Radar: what SIRE 2.0 inspectors ask and find
Radar questions are about the equipment as much as the operator: maintenance against the maker's limits, performance checks and the company's guidance on using it.
Do this before the inspector arrives: Check radar running hours against the maker's limit and log the PM.
What the inspector wants to see
- Running hours against the maker's limit, in the PMS
- Performance checks and planned maintenance records
- Company guidance on which radar to use, and when
Questions inspectors ask about Radar
When are bow crossing range (BCR) and CPA both zero?
Per the notes: head-on on a collision course, or with zero relative speed to the other vessel.
What is a trial manoeuvre?
Inspectors asked officers to explain and demonstrate the ARPA trial manoeuvre function.
When must the X-band radar magnetron be replaced?
As per the maker's interval, shown in the PMS. Know the company procedure if it cannot be replaced on time.
How often are radar performance and the GPS feed into ECDIS checked?
Per the company in the notes: radar performance at the end of each watch, GPS feed to ECDIS every watch.
What is the difference between solid-state and magnetron radars?
Inspectors ask officers to explain this difference for the radars on board.
Why have both X-band and S-band radars?
Inspectors ask for the advantages and disadvantages of each and which to use in restricted visibility and rain.
There are 14 Radar questions in NilObs, with spaced repetition so the ones you miss come back. Practise them free.
Real Radar observations, and how to avoid them
Interviewee could not explain the difference between X-band and S-band radar or in which conditions S-band works better.
Avoid it: Know that S-band copes better with rain and sea clutter, while X-band gives finer detail on small targets.
Both radar magnetrons were overdue for replacement: the maker set a 4,000-hour limit and both had run over 6,000 hours.
Avoid it: Track magnetron running hours in the PMS and order spares well before the maker's limit.
The interviewed officer had not followed the maker's advice on when to replace the radar magnetrons.
Avoid it: Know the maker's replacement interval for radar magnetrons and check running hours regularly.
Who answers for Radar
Second Officer. NilObs picks the questions and the daily drill for your role.
Rehearse Radar before your next inspection.
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Other topics
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