Radar Observer's Handbook For Merchant Navy Officers (9th Edition)

This book, first published in 1957, was originally written for the purpose of being a text book for students on the Radar Observer's Course. Gradually however, it also became a practical guide on board ships and at present one can find this handbook in many ships. In later editions the author has tried to combine the two requirements: A school text book on one side and a practical guide on the other.

It is very interesting to go through the eight editions and note how radar techniques, operations and interpretation have changed during the last 36 years and how many devices, introduced by manufacturers to facilitate the use of radar on board, have in fact been rejected by the radar operator.

In more detail:

This book, first published in 1957, was originally written for the purpose of being a text book for students on the Radar Observer's Course. Gradually however, it also became a practical guide on board ships and at present one can find this handbook in many ships. In later editions the author has tried to combine the two requirements: A school text book on one side and a practical guide on the other.

It is very interesting to go through the eight editions and note how radar techniques, operations and interpretation have changed during the last 36 years and how many devices, introduced by manufacturers to facilitate the use of radar on board, have in fact been rejected by the radar operator.

The chapter headings - a total of 16 - have not changed throughout these years and it is worthwhile to have them noted down and then to see how, for this eighth edition, their contents have been modified and expanded.

• Chapter 1, Fundamental Principles of Radar, 25 pages;
• Chapter 2, Components and their Siting, 9 pages;
• Chapter 3, Characteristics of Set, 14 pages;
• Chapter 4, Function and Adjustment of Controls, 43 pages;
• Chapters. 5, 6, 7, 8, Interpretation of Display, 42 pages;
• Chapters 9, 10, 1 1, Use of Radar for Navigation, 41 pages;
• Chapter 12, Radar Log, 3 pages;
• Chapter 13, Plotting, 27 pages;
• Chapter 14, Comments on Plotting, 10 pages;
• Chapter 15, Plotting Devices, 27 pages;
• Chapter 16, Use of Radar for Anti-Collision, 26 pages.

This is followed by nine Appendices: Brief Hints about Maintenance; Transmission of Signals, Logic; Function of Components of a Radar Set; Extracts from the Marine Radar Performance Specification, 1982; The Use of Radar for Navigation (M 1158); Extracts from IMO Specifications for Radar and ARPA; Military Frequency Band Designations; Guidance on Maneuvers to Avoid Collision; Speed and Distance Table; Table giving Nearest Approach from Two Observations.

Finally there are radar plotting problems with answers and revision questions (ordinary and multi-choice) including hints where the answers can be found.