Radars, Gyro & other Navigation Bridge Room Equipment

Radars

Types of Radars:

1. X-Band Radar:
   • Frequency Range: 8.0 – 12.0 GHz.
   • Applications: Short to medium-range navigation and collision avoidance.
   • Features: High resolution, accurate target detection, less affected by precipitation.
2. S-Band Radar:
   • Frequency Range: 2.3 – 4.2 GHz.
   • Applications: Long-range navigation, weather monitoring.
   • Features: Penetrates fog and precipitation better than X-band radar, suitable for long-range detection.
3. ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid):
   • Function: Provides automated tracking of nearby vessels, predicts collision risks, and aids in collision avoidance.
   • Features: Integrates radar data with AIS (Automatic Identification System), calculates CPA (Closest Point of Approach) and TCPA (Time to Closest Point of Approach).
4. Radar Transponders (SARTs):
   • Function: Emergency beacons that respond to radar signals, aiding in search and rescue operations.
   • Features: Compact, battery-operated, automatically activate when immersed in water.

Gyrocompasses

Types of Gyrocompasses:

1. Electromagnetic Gyrocompass:
   • Function: Uses electromagnetic forces to maintain alignment with true north.
   • Features: Stable, accurate, unaffected by magnetic disturbances.
2. Fiber Optic Gyrocompass:
   • Function: Relies on the interference of light to detect angular velocity and maintain alignment with true north.
   • Features: Compact, lightweight, less susceptible to shock and vibration.
3. Ring Laser Gyrocompass:
   • Function: Utilizes the Sagnac effect in a ring laser to detect rotation and determine true north.
   • Features: Highly accurate, rapid response, no moving parts.

Other Navigation Bridge Room Equipment

1. Echo Sounders:
   • Function: Measure water depth beneath the vessel, aiding in navigation and ensuring safe passage.
   • Features: Depth display, bottom contour mapping, fish detection.
2. GPS (Global Positioning System):
   • Function: Provides accurate positioning information using signals from satellites.
   • Features: Continuous tracking, real-time position updates, integration with other navigation systems.
3. AIS (Automatic Identification System):
   • Function: Broadcasts vessel information, including position, course, speed, and identification, to other vessels and shore stations.
   • Features: Collision avoidance, vessel tracking, integration with radar and ECDIS.
4. ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System):
   • Function: Displays electronic navigational charts, integrating with GPS and AIS for navigation planning and route monitoring.
   • Features: Route optimization, real-time chart updates, alarms for navigational hazards.
5. Speed Log:
   • Function: Measures the speed of the vessel through water, aiding in navigation and fuel consumption monitoring.
   • Features: Doppler or electromagnetic sensor, display of speed and distance traveled.