Radar reflector - new rules?

I have no available space for a passive radar reflector.

But, mindful of the SOLAS requirements I was determined to fit something, so because I was short on space I concluded an active reflector would be the only feasible solution.
But an AIS transponder takes up about the same space, is about the same cost and gives out far more comprehensive information than an active radar reflector, so I decided to fit that instead.

Not strictly compliant with the letter of the law, but since AIS wasn't around when SOLAS came out I figured it's certainly compliant with the spirit of it.

I would appreciate the thoughts of the cognoscenti on this, as I still have doubts. (But I'm not prepared to fork out for an active radar reflector as well as AIS).
 
Poey50 said:
See link on #12. Having read that article some years ago I fitted an Echomax dual band on our last boat - a 22 foot trailer sailer that we used to cross the Channel at the narrow bit.
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I am familiar with the QinetiQ report. It reports on the effectiveness of radar reflectors. It does not investigate the extent to which those reflectors improve the radar signature of a vessel.

I think we are more or less on the same page. My view is that passive reflectors are not very effective (if at all), and the larger ones that seem to be a bit effective are not worth the weight and windage aloft.

Since I don't place much stock in any passive reflectors, I would fit the smallest and lightest one possible if it were necessary to have one for the purpose of complying with any rules, and rely on an active one for actually providing a radar signature.
 
Topcat47 said:
Thanks for that, it's new to me! Apparently SeaMe is also dual band. Both still need fed with electrickery though.
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They're extremely frugal in their power consumption, basically using next to nothing when not being pinged, and a bit 'more' of nearly nothing when activated by a radar.
 
jdc said:
The small Plasitimo one simly doesn't work, and that fact is widely known and promulgated, so by fittig it you would not comply with any rules in the UK at least. It might pass a rule in France I suppose.

The interesting legal point is whether there is any requirement in the UK to comply with any rules at all if one's boat is small enough. The legislation is explicit in stating that there are no mandated requirements for equipment aboard if less than 13.7m length. But it's also clear that one nonetheless has to comply with Solas V whatever the size, and Solas requires various capabilities, including a radar reflector if practicable. These two are in conflict and thus would be tested by the courts were a prosecution to be brought following an accident. My guess - purely that - is that a skipper stands a strong chance of being judged to have been negligent were he to have not carried the sort of safety equipment, including reflector of a sensible size, which is typical aboard his sort of yacht.

Thus by the back-door as it were I think that the UK does have a pretty much mandatory set of safety equipment, whether one likes it or not.
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Do the rules specify a minimum standard,if so can you post a link pls
 
VicS said:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...e/437161/74531_Solas_V_MCA098_100714_Ver1.pdf
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And the answer is what Vic




Radar ReflectorsMany large ships rely on radar for navigation and for spottingother vessels in their vicinity. So, whatever size your boat is, it isimportant to make sure that you can be seen by radar. SOLASRegulation V/19 requires all small craft (less than 150GT) to fit aradar reflector or other means, to enable detection by shipsnavigating by radar at both 9 and 3 GHz ‘if practicable’. Thismeans if it is possible to use a radar reflector on your boat thenyou should use one. You should fit the largest radar reflector interms of Radar Cross Section (RCS) that you can. Whatever lengthyour boat is, the radar reflector should be fitted according to themanufacturer’s instructions, and as high as possible to maximise its effectiveness.

http://www.plastimo.com/en/safety/radar-reflectors/reflecteurs-radar-type-tubulaire-9591.html
 
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sailorman said:
http://www.plastimo.com/en/safety/radar-reflectors/reflecteurs-radar-type-tubulaire-9591.html
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This is what the QinetiQ concludes following tests on these Plastimo types.

"The 4” tube reflector is not considered suitable due to its poor performance. It is also recommended that the 2” tube reflector is not suitable since the performance of this target will be even lower.

It is recommended that poorly performing radar reflectors are not fitted as it is possible that the user could be lulled into a false sense of security believing that their chances of detection has been enhanced."
 
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