18 Training and assessment in the operational
use of automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA) should:
-
.1 require prior completion of the training in
radar observation and plotting or combine that training with the training
given in paragraphs 19 to 35 below;footnote
-
.2 incorporate the use of ARPA simulation equipment;
and
-
.3 conform to standards not inferior to those
given in paragraphs 19 to 35 below.
19 Where ARPA training is provided as part of
the general training under the 1978 STCW Convention, masters, chief mates
and officers in charge of a navigational watch should understand the factors
involved in decision-making based on the information supplied by ARPA in
association with other navigational data inputs, having a similar
appreciation of the operational aspects and of system errors of modern
electronic navigational systems, including ECDIS. This training should be
progressive in nature, commensurate with the responsibilities of the
individual and the certificates issued by Parties under the 1978 STCW
Convention.
Theory and
demonstration
Possible risks of over-reliance on ARPA
20 Appreciation that ARPA is only a
navigational aid and:
-
.1 that its limitations, including those
of its sensors, make over-reliance on ARPA dangerous, in particular
for keeping a look-out; and
-
.2 the need to observe at all times the
Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch and the
Guidance on keeping a navigational watch.
Principal types of ARPA systems and their display characteristics
21 Knowledge of the principal types of ARPA
systems in use; their various display characteristics and an understanding
of when to use ground- or sea-stabilized modes and north-up, course-up or
head-up presentations.
IMO performance standards for ARPA
22 An appreciation of the IMO performance
standards for ARPA, in particular the standards relating to accuracy.footnote
Factors affecting system performance and accuracy
23 Knowledge of ARPA sensor input performance
parameters – radar, compass and speed inputs and the effects of sensor
malfunction on the accuracy of ARPA data.
24 Knowledge of:
-
.1 the effects of the limitations of
radar range and bearing discrimination and accuracy and the
limitations of compass and speed input accuracies on the accuracy of
ARPA data; and
-
.2 factors which influence vector
accuracy.
Tracking capabilities and limitations
25 Knowledge of:
-
.1 the criteria for the selection of
targets by automatic acquisition;
-
.2 the factors leading to the correct
choice of targets for manual acquisition;
-
.3 the effects on tracking of “lost”
targets and target fading; and
-
.4 the circumstances causing “target
swap” and its effects on displayed data.
Processing delays
26 Knowledge of the delays inherent in the
display of processed ARPA information, particularly on acquisition and
re-acquisition or when a tracked target manoeuvres.
Operational warnings, their benefits and limitations
27 Appreciation of the uses, benefits and
limitations of ARPA operational warnings and their correct setting, where
applicable, to avoid spurious interference.
System operational tests
28 Knowledge of:
-
.1 methods of testing for malfunctions of
ARPA systems, including functional self-testing; and
-
.2 precautions to be taken after a
malfunction occurs.
Manual and automatic acquisition of targets and their respective
limitations
29 Knowledge of the limits imposed on both
types of acquisition in multi-target scenarios, and the effects on
acquisition of target fading and target swap.
True and relative vectors and typical graphic representation of target
information and danger areas
30 Thorough knowledge of true and relative
vectors; derivation of targets’ true courses and speeds, including:
-
.1 threat assessment, derivation of
predicted closest point of approach and predicted time to closest
point of approach from forward extrapolation of vectors, the use of
graphic representation of danger areas;
-
.2 the effects of alterations of course
and/or speed of own ship and/or targets on predicted closest point of
approach and predicted time to closest point of approach and danger
areas;
-
.3 the effects of incorrect vectors and
danger areas; and
-
.4 the benefit of switching between true
and relative vectors.
Information on past positions of targets being tracked
31 Knowledge of the derivation of past
positions of targets being tracked, recognition of historic data as a means
of indicating recent manoeuvring of targets and as a method of checking the
validity of the ARPA’s tracking.
Practice
Setting up and maintaining displays
32 Ability to demonstrate:
-
.1 the correct starting procedure to
obtain the optimum display of ARPA information;
-
.2 the selection of display presentation;
stabilized relative-motion displays and true-motion displays;
-
.3 the correct adjustment of all variable
radar display controls for optimum display of data;
-
.4 the selection, as appropriate, of
required speed input to ARPA;
-
.5 the selection of ARPA plotting
controls, manual/automatic acquisition, vector/graphic display of
data;
-
.6 the selection of the timescale of
vectors/graphics;
-
.7 the use of exclusion areas when
automatic acquisition is employed by ARPA; and
-
.8 performance checks of radar, compass,
speed input sensors and ARPA.
System operational tests
33 Ability to perform system checks and
determine data accuracy of ARPA, including the trial manoeuvre facility, by
checking against basic radar plot.
Obtaining information from the ARPA display
34 Demonstrate the ability to obtain
information in both relative- and true-motion modes of display,
including:
-
.1 the identification of critical
echoes;
-
.2 the speed and direction of target’s
relative movement;
-
.3 the time to, and predicted range at,
target’s closest point of approach;
-
.4 the courses and speeds of targets;
-
.5 detecting course and speed changes of
targets and the limitations of such information;
-
.6 the effect of changes in own ship’s
course or speed or both; and
-
.7 the operation of the trial manoeuvre
facility.
Application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at
Sea, 1972, as amended
35 Analysis of potential collision situations
from displayed information, determination and execution of action to avoid
close-quarters situations in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972,
as amended, in force.