VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Jnana Sangama, Belagavi – 590018

A PROJECT REPORT PHASE II ON

"MARINE RADAR SYSTEM AND MAIN MAST"
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
MARINE ENGINEERING

Submitted by
RAJAKUMAR GURAPPA PAREET
( 4MR15MR017 )
Under the guidance of
Mr. M.S.VIGNESH
Assistant Professor

Department of Marine Engineering

MANGALORE MARINE COLLEGE AND TECHNOLOGY, KUPPEPADAV,
MANGALORE–574144
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project work entitled "MARINE RADAR
SYSTEM AND MAIN MAST" is a bonafide work carried out by
RAJAKUMAR GURAPPA PAREET( 4MR15MR017 ), partial fulfillment
for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in Marine of the
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, during the year 2018-
2019. It is certified that all corrections/suggestions indicated for internal
assessment have been incorporated in the report deposited in the
departmental library. The project report has been approved as it satisfies
the academic requirements in respect of project work prescribed for the
said degree.

_________________ ________________ __________________

Mr. M.S. Vignesh Mr. Pratap Rai Dr. Antony
Guide H.O.D Principal

External Viva

Name of the Examiner Signature with Date

1.

2.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is my proud privilege and duty to acknowledge the kind of help and guidance
received from several people in preparation of this report. It would not have been
possible to prepare this report in this form without their valuable help, cooperation and
guidance.
First and foremost, I wish to record my sincere gratitude to the Management
Mangalore Marine College & Technology and to our beloved Principal, Dr. Rajkiran
Ballal, Principal, Mangalore Marine College & Technology, Mangalore for his constant
support and encouragement in preparation of this report and for making available library
and laboratory facilities needed to prepare this report.
My sincere thanks to Asst. pro C/E Mr. Pratap Rai, Head of Department,
Marine Engineering, MMCT, Mangalore for his valuable suggestions and guidance
throughout the period of this report.
I express my sincere gratitude to my guide, Asst. Prof Mr.M.S.Vignesh,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, MMCT, Mangalore for guiding me in
investigations for this seminar. The numerous discussions with him were extremely
helpful. I hold him in esteem for guidance, encouragement and inspiration received from
him.
Last but not the least, I wish to thank my parents for financing my studies in this
college as well as for constantly encouraging me to learn engineering. Their personal
sacrifice in providing this opportunity to learn engineering is gratefully acknowledged.

RAJAKUMAR GURAPPA PAREET

(4MR15MR017)
 DECLARATION

We, VIII semester B.E Marine Engineering students of Mangalore Marine College
and Technology, Mangalore, hereby declare that the project work entitled
"MARINE RADAR SYSTEM AND MAIN MAST ", is an authentic
record of the work that has been carried out under the guidance of Mr. M.S.Vignesh,
Asst. Professor, Department Marine Engineering, Mangalore Marine College and
Technology, Mangalore.
The work contained in the report has not been submitted in part or full to any other
university or institution or professional body for the award of any degree or diploma or
any fellowship.

RAJAKUMAR GURAPPA PAREET

(4MR15MR017)
 ABSTRACT

The nineteenth century was the century of longitude, factory-produced high quality
instruments, charting, and oceanography for navigation. The twentieth was the age
of electronic navigation, which has made celestial navigation almost obsolete.
Radio was developed in the early 1900s. By the mid20th century, radio direction
finding using beacons was common. In 1920s, developments during World War II
in sonar and radar made these available to large vessels and then to anyone, in the
late 20th century, due to electronic miniaturization. Nowadays the marine radar is
equipment that is perhaps used the most on the ship’s bridge by the OOW in
carrying out a safe navigational watch. A mandatory aid to navigation, the radar is
used in identifying, tracking (with integrated ARPA) and positioning of vessels.

.
 CONTENT

1. Introduction……………………………………………..01
2. Objectives…………………………………………....….02
3. Principle of Radar……………………………….…..…02

4. Working……………………………………………..… .04

5. Radar System Configuration …………………..….....07

6. Radar terminology………………………………...…….11

7. Radar controls……………………………………..……15

8. Interpreting the display…………………………….…..19

9. Maintenance………………………………..………..…20

10. Mainmast………………………………………….…...22

11. Navigation lights………………………………….…...23

12. Project Team…………………………….......................25

13. Conclusion……………………………………………26
 Introduction

The marine radar is equipment that is perhaps used the

most on the ship’s bridge by the OOW in carrying out a safe navigational
watch. A mandatory aid to navigation, the radar is used in identifying,
tracking (with integrated ARPA) and positioning of vessels (including one’s
own vessel) among other things in order to adhere to the COLREGs so as
to safely navigate a ship from one point to another. The marine radar is
classified under the x-band (10 GHz) or S-band (3GHz) frequencies. The x-
band, being of higher frequency is used for a sharper image and better
resolution whereas the S-band is used especially when in rain or fog as
well as for identification and tracking.

Tracking ship devices are compulsory as per COLREGS (International

Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). SOLAS Chapter 5,
Regulation 19 states that “All ships of 3000 gross tonnages and upwards
shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.5, have a 3
GHz radar or where considered appropriate by the Administration a second
9 GHz radar, or other means to determine and display the range and
bearing of other surface craft, obstructions, buoys, shorelines and
navigational marks to assist in navigation and in collision avoidance, which
are functionally independent of those referred to in paragraph.”

The entire SOLAS Chapter 5, Regulation 19 can be read here.

Additionally, the Annex 16 dealing with specific information with regard to
the marine radar onboard can be read here. With the help of ship radar,
accidents can be prevented at sea with the use of the various inherent
functionalities of the radar (determining the CPA and the TCPA, EBL, VRM
etc). However, even while the ships are docked in the port, with the help of
these radars, the coast guard, VTS and the other authorities can use them
to monitor the traffic in the small radar range.
The ship radar has a screen (referred to as the Plan Position Indicator) that
displays all the targets that are present within the radar range. Since all the
objects are clearly visible on the screen, navigating and monitoring the
position of the ship becomes really feasible, hence the term ‘aid to
navigation’.

Page | 1
 Objectives

 The objective of this project is to detect other ships and land obstacles, to
provide bearing and distance for collision avoidance and navigation at sea.
 Fundamental Principle of Radar

 Marine Radar Component

 Characteristics of Radar Sets and Factors Affecting Performances

 Operation of the Marine Radar

 Uses of the Marine Radar

 Main Mast Head (Christmas Tree )

 Navigation lights

Principle of Radar
What is Radar?
Radar is an acronym meaning Radio Detecting And Ranging. It is a
device which measures not only the time it takes for a pulsed signal to be reflected
back from an object but also its bearing relative to your position. No other piece of
marine electronics can give you as much information about objects around your
own ship as Radar.

Present state of Radar:

Radar was developed during World War II. Today,
Radar is available for all classes of vessels including small fishing vessels and
pleasure craft. Many pleasure boats may also have a color video sounder (Fish
Finder) or navigation device such as a GPS receiver, but the single most important
piece of electronics is the Radar. No other gear can give you the ability to spot a

Page | 2
vessel coming at you out of the fog, or tell you the location of the inlet to a harbor
in the pitch black of night. For navigational safety, nothing beats Radar. While
your chart plotter may show you where everything around you is supposed to be,
only your Radar can
show you where everything is, including coastline and navigation aids such as
beacons or buoys, as well as uncharted objects such as vessel traffic and other
obstructions.

What Radar Can Do

Radar mainly functions as an anti-collision aid. It also provides
information about the whereabouts of neighboring vessels, coastal outlines, etc.

Navigate in darkness and fog

In fog or darkness, you may lose situational awareness
around your own ship because of poor or no visibility. With Radar acting as your
eyes, however, you have the ability to monitor other ships’ movement under these
conditions.

Collision avoidance
The guard alarm feature of every Furuno Radar alerts
you when targets enter a particular area, or own ship is nearing a danger area. The
alarm area can be forward of own ship or a 360-degree circle around the vessel.
When Radar targets such as other ships, landmasses or buoys enter the zone, an
audible alarm sounds to alert the operator.

Assess target movement

The Echo Trail feature simulates target movement in afterglow. It is
useful for assessing the movement of all targets relative to own ship. Some Radars
have the capability to show the true movement of targets, providing increased
navigational safety.

Determine own ships position

Since Radar sees further than the naked eye, the echoes from islands and
landmasses can be used to determine own ships’ position. When running near land,
you can use peninsulas and other targets whose echoes show distinct contours on
the display to
determine own ships’ position. Distant, tall mountains or bridges may be similarly
used provided they are above the horizon.

Page | 3
Navigate to specific location
Fishing vessels and pleasure boats use Radar to help them navigate to
favorite fishing spots. When navigating to a fishing spot, the forces of wind and
current can combine to throw the vessel off its intended course. To remember your
location if your ship drifts, use the VRM and EBL to mark range and bearing to
nearby islands or peninsulas.

Navigate straight to waypoint

The map-like picture displayed by Radar helps you navigate straight to a
waypoint and compliments chart plotter images.

Receive Radar beacon (RACON)

Radar can receive pulsed signals from a Radar beacon
to determine own ships position.

Fishing operation
Besides its basic function as an aid to navigation, Radar is also a
valuable tool for fishing operations. Purse seiners use it to monitor net shape,
observing the echoes from floats attached to the net. It is especially useful in fleet
fishing for determining position of vessels, locating fishing grounds and
positioning vessels. Specialty fisherman use Radar to search for sea birds, which
may be an indication of the presence of bait fish or their target species. This
technique has become easier with the advent of dual-range simultaneous scanning,
such as that found in NavNet 3D, where the navigator can use one Radar screen
with the gain set for targeting birds, while the other Radar screen is used to
navigate. As you can see, for many fishing vessels Radar functions more often as
an aid to fishing rather than an aid to navigation.

Working of RADAR
 How it works?
Did you ever shout at a cliff and hear the echo of your shout? Radar
works in a similar manner. Imagine that radio pulses are emitted from the scanner
in a certain direction. When the pulse strikes an object such as a ship or island
some of the energy returns to the scanner. The direction in which the scanner is
pointing when the reflection is received is the direction of the target causing the
reflection. Since radio waves travel at a near-constant speed, the time required for
the reflected echo to return to the scanner is a measure of the range to the target.

Page | 4
How Radar determines range
The radio pulse makes a complete round trip, but only half the time of
travel is needed to determine the range to the target. This equation shows how
range is determined:
D = 1/2 x cT
c = Speed of Radio Pulse (3 x 108 m/sec)
T = Time between transmission of radio pulseand
reception of reflected echo
D = Distance
Both radio waves and light travel at the near-constant speed of 186,000
miles per second; therefore, the Radar can process vast amounts of information in a
very short time. Comparatively, Sonar and Fish Finders use ultrasonic waves rather
than radio waves.
Since the propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave is 1,500 miles per second,
signal processing is much slower with these devices than with Radar.

How Radar determines bearing

Radar determines the range to a target by measuring the amount of time
required for a reflected echo to return to the scanner. Bearing to a target is
determined by the direction from which a reflected echo returns. The scanner
rotates 360 degrees about its vertical axis, using a special gear. In order to achieve
precise bearing resolution the antenna radiates RF (radio frequency) power in the
form of a highly directional beam. “Super” beams having horizontal beam width
on the order of one 1 degree or less provide highly precise bearing information.
The sharper the beam, the more accurately the bearing of a target can be
determined.

Page | 5
How the Radar displays targets
Radar targets are displayed on what is called a Plan Position Indicator,
or PPI. This display is essentially a polar diagram, with the transmitting ships’
position at the center. Images of target echoes are received and displayed at their
relative bearing, and at their
distances from the PPI center. Early model Radars displayed targets and possess
few features such as heading marks and range rings. To view the display, a
viewing hood was required to block out extraneous light.
Almost all late model Radars use Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or
daylight bright Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays. These types of displays provide
steady, bright, non-fading Radar echoes in monochrome or color depending on
model. The picture is visible even in full daylight. Digital information is displayed
on-screen to keep you informed of your navigational situation at all times.

Radar range
Atmospheric conditions and target shape, material and
aspect slightly affect Radar range. However, Radar range is generally calculated as
follows:

D is the distance from the scanner to the target horizon. Under

normal atmospheric conditions, this distance is 6% greater than the optical horizon.
This is because radio waves bend or refract slightly by atmospheric change. The
higher the scanner or target is above the surface, the longer the detection range. For
Page | 6
example, if the scanner is 9 meters above the sea surface and the height of the
target is 16 meters, you should be able to see the target’s echo on the display when
the target is 15 miles from the Radar.

Unusual propagation conditions

Air ducts created by atmospheric conditions can affect radio pulse
propagation and thus Radar range. When the radio pulse is bent downward, radio
pulses can travel great distances thereby increasing the ranges at which targets can
be detected. This is called super-refraction. The opposite condition, in which Radar
waves bend upward and decrease the range at which targets can be detected, is
called sub-refraction.

Radar System Configuration

Basic system
The basic Radar system consists of two units: the scanner unit and the
display unit. The transceiver (transmitter/receiver unit, or t/r) is generally housed in
the gearbox of the scanner unit. In some designs the t/r is separate from the scanner
unit and contained in its own housing; such a unit is referred to as ‘t/r down.’ Also,
the control unit may be separate from the display unit so as to allow for custom
selection of display in what is referred to as a ‘black box’ system.

Page | 7
 Scanner unit components
Most scanner units employ the circuits and devices
shown in Figure 3:

Magnetron
The magnetron generates the radio pulses. Magnetrons, as well as the
Radar itself, are classified by their transmitting frequency band. There are two
main frequency bands in commercial Radar: X-Band (9,000 MHz band;
wavelength 3cm) and S-Band (3,000 MHz band; wavelength 10 cm). Magnetron
output power ranges from 1kW for small Radars to 60kW for large Radars. Table 1
compares the S-Band and X-Band frequencies.

Page | 8
Modulator
The device responsible for monitoring the magnetron for proper
operation is the modulator. It ensures that the magnetron transmits at exactly the
same frequency throughout the duration of the pulse, and that the time between
pulses is the proper length.

TX/RX Switching
A TX/RX switching device enables the Radar to transmit the radio
pulse and receive its reflected echo through one scanner. The switching device
used by the Radar is called a circulator It consists of a permanent magnet and a
ferrite core. When transmitting, it directs radio pulses to the scanner and
disconnects the receiver circuits. When receiving, it funnels weak reflected echoes
away from the magnetron to prevent both flow to the magnetron and loss of
receive signal.

Scanner
The scanner transmits the radio pulses and receives their reflected
echoes. Most scanners rotate at a constant speed of 24 rpm. Many modern Furuno
Radar scanners rotate at variable speeds dependent upon the range in use in order
to optimize Radar detection. The type of scanner used by most vessels is the slotted
array, an antenna with a series of slits spaced at suitable intervals and angles from
which radio pulses are transmitted. The reflected echoes also pass through these
slits.

Page | 9
 The length of the array affects horizontal beam width, and thus the
Radar’s ability to determine target bearing. The longer the array, the more
accurately the Radar can determine bearing. For example, an array of 50 cm length
gives a horizontal beam width of 5 degrees, while one of 300 cm length gives a
horizontal beam width of 0.75 degrees. Scanner directivity is a measure of the two
beam widths. One is in the horizontal plane, known as horizontal beam width, and
the other is in the vertical plane, known as vertical beam width. The narrower the
horizontal beam width the sharper the beam. The vertical beam width should be
wide; it is typically 20 to 25 degrees. The main reason for a wide vertical beam
width is to ensure the ability to display a target while own ship is pitching and
rolling.

Limiter
The limiter protects the receiver circuits from damage in the event own
ship’s Radar receives radio pulses from another ship’s Radar. When this occurs,
the limiter attenuates them to protect the next stage MIC (Microwave Integrated
Circuit).

MIC
MIC is an acronym meaning Microwave Integrated Circuit. The MIC
consists of a local oscillator and mixer circuits. Incorporating those devices on an
IC improves quality, reliability, sensitivity and noise figure (nf).

IF Amplifier
The IF amplifier amplifies the Intermediate Frequency
signal output by the MIC.

Page | 10
Display unit components
Most display units employ the devices shown in
figure 5:

A/D Converter
The received IF signal is an analog signal. This signal is converted to
a digital signal in order to undergo various processing in the display unit. The A/D
(Analog to Digital) converter converts analog signals to digital signals.

Signal Processing
This section is the heart of the Radar and contains computers,
memories, and other IC’s. Extensive use of digital techniques permits high speed
processing.

Control Unit
The control unit contains various keys and controls for adjustment of
the Radar picture. Whenever a control setting is changed the associated reaction
appears almost immediately on the display. In some Radar designs, the control unit
is separate from the display unit.

Basic Radar Terms

Radar Resolution:
Different than display resolution, which is a measure of the pixels in
an LCD display, Radar resolution describes the Radar’s ability to distinctly display
two Radar targets which are close to each other. Radar has two types of resolution:
range, and bearing. Bearing resolution is a measure of the capability of the Radar
Page | 11
to display as separate targets the echoes received from two targets that are at the
same range and close together. The principal factor affecting bearing resolution is
horizontal beam width. The narrower the horizontal beam width the better the
bearing resolution.

Range resolution is a measure of the capability of the Radar to display as

separate pips the echoes received from two targets that are on the same bearing and
are close together. The main factor that affects range resolution is pulse length. A
short pulse length gives better range resolution than a long pulse length.

Page | 12
Generally, use a short pulse length on short ranges for better range resolution, and
a long pulse length on long ranges for longer range detection.

Beamwidth:
Beamwidth is the angular width, horizontal or vertical, of the path
taken by the Radar pulse. Horizontal beamwidth ranges from 0.75 to 5 degrees,
and vertical beamwidth from 20 to 25 degrees.

Page | 13
Pulse Repetition Rate:
Pulse repetition rate is the number of radio pulses transmitted in one
second. It is automatically determined by pulselength and detecting range. For
short ranges, pulselength is short and the pulse repetition rate is high. For long
ranges, pulselength is long and the pulse repetition rate is low.

Minimum detectable range:

This is the minimum range at which a target is detectable by the Radar.
It is determined by scanner height, vertical beamwidth, blind sector within the
scanner beam, and pulselength.

Maximum detectable range and output power:

Doubling the output power of a typical Radar raises the maximum
detectable range by only 19 percent. In the reverse case, halving the output power
Page | 14
lowers the maximum detectable range by 16 percent. While you can increase the
maximum detectable range by using a high output power Radar, a better (and more
economical) way to do it would be to mount the scanner as high as possible above
the waterline and/or utilize a longer antenna to increase horizontal beamwidth.

RADAR CONTROLS
This section briefly describes the function, objective and usage of
Radar controls. Note that some controls described here may not be provided on
your Radar. For detailed control description, refer to your Operator’s Manual.

Precautions:
A rotating scanner is dangerous. Before turning the
Radar on, be sure no one is near the scanner unit.The scanner unit emits high
frequency radio pulses, which can be harmful, particularly to your eyes. Never
look directly into the scanner unit when the Radar is in operation.

Key response:
The Radar normally releases a beep when you correctly enter a
command. If no beep is released, try again. Incorrect command generates several
beeps. This function can usually be disabled, but caution must be used as this
audible feedback is important to verify correct entry of commands.

Control Description:
Power:
Powers the entire Radar system. After turning on the power, a timer
displays the time remaining for transmission preparation. “ST-BY” appears when
the Radar is ready to transmit. The method of turning off the power varies by
model; powering off your Radar.

Economy:
The economy mode turns off power to the display in stand-by
to lessen power consumption.

Trackball/Cursor Pad: The trackball or cursor pad shifts the cursor,

which sets the guard zone, displays range and bearing to a target, etc. Some models
may have individual arrow keys in place of a trackball or cursor pad.

Page | 15
Scanner:
This switch starts and stops scanner rotation. Turning the switch
off when transmitting sets the Radar in stand-by. A rotating scanner can be
dangerous - before turning the switch on, be sure no one is standing near the
scanner unit.

ST BY/TX:
Press this key to transmit radio pulses. To stop transmitting, press
the key again.

Gain:
This control adjusts receiver sensitivity. Adjust the gain to increase
sensitivity and display echoes. For long range, adjust the control so background
noise is just visible on the display. For short range, some Radar operators set this
control relatively high and adjust sensitivity using the A/C SEA control.

A/C Rain (FTC):

The Rain control, also called FTC (Fast Time Constant), suppresses the
reflected echoes from rain, hail and snow to clear the display. On the X band
Radar, because of its short pulselength, the echoes from legitimate contacts can
become lost in the echoes from precipitation, called rain clutter. When rain clutter
masks the display, adjust this control to break up the clutter and distinguish echoes.
Adjust the control so that the clutter just disappears; too much A/C Rain action
may shrink or erase the echoes from legitimate targets.

A/C Sea (STC):

Sea control, also called STC (Sensitivity Time Constant),
suppresses reflections from waves near own ship. In rough seas the reflected
echoes from wave crests are very strong, producing a mass of echoes which cover
the central part of the display. This is called sea clutter. Any echoes within the
clutter will be partially or totally obscured. Adjust this control to reduce the clutter
and distinguish echoes. The proper setting should be such that the clutter is
suppressed and echoes become distinguishable. If the control is set too high, both
sea clutter and echoes will disappear from the display. When there is no sea clutter
visible on the display, turn the control fully counterclockwise.

Brill:
This control adjusts the display brilliance.

Page | 16
Range:
Press the [+] and [-] keys to raise and lower the range respectively.
When you change ranges, the number of range rings and range ring interval as well
as pulselength are automatically changed. For confirmation, the range and range
ring interval appear
on the display.

Plot:
This function plots the movement of all ships relative to own position.
Press the key to start plotting. The positions of all targets at the end of the preset
time are marked on the display.

Echo Trails:
This feature continuously shows the movements of other ships in
afterglow. It is useful for assessing target movement and collision possibility.

Display Mode:
The display mode determines target position and movement on the
display. There are two types of display mode: Relative and True.

Relative Bearing Display:

This mode is also known as Head-up, since own ships heading is
always at the top of the display. The position of own ship is fixed and echoes of all
other objects therefore move relative to own ship. This is the usual form in small
Radar sets.

True Bearing Display:

This mode is sometimes called North-up since the display is oriented
North. This mode is suitable for long -range observation since it is somewhat like
looking at a nautical chart.

Guard Alarm:
The guard alarm creates a zone about own ship, either complete 360
degree zone or a specific area forward of own ship. If targets enter or exit the zone
an audible alarm sounds to alert the operator.

Page | 17
Echo Averaging:
The Radar’s internal circuitry processes echo data to obtain a desired effect.
The result depends on the Radar model. For example, some Radars may suppress
brilliance of unstable echoes (sea clutter, etc.), or emphasize an unstable small
echo.

Figure 9 shows a sample Radar display. Own ship’s position is at the display
center. The Radar range is 12 nautical miles and the range ring interval is 2
nautical miles. The circled objects are ARPA targets and the triangle objects are
AIS targets. The large, continuous echoes are from land masses. Note that the
actual shape of a target cannot be displayed on the Radar - only the portions struck
by the radio pulse appear on the display.

Radar Picture and Marks

The Radar display shows you not only echoes but also marks and
information. This section describes the Radar picture and marks you will see on the
display.

Page | 18
 INTERPRETING THE DISPLAY

Radar Picture and Target Properties

The strength of the reflected echo depends not only on the height and size
of the target, but also its shape, material composition and angle at which the radio
pulse strikes. The size of the target actually has little to do with the reflected echo.
If the radio pulse strikes it at a right angle, even a small target will return a strong
echo provided that the material is a good reflector of RF energy.
A return echo will be weak if the angle at which the radio wave strikes a
target is small. For example, flat surfaces such as sandy beaches, sandbars and
mudbanks have almost no area that can reflect energy back to the Radar. Conical
surfaces, such as lighthouses, generate weak return echoes because their shape
diffuses most of the radiated energy. Because of their poor reflecting properties,
flat or conical surfaces do not return an echo suitable for range determination.
Radar sees only the near side of targets. For example, it cannot show you
what is behind a sea wall or an island. The echo of a mountain peak may appear on
the Radar display as a peninsula or small island. The Radar image is not always as
it seems - you should always exercise caution when interpreting the display.

Target material and reflected echo

Generally, steel objects return a very strong echo while reefs and
water return weak echoes. The weakest echoes come from wood and fiberglass
objects. In summary, non-metallic objects or those that are flat or conical in shape
do not make good Radar targets, and the Radar may display only weak,
intermittent echoes - or it may not display them at all.

Precipitation
Rain, snow and hail may return echoes which appear on the display as a
blurred or cluttered area. You can suppress them by adjusting the A/C RAIN
control, or lowering the sensitivity.

Influence of Waves and Precipitation

On short range, a mass of echoes covers the central part of the display.
This is caused by echoes from waves, called sea clutter. The higher the waves the
more extensive the sea clutter on the display. In most cases it is more pronounced
to the windward side of the vessel. To suppress sea clutter, use the A/C SEA

Page | 19
control. Always leave a little sea clutter on the display to be sure weak target
echoes are not erased.

ARPA and AIS

ARPA is an acronym that stands for Automatic Radar Plotting Aid. The
ARPA functions as a collision avoidance tool, tracking individual Radar targets
and plotting their course and speed in order to determine the closest point of
approach (CPA) and time to closest point of approach (TCPA) to own vessel. Data
such as course, speed, range, bearing, CPA and TCPA can be called up in a data
box on the screen simply by selecting the target of interest.
AIS is an acronym that stands for Automatic Identification System. The
AIS system is used to exchange vessel and navigation data including vessel name
and call sign, length and beam, position with accuracy indication and integrity
status, course, speed, heading and ROT and other specific information, all in real
time. Data is shared with other nearby ships as well as coastal VTS (Vessel Traffic
Service) stations. Unlike ARPA, which is dependent upon Radar returns to track
targets, AIS targets are acquired and tracked via VHF (radio) signal. This means
that AIS-equipped targets that are partially or totally obscured from the sweep of
the Radar can still be acquired and tracked if within vhf coverage.

MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance is important for continued performance of the Radar.
Before reviewing this section, please read the safety information which follows.

DANGER: ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD

This equipment uses high voltage electricity which can endanger human
life. At several places within the unit there are high voltages sufficient to kill
anyone coming in direct contact with them. While the equipment has been
designed with consideration for the operators safety, precautions must always be

Page | 20
exercised when reaching inside the equipment for the purpose of maintenance or
service. For this reason, only qualified personnel totally familiar with electrical
circuits and service manual should work inside the display or scanner units. A
residual charge remains in capacitors and other devices for several minutes after
turning off the power. Therefore, before beginning any maintenance work, wait for
two or three minutes to allow the residual charge to subside.

Page | 21
 Main mast (Christmas tree)
Main mast is the sailing ship’s principle mast. The mast of a
sailing vessel is a tall spar, or arrangement of spars, erected more or less vertically
on the Centre line of a ship.

The mainmast is also made of two masts, the main

mast and the main topmast. By convention we may also refer to the upper part of
the main topmast as the main topgallant mast. The main mast has two spars on the
aft side that lay nearly horizontal. The lower spar is called the main boom and the
upper spar is known as the main gaff.

Usually Navigation lights are mounted on main mast head, sometimes RADAR
also mounted on it.

Dimensions of MAINMAST pole

Material used :

Length of vertical pole :

Length of bottom horizontal pole :

Length of middle horizontal pole :

Length of top horizontal pole :

Area of base plate :

Thickness of base plate :

Thickness of pole material :

Page | 22
 Naviagation lights
Navigation lights are fixed on the mainmast. Navigation lights help
you and other ships to determine which is the give way vessel when en countering
each other at night. These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and
during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog. There are four common
navigation lights.

Types of Navigation Lights:

Sidelights: These red and green lights are called sidelights (also called
combination lights) because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the
side or head-on. The red light indicates a vessel's port (left) side; the green
indicates a vessel's starboard (right) side.

Sternlight: This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel.

Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required
on all power-driven vessels. (On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length,
the masthead light and sternlight may be combined into an all-round white light;
power-driven vessels 39.4 feet in length or longer must have a separate masthead
light.) A masthead light must be displayed by all vessels when under engine power.
The absence of this light indicates a sailing vessel because sailboats under sail
display only sidelights and a sternlight.

All-Round White Light: On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length,
this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single
white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves
as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished

Page | 23
Page | 24
 PROJECT PHASE II

"MARINE RADAR SYSTEM AND MAIN MAST"

PROJECT TEAM

1. AJAY 4MR15MR001

2. RAJAKUMAR GURAPPA PAREET 4MR15MR017

3. SACHIN RAMAPPA MAIGUR 4MR15MR019

4. YASEEN MOULA KALAWANT 4MR15MR001

PROJECT GUIDE

Mr. M.S.VIGNESH
Assistant Professor

Page | 25
 CONCLUSION

The most important point about marine radars is that

the screens used to view the position of the objects are either LED screens
or monochrome screens. With such perfect screens, the clarity of the
objects is highlighted even further. Also since these screens are waterproof
there is no threat of interruption to the ship radar system in times of rough
weather. The tracking ship system has further been developed to include
even boats. This means that even boat owners can be assured of their
vessel’s safety while on the water. One major advantage of the marine
radars is that the power and electricity consumption by them is far too less.
This means that the marine radars are not just user-friendly but also help
the ship owner to regulate the cost of power and electricity. Radar has
been a major instrument to help marine navigation since the past six
decades. Over the years, the radar technology has developed to include
not just aircrafts but ships as well. Marine travel and safety thus have
become very feasible. It can be hoped, that in the future more such tracking
devices will be developed so that more number of marine accidents and
casualties can be prevented. The mast of a sailing vessel is a tall spar, or
arrangement of spars, erected more or less vertically on the centre-line of a
ship.

Page | 26
 REFERENCE

 https://www.marineinsight.com

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_radars

 https://www.slideshare.net/

 www.marineengineering.com

 https://www.boat-ed.com

 https://www.sailingissues.com

Page | 27