Running With Radar

[Converse48]

OK, so it's a clear day with unlimited visibility... why run with the radar on? True, the open array looks cool when it's spinning, but is there a good reason to be spewing all that radiation to no end? Is there some sort of legal obligation?

 

[ImpulseIII]

I believe that the Coast Guard requires the radar is to be running is the boat is equipped with one. I also think that it is a requirement to monitor channel 16 if your boat is equipped with a VHF.

 

[Asureyez]

Well since you asked

Yes, there is a REGULATION that requires any vessel with radar to use it at all times while underway. Even more invasive is the raquirement that If you have a unit you are required to keep it repair and in proper operating condition. You are also required to know how to operate it to avoid collisions.

It's not enough to just look cool, you have to be cool too!

 

[Petep]

I did not know about the regulation- that it has to be on. I run my radar when I run my boat- Day and night- I have had alot of years of radar experience because I have had a radar from my 27' on up. I know how to use it because I work at it and monitor crossing situations etc. We run with the autopilot on most of the time and make minor corrections. I grew up sailing and we tend to want the boat to run in a straight line. It's amazing to me how many people have a hard time driving a boat straight. My friends that are new to radar ask me and I say turn it on and learn, it's a nice tool to have. Just PLEASE remember to turn the thing to stand-by when entering into a harbor, It's not cool to be hitting me when I'm sitting at dock w/ those waves. Oh yeh, like Asureyez said " it's cool" to be spinning that open array.

 

[Converse48]

I had always heard the rumor about a Radar regulation, but I've never seen the actual reg. Can anyone point me to it? Also, requiring people to RUN the radar doesn't mean they now how to operate it!

 

[Asureyez]

Check out COLREGS

 

[waterlogged]

COLREG 7
(b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.

It looks like there could be some interpretation as to what determines "proper use" in the circumstances.

Seems it's a case of keep it on, just in case, and make sure you know how to use it effectively.

 

[Asureyez]

It probably is an issue if ...

Colregs burden both skippers with the responsbility to use all means at their disposal to avoid a collision. If a skipper had radar available and simply chose to not use it and there was a collision, that Skipper would probably find himself to be found at fault for the accident as not having made all efforts available to avoid a collision.

Now one might ask, okay the skipper had radar used it and simply mis understood or mis judged the data radar provided him and allowed himself to become involved in a collision, then other facts might come to bear, but not his negligence on that point.

 

[Sea Gull]

I think you have the answer, which is that if you have the tool available, you should use it to your advantage. The best reason for recreational skippers to have the radar on in good weather is to learn to use it.

It takes time and practice to get really good at interpreting radar images. The time to learn in NOT when the fog rolls in. Use it in good visibility and learn how to use it to its fullest.

 

[Converse48]

Thanks for the clarification on the colregs, although I agree that the term "proper use" definitely leaves some gray area.

I think you have the answer, which is that if you have the tool available, you should use it to your advantage. The best reason for recreational skippers to have the radar on in good weather is to learn to use it.

It takes time and practice to get really good at interpreting radar images. The time to learn in NOT when the fog rolls in. Use it in good visibility and learn how to use it to its fullest.

Gull, using the radar in fair weather is how I taught myself to use/trust the equipment. I guess my point is that I'm not sure what advantage it provides when you know how to use radar and visibility is infinite... other than the coolness!

Now I know there is a "colregs" reason to do it, which makes me less likely to wonder why so many people do it!