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Hi Ron,

Good question. If you have a RADAR fitted on your vessel, you are required by Inland and International navigation rules to use it in certain circumstances, but not "always."

Basically, you need to use it anytime it could possibly help, even in good visibility in the middle of the day. As the boat operator you also need to make sure that you and anyone else using the unit are properly trained. Offshore, by the time you see a tanker, depending on how early you spotted it, it could easily be less than 15 minutes until she poses a risk of collision. Thus, it would be prudent and possible to recognize this risk early on by having your RADAR unit turned on and scanning long range. You would then have more time to assess the risk and take the best measures to avoid them.

If you haven't already, refer to USCG Navigation Rules 5,6,7 and 19 partially reproduced below from Jeremy R. Hood from HSH Yacht Sales; Navigation Rule 5 (Inland and International) states that:

"Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances . . ."

While RADAR is not specifically mentioned here, the implication is clear - - it should be in use and used when the circumstance would make it helpful such as at night, or in restricted visibility.

Rule 6 which deals with safe speed for a vessel has a specific section (Rule 6(b)) which applies to vessels with operational RADAR. The requirements are the same for both sets of rules and are:

". . . in determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:

(i) the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the RADAR equipment;

(ii) any constraints imposed by the RADAR scale range in use;

(iii) the effect on RADAR detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;

(iv) the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by RADAR at an adequate range;

(v) the number, location and movement of vessels detected by RADAR;

(vi) the more exact assessment of the visibility that my be possible when RADAR is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity."

Rule 7 is concerned with assessing risk of collision, and specific mention is made about RADAR. Section (a) states:

"Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist."

The rule then continues with Sections (b) and (c) which relate specifically to the use of RADAR:

"(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.

(c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty RADAR information.

Rule 19 relates to the conduct of vessels in Restricted Visibility and here, as you may have imagined, RADAR is again mentioned. Section (d) reads:

"A vessel which detects by RADAR alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided: (i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than a vessel being overtaken; and (ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam."

These navigation rules, which are in easy-to-read language not only tell you how you are required to use your RADAR, the tell you what type of information you can expect to obtain from a RADAR. You can detect other vessels when they are far off and often below the visible horizon and you can determine if there is a risk of collision. But from Rule 6 you will deduce that RADAR can give false or misleading information also!

Hope this helps answer you question.

Happy Echo Trails,

Captain Craig Bliss

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Hi Ron,

The Inland and International navigation Rule #7 states that:

"(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist."

"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.”

“Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty RADAR information.”

“In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account: (i) such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change; and (ii) such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range.”

With the rule being quoted, it basically says if the vessel has operational RADAR on board, it is to be used regardless of weather conditions. It is still the discretion of the master to determine the “risk of collision” and use appropriate actions for collision avoidance. The issue is certainly one of liability and responsibility, so make no mistake that if a collision did in fact occur, there had to be a “risk of collision” prior to the collision. Vessels generally don’t simply appear out of thin air! I believe should a collision occur and a followup investigation finds that RADAR on board was not being used, that vessel holds far more responsibility for the collision.

The other more pragmatic approach is that there is no better way of learning how to interpret RADAR screens than in good visibility where you can see exactly what you are reading on the screen.

Remember, RADAR is the only navigational aid that not only helps you find out where you are, but shows you where everyone is too.

Safe Sailing,
Respectfully,
Captain Gordon L. Hartschuh

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Hi Ron,

Rule 5 of the "International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972" states:

Lookout

"Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

Rule 5 is a basic rule, the violation of which is so often the cause of small-craft accidents - collisions with other boats or stationary objects. On smaller vessels, the "lookout" is nominally the helmsman, and this is acceptable if he is aware of his responsibility and performs his duties. He must be able to hear as well as see potential dangers. If in doubt, a skipper should post an additional person with the sole duties of lookout; this is particularly necessary in situations of reduced visibility. It is even possible that two lookouts will be necessary - one forward and one aft. Should a collision occur, failure to have a proper lookout would be strongly held against you in court and that would definitely include failure to use an installed and functioning RADAR.

This is also the Rule that is obviously violated by all single-handing skippers on long voyages, or even on voyages of more than a few hours. Note that the Rule states that a lookout is required "at all times" - this includes when a vessel is at anchor.

Hope this help,

Capt. Ian Fagg