AIM
The RYA radar course is designed to give small craft seafarers an understanding of radar as an aid to navigation and for collision avoidance. At night and especially in poor visibility the radar can be a lifesaver but it is down to the operator to make to most of the electronics on board! To get the best from your radar at any time you must know how to set up and use the radar correctly, and to be aware of the limitations of the equipment.
International regulations state that if you have a radar on board you must know how to use it.
TIMINGS
The course will start at 0900 and finish for 1700 on the day
COURSE CONTENT
 Basic radar principals – radar wave propagation
Controls – radar controls, functions and set up procedure
Picture – radar display, target characteristics, shadows, echoes
Use of radar for navigation and pilotage
Plotting - collision avoidance, an understanding of International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (IRPCS)
Radar reflectors
Safety precautions
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
No previous experience is necessary however, an understanding of basic navigation would be useful.
COURSE MATERIAL
The RYA course book Radar Course Questions and answers G38 is included in the course fee, as is the RYA navigation chart.
Additional resources are G34 the RYA ‘Introduction to Radar’ and ‘Radar Afloat’ by Tim Bartlett by Fernhurst Books.
Please bring along a notebook and pen; paper and pencil; navigation plotter and dividers or a compass are provided but if you would like to use your own equipment please do so.
COURSE LOCATION
The location and directions will be confirmed closer to the course date. The aim will be to run the course on a boat subject to availability in the Poole area. The final number of participants will normally be 3.
CERTIFICATION
On successful completion of the course.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you already own a radar, bring along your manual so you can refer to your own equipment throughout the day. There are a limited number of places on each course so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Light refreshments tea and coffee are provided please bring your own packed lunch.
OWN BOAT RADAR TUITION
Following on from the course how about some day and/or night radar tuition on your own boat. Please contact us for half or full day rates.
Click here for PHSS RYA Course fee info
Click here for PHSS RYA Course dates & news info
Click here for PHSS Course Booking Form | 
