tutorials on basic radar operation, target acquisition, and collision avoidance.
Practice different scenarios and experiment with radar settings.

Create a Radar Scenario Presentation

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Solidify your understanding of radar by creating a presentation that explains a specific radar scenario and its implications.

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Choose a specific radar scenario (e.g., overtaking, crossing, head-on).
Create a presentation outlining the scenario, radar observations, and appropriate actions.
Include diagrams and explanations of relative motion and CPA.
Present your scenario to a peer or instructor for feedback.

Maneuvering Board Practice

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Improve your proficiency in using maneuvering boards to analyze relative motion and collision risk.

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Download or create maneuvering board templates.
Practice plotting relative motion vectors for various scenarios.
Calculate CPA (Closest Point of Approach), course, and speed of other vessels.
Use online simulators to check your maneuvering board solutions.

Develop a Radar-Assisted Navigation Plan

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Apply your radar knowledge by creating a detailed navigation plan for a specific voyage, incorporating radar for position fixing and collision avoidance.

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Choose a specific voyage (real or hypothetical).
Create a navigation plan, including waypoints, courses, and speeds.
Identify potential radar targets and develop collision avoidance strategies.
Document your plan, including radar settings and procedures.

Career center

Learners who complete Radar for Sailors and Boaters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marine Navigator

A marine navigator is responsible for planning and directing the route of a ship, ensuring safe and efficient passage. This often includes using radar to determine position, avoid collisions, and navigate in various weather conditions. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course specifically addresses these skills, teaching the fundamentals of radar theory, operational controls, and collision avoidance regulations, all of which are critical for a marine navigator. The course's demonstrations using the Bridgemaster-E radar and maritime simulator will be very helpful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Navigator

Harbor Pilot

Harbor pilots guide ships safely in and out of ports, navigating complex waterways and avoiding hazards. Proficiency in radar is essential for harbor pilots, especially in low visibility or congested areas. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course helps build a strong foundation in using radar for collision avoidance and navigation, covering topics such as relative motion, speed, distance, and time calculations. A harbor pilot will benefit from the course's discussion of the Collision Regulations and their application using radar.

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Coast Guard Officer

A Coast Guard Officer is tasked with maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. This role requires a strong understanding of radar for search and rescue operations, vessel traffic management, and law enforcement. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course introduces skills in radar theory and operational controls. A Coast Guard Officer may be in the cockpit in challenging situations, which this course prepares the student for.

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Commercial Fisherman

Commercial fishermen rely on radar to navigate to fishing grounds, avoid collisions with other vessels, and navigate in poor weather conditions. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course helps commercial fishermen strengthen a foundation in using radar for collision avoidance and precise navigation, plus knowledge of marine navigation techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Fisherman

Ferry Captain

A ferry captain commands a passenger ferry, ensuring the safe and timely transport of passengers and vehicles across waterways; radar is a key tool for navigation, especially in busy shipping lanes or adverse weather. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course gives a comprehensive overview of radar theory and operation, focusing on collision avoidance and navigation techniques relevant to ferry operations, such as understanding relative motion and using radar for position fixing.

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Maritime Law Enforcement Officer

Maritime law enforcement officers patrol waterways to enforce laws and regulations. Radar is a tool that can be used to monitor vessel traffic, as well as to identify potential violations. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course discusses radar theory. Furthermore, the course introduces techniques for navigation, which a maritime law enforcement officer can use to improve patrol effectiveness.

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Yacht Captain

A yacht captain manages and operates a private or chartered yacht, responsible for the safety of the vessel and its passengers. Radar skills are therefore crucial for navigating safely in diverse conditions. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course is tailored for sailors and boaters, covering essential topics such as radar theory, collision avoidance, and marine navigation techniques. This course may be particularly valuable for yacht captains seeking to enhance their expertise in radar operation and interpretation.

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Port Security Officer

Port security officers are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of port facilities, vessels, and personnel, and the monitoring of vessel traffic using radar. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course can help build a foundation in understanding radar theory, interpreting radar signals, and it's use for navigation. This may improve ability to detect potential security threats.

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Search and Rescue Coordinator

A search and rescue coordinator plans and executes maritime search and rescue operations, often relying on radar data to locate vessels in distress. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course can help build a foundation in understanding radar theory, interpreting radar signals, and using radar for navigation, particularly in challenging conditions. This may improve a search and rescue coordinator's ability to effectively utilize radar information in life-saving operations.

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Maritime Surveyor

A maritime surveyor inspects ships and marine equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards. Therefore, understanding radar systems and their operational capabilities is essential for assessing a vessel's navigational safety. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course helps build a solid foundation in radar theory, operational controls, and collision avoidance, which a maritime surveyor can use to evaluate the effectiveness and compliance of radar systems on inspected vessels.

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Offshore Wind Technician

Offshore wind technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines located in offshore wind farms. Radar may have a role in navigating to and from the wind farm, or for monitoring vessel traffic in the area. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course can help an offshore wind technician to build a foundation in interpreting radar signals, and using radar for navigation. This may improve ability to reach the site.

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Marine Engineer

A marine engineer maintains and repairs the mechanical and electrical systems on ships, including radar equipment. Knowing the fundamental principles of radar operation can aid in troubleshooting and maintaining these systems effectively. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course may be useful, as it discusses radar theory, operational controls, and factors affecting radar performance, providing a relevant context for a marine engineer when working with radar systems.

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Naval Architect

A naval architect designs and oversees the construction and repair of ships and other marine vessels. While not directly operating radar, understanding its capabilities and limitations is important in designing bridge layouts and integrating navigational equipment. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course may be a useful overview of radar theory, operational controls, and how it is used in marine navigation, thus helping a naval architect make informed design decisions that incorporate radar technology effectively.

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Marine Insurance Underwriter

Marine insurance underwriters assess the risk associated with insuring ships, cargo, and other maritime assets, so understanding navigational safety and collision avoidance is important for evaluating risk. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course may be useful as it provides an overview of radar theory and its applications in marine navigation, helping marine insurance underwriters to better understand the factors impacting maritime safety and potential insurance claims.

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Marine Biologist

Marine biologists study ocean life and ecosystems, and occasionally work on research vessels that use radar for navigation and tracking. Although not a primary skill, understanding radar fundamentals can improve situational awareness on research expeditions. The Radar for Sailors and Boaters course may be useful, as it provides an overview of radar theory and its applications in marine navigation, potentially enhancing a marine biologist's understanding of vessel operations and safety protocols.

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Radar for Sailors and Boaters

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