A complete online course on marine radar, with the Radar for Mariners textbook by David Burch and the Starpath Radar Trainer simulator.
This course covers every aspect of practical radar use you need to get underway with your radar. It follows the topics of Radar for Mariners by David Burch and fills in the details of radar functions and operation. Practice on the simulator builds your skills, with special emphasis on evaluating risk of collision and choosing the right maneuver.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
• How marine radar works, and how to adjust the controls for a clear picture
• How to interpret the radar screen: targets, clutter, shadows and false echoes
• Radar navigation: position fixing with ranges and bearings
• Radar plotting: closest point of approach (CPA) and target course and speed
• Evaluating risk of collision and choosing maneuvers that follow the Navigation Rules
• Using radar safely in fog and restricted visibility
COURSE MATERIALS
• Radar for Mariners by David Burch (textbook)
• Starpath Radar Trainer simulator software (download)
• Online lessons, an instructor-graded quiz for each lesson, discussion forums and direct instructor contact
Time required: About 30 hours, depending on how much optional material you choose to cover. You work at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Platform: The simulator software requires Windows. On a Mac, use Parallels, Boot Camp or VMware Fusion.