Radar Plotting Problems
Radar Plotting Problems
A Ship steering 127۫ (T) , speed 13 Knots, had the following radar observations
recorded:-
TIME Target A Target B (Light Vessel)
1000 092۫ (T) x 11.1 M 150۫ (T) x 5.5 M
093۫ (T) x 9.4 M
094۫ (T) x 7.7 M
095 1/2۫ (T) x 6.1 M 180۫ (T) x 3.5 M
Compile a report about the other vessel (Target A) and deduce the Set & Rate of
the tidal current
(ii) The observing vessel alters course with a performance delay of 5 minutes in
order to pass the light vessel at 1.5 Miles to starboard.
The visibility, meanwhile has improved to 3 Miles.
Ans: (i) At 1015 bearing of Target A: 095 1/2۫, passing ahead at a distance of 6.1
miles. Distance is reducing. CPA = 0.8 Miles, TCPA=1033 Hrs, Target’s Course :
227۫ (T), Target’s Speed 13 Knots; Aspect : 48 1/2۫ (Green)
(c ) The observing vessel will pass the light vessel at 1034 Hours
(d) The other vessel (Target A) will pass the light vessel at a distance of 0.9
Miles at 1054 Hrs.
Q.2. On an observing ship, steaming 330۫ (T) at 10 knots, the bearing and range
of an
Q.3. Own Course 240 ۫ (T) at 15 Knots in reduced visibility.
Target A Target B
Time Bearing (T) Range (M) Bearing (T) Range (M)
1000 314 11.9 208 1/2۫ 10.0
1004 314 10.7 209۫ 08.4
1008 314 09.5 210۫ 06.8
1012 314 08.3 211۫۫ 05.1
Master of own ship desires to take action at 1016, by means of a single alteration
of course or reduction of speed so that the CPA of either target will be not less
than 2.0 NM
Solutions:
Since reduced visibility vessels are not in sight of one another. Hence any of the three
ships are free to take action to avoid a close quarter situation.
However, each ship has the other two ships forward of her beam, , hence none of the
three ships are permitted to alter course to port.
If either of the two targets is not using radar, she would be unaware of the presence of
the other target or of the own ship.
CPA of either target indicates collision or near collision. However Target B will be at
CPA 16 minutes before Target A. Hence the action required to have CPA of 2.0
Miles or more will be greater for Target B than for Target A (Remember Action to
be taken for the target whose TCPA will come first)
(i) Alteration of course to Starboard by 77۫ (New Course 317۫) CPA of target B
can be made to be 2 Miles. By this action the CPA of Target A will be 3.25
Miles.
(ii) By reduction of Speed to 2 Knots CPA of target B can be made to be 2 Miles.
By this action the CPA of Target A will be 4.6 Miles.
(iii) Alteration of course to Port by 54۫ (New Course 186۫) CPA of target B can
be made to be 2 Miles. However an alteration of course to Port is
prohibited by ROR in this condition and hence this action is not
possible.