NAV.

5 TOPIC/S: 10
ARPA SYSTEM
DISPLAY
LO1.10: (LAB)
SET-UP AND MAINTAIN CORRECTLY THE ARPA DISPLAY

Formative Assessment No.10

PROCEDURE on Setting-Up ARPA.
- How to Perform setting up and maintaining correct ARPA
display.
In addition, the ARPA
features display of a
traffic lane, buoys,
dangerous points, and
other important
reference points. On-
screen digital readouts
of range, bearing,
course, speed, CPA,
TCPA, BCR (Bow
Crossing Range) and
BCT (Bow Crossing
Time) of two targets
out of all tracked
targets.
What is the purpose of
display ARPA targets?
The history of each
target's movement can be
graphically displayed. It
automatically acquires
targets for tracking, which
otherwise might have
been missed by the officer
of the watch. It provides a
warning in the event of
collision risk, loss of
target, target entering a
guard zone, etc.
An Automatic Radar Plotting Aid
(ARPA) system is used in marine
navigation to enhance the safety
and efficiency of vessel operations.
It provides real-time information
about the positions and
movements of other vessels in the
vicinity, helping to prevent
collisions and facilitate more
effective navigation. The ARPA
system display is a critical
component of this technology,
offering a visual representation of
the radar data and other relevant
information. Here are some key
elements typically found on a
marine ARPA system display:
Radar Plot: The primary component of the display is
the radar plot, which shows radar echoes of nearby
vessels, landmasses, and other navigational hazards.
Vessels are represented as blips or targets on the
screen.

Own Ship's Position: A symbol representing the

position and heading of the user's own vessel is
usually displayed. This symbol helps the navigator
understand their own ship's movement relative to
other targets on the screen.

Target Information: Information about the radar targets, such as their range, bearing, and
course over ground, is often displayed next to each target symbol. This data allows the
navigator to assess the situation and make informed decisions.
History Trail: Many ARPA displays have a history trail
feature that shows the previous positions of targets. This
feature helps in predicting the future course of vessels and
identifying any changes in their paths.

EBL and VRM: Electronic Bearing Lines (EBL) and Variable

Range Markers (VRM) can be overlaid on the display to
measure distances and bearings to specific targets or
objects of interest.

Safety Contours: Safety contours or guard zones can be set

to provide alarms if other vessels or objects approach too
closely. When a target breaches these boundaries, alarms
are triggered to alert the navigator.
AIS Data: In modern ARPA systems, Automatic
Identification System (AIS) data is often integrated into
the display. AIS provides additional information about
vessels, such as their name, type, speed, and
destination.

CPA and TCPA: Closest Point of Approach (CPA) and

Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) calculations
can be displayed for selected targets, allowing the
navigator to evaluate the risk of collision.

Alarms and Warnings: The system may generate visual

and audible alarms for various conditions, such as
potential collisions, targets crossing safety contours,
and other navigational hazards.
Cursor and User Controls: The display often
includes user controls for manipulating the cursor,
selecting targets, adjusting range and bearing
scales, and accessing various system functions.

ARPA systems are essential tools for safe

navigation, especially in congested or low-visibility
maritime environments. They provide a real-time
visual representation of vessel traffic and
navigational hazards, helping mariners make
informed decisions to prevent collisions and
navigate effectively.
TOPIC - Setting-up and maintaining displays
 selects an appropriate display presentation having regard to the required
task and current situation
 correctly adjusts the radar controls for the optimum display of echoes
 checks that log and gyro compass are functioning correctly
 demonstrates the use of manual acquisition to select and monitor critical
targets
 demonstrates the automatic acquisition and exclusion areas
 selects an appropriate time scale for vectors or graphics to produce
information required
 explains how derived information differs, depending whether the sea
stabilized mode or the ground stabilized mode is used
 selects the appropriate mode for the circumstances
 explains the use of echo-referencing (auto-drift) in the true motion mode
Setting up an Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) display correctly is
crucial for safe and efficient navigation in the maritime industry. Here
is a step-by-step procedure on how to set up an ARPA display:

Note: This procedure assumes you have a basic understanding of the

ARPA system and its components. Always refer to the manufacturer's
manual for your specific ARPA system for detailed instructions.
Power On and System Check:

Ensure that the ARPA system is powered on.

Check for any system alarms or error messages and resolve any issues if present.
Initialize the ARPA System:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for system initialization.

Input essential data such as your vessel's position, course, and speed.
Adjust Radar Settings:

Configure the radar settings, including range, pulse length, and gain, according to the
prevailing weather conditions and operational requirements.
Ensure that the radar is in proper working condition with a clear image on the screen.
Configure ARPA Display Parameters:

Access the display settings menu.

Adjust the settings for range, bearing, and time scales to provide the desired level of
detail on the display.
Set up alarm parameters, including guard zones, Closest Point of Approach (CPA),
and Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA).
Own Ship Data Input:

Input or verify your vessel's position, course over ground, and speed through the
ARPA system's interface.
Ensure that the ARPA display accurately reflects your vessel's movement.
AIS Integration (if available):

If your ARPA system integrates with an Automatic Identification System (AIS), ensure
that the AIS data source is correctly configured.
Display AIS information, such as the names and details of nearby vessels, on the
ARPA screen.
Set Up Targets:

Identify and select the radar targets displayed on the screen. Ensure they are
correctly marked and labeled.
Verify that target information, including range and bearing, is accurate.
History Trail and Data Logging (if available):

Configure the history trail feature to display the recent movement of radar targets.
Enable data logging, if desired, to keep a record of radar information for future
reference.
Test Alarms and Warnings:

Trigger alarm conditions to confirm that they work as expected. For example,
verify that alarms activate when a target crosses a safety contour or
approaches too closely.
Monitor the Display:

Continuously monitor the ARPA display to track the movement of radar targets
and make real-time navigational decisions.
Calibration and Periodic Checks:

Regularly calibrate the ARPA system to ensure the accuracy of data.

Perform periodic system checks and maintenance to prevent issues during
critical navigation.
Training and Familiarization:

Ensure that the crew is trained and familiar with the ARPA system and its
operation.
Safety and Regulations:

Comply with maritime regulations and safety procedures while using the ARPA
system.
Maintain a vigilant watch at all times, and do not solely rely on ARPA for
navigation.
Remember that specific ARPA systems may have unique features and setup
procedures, so always refer to the manufacturer's manual for detailed
guidance. Accurate setup and vigilant operation of the ARPA display are
essential for safe and effective navigation at sea.
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ARPA System
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What is ARPA?

An abbreviation for Automatic Radar Plotting Aids. Basically

an ARPA is a computerized radar plotting system, which can
perform radar plotting manually or automatically according to
operator’s choice.

When it works properly, ARPA is a fantastic tool in the hands of

a qualified navigator with proper training.
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What is ARPA?

An ARPA assesses the risk of collision, and enables operator to see

proposed maneuvers by own ship. While many different models of ARPAs
are available on the market, the following functions are usually provided:

1. True or relative motion radar presentation.

2. Automatic acquisition of targets plus manual acquisition.

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3. Digital read-out of acquired targets which provides course, speed,
range, bearing, closest point of approach (CPA, and time to CPA
(TCPA).

4. The ability to display collision assessment information directly on the

PPI, using vectors (true or relative) or a graphical Predicted Area of
Danger (PAD) display.
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What is ARPA?
5. The ability to perform trial maneuvers, including course changes, speed
changes, and combined course/speed changes.

6. Automatic ground stabilization for navigation purposes. ARPA processes

radar information much more rapidly than conventional radar but is still
subject to the same limitations. ARPA data is only as accurate as the data
that comes from inputs such as the gyro and speed log.
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Types of ARPA

In the early days, ARPAs of broad categories existed and were generally
referred to as “stand alone” and “integral”

a) Stand-alone ARPA

These were primarily intended as additions to conventional radars.

They provided all of the ARPA facilities but derived their data from
“host” radar.
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a) Stand-alone ARPA
Stand-alone equipment had to be interfaced to a variety of existing
equipment and while it was the less expensive and more expedient
of the two alternative, it was never the solution and so, today,
most of the ARPA’s being fitted into the “integral” category.

Stand-alone ARPA works in two ways; The radar system receives all the
raw data and transmits all these data to ARPA for processing.
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b) Integral ARPA
In the modern integral ARPAs, a computer, usually referred to as
the processor, is incorporated in the radar/ARPA system so
that the ARPA data can be displayed on the same screen as
the conventional radar data.
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How ARPA is used?

The ARPA is connected to the radar from which it automatically extracts

data, processes it and displays it along with graphics and possibly
alphanumeric. A computer forms the heart of the system which plots
the targets and displays the vector associated with each tracked target.
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How ARPA is used?

Having first set up the ARPA display (as normal radar display), select:
a) Range scale- e.g 12 miles
b) Plot- Relative (true) bearings
c) Mode- North-up (head-up or course up)
d) Mark the targets to be tracked (using joystick and gate)
e) Set the “vector length”--- in minutes
f) Check the course and speed input
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ARPA
INFORMATION
DISPLAY
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General Features

Daylight-bright high-resolution display

28 inch diagonal CRT presents radar picture of 360 mm effective

diameter with alphanumeric data area around it

User friendly operation by combination of tactile backlit touch pads, a

trackball and rotary controls
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General Features

Audio-visual alert for targets in guard zone

Echo trail to assess targets’ speed and course by simulated

afterglow

Electronic plotting of up to 10 targets in different symbols (This

function is disabled when ARPA is activated)
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General Features

Electronic parallel index lines

Interswitch (optional) built in radar or ARPA display unit

Enhanced visual target detection by Echo Average, Echo

Stretch,

Interference Rejector, and multi-level quantization

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General Features

Stylish display

Choice of 10, 25 or 50 KW output for X-band; 30 KW output for S-band,

either in the transceiver aloft (gearbox) or RF down (transceiver in
bridge)

Exclusive FURUNO MIC low noise receiver

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ARPA Features

Acquires up to 20 targets automatically

Movement of tracked targets shown by true or relative vectors (Vector

length 1 to 99 min. selected in 1 min steps)

Setting of navigation lines, buoy marks and other symbols to enhance

navigation safety
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ARPA Features

On-screen digital readouts of range, bearing, course, speed, CPA, TCPA,

BCR (Bow Crossing Range) and BCT (Bow Crossing Time) of two targets
out of all tracked targets.

Audible and visual alarms against threatening targets coming into

operator-selected CPA/TCPA limits, lost targets, two guard rings, visual
alarm against system failure and target full situation
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ARPA Main Control Panel
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DISPLAY CONTROLS - MODE PANEL
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DISPLAY CONTROLS - MODE PANEL
HM OFF- Temporarily erases the heading marker.

ECHO TRAILS- Shows trails of target echoes in the form of simulated

afterglow.

MODE- Selects presentation modes: Head-up, Head-up/TB, North-up,

Course-up, and True Motion.
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DISPLAY CONTROLS - MODE PANEL

GUARD ALARM- Used for setting the guard alarm.

EBL OFFSET- Activates and deactivates off-centering of the sweep

origin.

BKGR COLOR- Selects the background color.

INDEX LINES- Alternately shows and erases parallel index lines.

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DISPLAY CONTROLS - MODE PANEL

X2 ZOOM- enlarges a user selected portion of picture twice as large

as normal. (R-type only)
CU, TM RESET- Resets the heading line to 000 in course-up mode;
moves own ship position 50% radius in stern direction in the true
motion mode.
INT REJECT- Reduces mutual radar interference
RANGE RINGS- Adjusts the brightness of range rings.
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How is numerical data relating to a particular target found?

By using the joystick and placing the gate marker ring over a particular
target, data in numerical form relating to that target can be obtained:
a. range and bearing
b. course and speed
c. CPA and TCPA
This data may be made to appear sequentially simultaneously on a
special data display. Alternatively, alpha-numeric may be used to make
the data appear on the display, alongside the particular target.
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What extra facilities are available in the ARPA system?
1.Trial Maneuver

It should be possible to simulate the effect to a maneuver-- “own ship”-

o- on all tracked targets. This is done by the feeding in:

a)the propose course

b)the proposed speed

c)the delay(if any)

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What extra facilities are available in the ARPA system?
2.Operational Warning

a)CPA warnings- it is possible to set limit of CPA and TCPA which if

violated by a tracked target, whether its vector actually reaches the
warning area or not, will activate an alarm. The offending target will be
by a brighter than normal or flashing vector or a special symbol.
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What extra facilities are available in the ARPA
system?
2.Operational Warning
b)Guard rings and zones- it should also be possible to warn the
observer if any distinguishable target closes to a range or transits a
zone chosen by the observer. The first appear will not activate the
alarm. The existence of guard rings should not be regarded as an
alternative to keeping a proper lookout.
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What extra facilities are available in the ARPA

system?
2.Operational Warning
c)Target lost- the ARPA should clearly indicate if a target is lost
with the last tracked position being clearly indicated.
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Methods of Displaying Information

Since the first computerized radar system came on the market and to this
very day many different ways of presenting the information has been
developed, produced and delivered. Today, regardless of graphic
presentation, all ARPA systems must be able to present target
information in form of both relative and true vectors.
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Methods of Displaying Information
Both time of vectors should be time adjustable. In addition to displaying
target information graphically, all ARPA’s also display target information
digitally on the traffic display or on a separate screen.
In additional a number of graphical symbols are used for different
purposes:
Defining stationary targets
Indicating navigational marks
Sailing routes
Pointing out targets that cause alarms etc.
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Symbols and Definition
TV - True Speed Vector indicates the targets speed and
course.
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Symbols and Definition

RV - Relative Speed Vector indicates target relative course and
speed.
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Symbols and Definition

TH - Track History should be provided on request, consisting of at least four equally
spaced past positions of the echo.
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Symbols and Definition
PPC - POINT OF POSSIBLE COLLISION is the point at which
a collision could take place.
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Symbols and Definition
PAD - Predicted Area Of Danger is the area to be
avoided based on CPA and TCPA setting and relative
target speed.
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Area Rejection Boundaries (ARBs, AEBs)

It is possible to place electronic lines on the screen which eliminate

automatic plotting in selected areas. The lines are adjusted for
“rotation” and “transaction” controls. These reduced the load on the
tracker when in the proximity to a coast echo.

Alternative systems provide automatic acquisition in zones which may

be designated by range and sector controls.
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Equipment Fault in ARPA system

a.Connection with other equipment

The connection of the ARPA to any other equipment should not
downgrade the performance of that equipment. The failure of an input
from other equipment, such as log or compass, should activate an alarm.
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Equipment Fault in ARPA system

b.Performance tests and warnings

Self diagnosis should activate a warning in the event of ARPA malfunction.
Also means shall be available to check the correct interpretation of data
against a known solution.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

a.Automatic Acquisition

It is permissible for targets to automatically, as well as manually

acquired. But where automatic acquisition is provided, the operator
must be able to select the areas in which it operates.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

b.Manual Acquisition

The operator specifies the target to be subsequently tracked. To do this,

a joystick and screen marker or tracker ball and screen marker are used.
The target is entered into or removed from the computer memory when
the acquire or cancel button is press.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

c.Tracking and Acquisition Limits

There will may be times when targets are close to own ship but present no
real threat, and whose vectors may well clutter up the center of the display.
It may be possible therefore to set limits on the ranges at which targets are
acquired and to which they are tracked.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

d.Potential Points of Collision (PPCs)

From the basic plot of a target, it is possible to determine the course to

steer in order a collision or interception will take place. It is possible to
have these PPCs appear on the display and in this way, allow the
navigator to avoid them.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

e.Predicted Areas of Danger (PAD)

It is logical step from PPCs to indicate areas around these points

into which vessel should not do in order to ensure that some
specified clearing range is maintained.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

f.Methods of Testing an ARPA for malfunction

These usually take the form of self-diagnostic routines with

some indicator of the unit or Printed Circuit Board which is
found to be faulty.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

g.ARPA facilities

Finally the first true ARPA appeared, a system able to extract the signal
from the targets then pass them to a digital processor. Once the data is
within the processor of these equipment, a variety of facilities will present
information to the observer.
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What alternatives facilities are available on ARPA system?

These facilities includes:

1.Relative Vectors 6. Trial Maneuver
2.True Vectors Output 7. Digital Data
3.Points of Collision 8. Navigational Lines and Limits
4.Predicted Areas of Warning 9. Operational Danger
5.History of Warning 10. Equipment
11. Rejection Boundaries
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This section gives you information about IMO requirements for ARPA
system including performance standard for gyro and log.

Performance Standards for Automatic

Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) Resolution
A.422 (XII)