Radar

January 16, 2025

Radar is an onboard marine navigation system that transmits radio pulses and displays the echoes returned from vessels, land, buoys, rain, and other targets. It shows their relative range and bearing, helping a skipper understand what is around the boat when visual references are limited.

For boaters, radar is vital for collision avoidance, pilotage, and safe watchkeeping in darkness, heavy rain, or Fog. When used with AIS and monitored for CPA, it provides a stronger picture of traffic risk than any single instrument. It also helps confirm shorelines, harbour entrances, squalls, and unlit hazards against the chart.

Radar complements, but does not replace, forecasts, charts, and a proper lookout. PredictWind forecasts and Weather Routing help plan the safest passage window, while radar supports real-time decisions underway by showing nearby targets and weather cells as they actually develop around the vessel.

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