Radar Reflectors

bedouin said:
This came up about the time that the rules came into force - I seem to remember that MCA admitted that there was no legal obligation to retro-fit to existing vessels - check Solas V/19 1.1 - clearly states the changes only apply to vessels constructed after July 2002.

Also note that to comply with the regulation you have to fit a radar reflector that works in both bands - and (again IIRC) none of the reflectors commonly available for yachts so it is not "practical" to comply. Note also according to the letter of the legislation you are not required to fit a smaller one if you cannot comply with the obligation.

So while every responsible body correctly advises that we "should" fit the largest practical radar reflector it is not technically a legal obligation (at least for boats < 13.9 m)
Click to expand...

It is not required to comply with SOLAS V in its entirety, but you must comply with parts.

Extract from MCA site :


Safety regulations - what you must do to keep safe

Everyone using a pleasure craft must follow parts of the regulations set out in Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea ('SOLAS V'). If you're involved in a boating accident and you haven't followed these regulations, you could be prosecuted.

You must:
•plan your voyage
•carry a radar reflector
•carry an illustrated table of the recognised life-saving signals
•provide assistance to other craft, if needed

Planning your voyage

Before you set out:
•know your limitations - check your boat is up to the trip and has the proper safety equipment and enough supplies
•make sure your crew can also make the trip - think about their experience and physical ability
•check an up-to-date chart and a current pilot book or almanac so you're familiar with where you're going and any potential hazards
•know how to navigate yourself to safety if your global positioning system (GPS) equipment was to fail
•have a back-up plan and think about where you could take shelter if conditions deteriorated or something went wrong

Radar reflectors


Some ships rely on radar for spotting other vessels so it's vital that your boat can be seen by radar to prevent collisions.

For all vessels, you should try to fit the largest radar reflector possible for the size of your boat. The reflector should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions and set as high up as possible to be the most effective.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued guidance about using radar reflectors.
MCA guidance on the carriage and use of radar reflectors Opens new window


Life-saving signals

You must carry on board an illustrated table of the recognised life-saving signals. This is so that you can communicate with the search and rescue services or other boats if you get into trouble.
Download a copy of the recognised life-saving signals (PDF, 204K)




In an emergency

Call the coastguard on VHF channel 16 or dial 999/112.
How to call for help in an emergency at sea

Providing assistance to other craft


You must respond to any distress signals that you see or hear and help anyone or any boat in distress as best you can. You must also let the coastguard know if any vessel in the area needs assistance.

Never send hoax or unnecessary distress signals - by misusing them you could put your own or someone else's life at risk.
Download a leaflet about the SOLAS V regulations (PDF, 114K)
Help with PDF files


Preventing collisions

All pleasure craft users must follow the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea ('Colregs'). All boats must be fitted with navigation lights (if sailing at night or in poor visibility), shapes and sound-signalling devices.


To avoid collisions:
•stay a safe distance away from other boats and diving boats flying the blue and white 'Alpha' flag
•always keep a good lookout to see what's coming your way

For detailed information on the regulations and the requirements for navigation lights, see the guidance from the MCA.
Guidance on distress signals and prevention of collisions (PDF, 252K) Opens new window
Help with PDF files


Preventing pollution


When using your pleasure craft, you must not discharge oil or drop rubbish into the sea. Vessels more than 12 metres long must also display a placard on board explaining how to dispose of rubbish properly.

More detailed guidance on the regulations about preventing pollution at sea is available from the MCA.
Guidance on The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage and Garbage from Ships) Regulations 2008 Opens new window


Safety equipment - what you must carry on board

If your pleasure craft is more than 13.7 metres long, you must carry certain life-saving and fire safety equipment. See 'Pleasure craft -safety equipment' for more information.
 
Yes having looked at the regulations more closely its clear that the intention of the MCA and RYA is that small boats DO have to comply with the bits that Stork has extracted above. Para 19.1.1 seems to exclude other stuff for boats built since 2002 but not those bits?

Anyway still doesnt make my original question any easier as there is no good answer. Obviously no-one really polices this stuff otherwise a SeaMe would be mandatory. I suppose it would only ever come up in court after an accident!!

I see the SeaMe now comes in a dual band version. though out of stock. Maybe everybody reading this thread is out buying one!!
 
roblpm said:
Maybe everybody reading this thread is out buying one!!
Click to expand...

I doubt it :)

The usual approach is to fit a passive reflector of whatever type takes one's fancy, to be legal as well as for whatever benefit it may bring (they're not totally useless). Then remain very aware that you still may not be seen.

Pete
 
roblpm said:
Yes having looked at the regulations more closely its clear that the intention of the MCA and RYA is that small boats DO have to comply with the bits that Stork has extracted above. Para 19.1.1 seems to exclude other stuff for boats built since 2002 but not those bits?
Click to expand...
You are misreading it

19.1.1 makes that compulsory for boats built after 2002.
19.1.2 makes it clear that boats built earlier have the choice of complying with the new regulations or continuing to comply with the old, with the exception of the requirement to fit GPS
 
bedouin said:
You are misreading it

19.1.1 makes that compulsory for boats built after 2002.
19.1.2 makes it clear that boats built earlier have the choice of complying with the new regulations or continuing to comply with the old, with the exception of the requirement to fit GPS
Click to expand...
+1

Under the Solas regulations vessels built prior to July 2002 still fall under the previous International Convention of safety of life at sea. That appears to suggest that you have to have one but not necessarily fitted. For vessels built after this date it is not good enough to have a collapsible one in a locker, it should be fitted if it is practical to do so. l
 
Last edited:
bedouin said:
You are misreading it

19.1.1 makes that compulsory for boats built after 2002.
19.1.2 makes it clear that boats built earlier have the choice of complying with the new regulations or continuing to comply with the old, with the exception of the requirement to fit GPS
Click to expand...

No one, certainly me, is saying small leisure craft have to comply with the whole of SOLAS V, whatever age your craft. Those points I have highlighted from the MCA site are compulsory, with exceptions as noted, for all leisure craft regardless of age.
 
Stork_III said:
No one, certainly me, is saying small leisure craft have to comply with the whole of SOLAS V, whatever age your craft. Those points I have highlighted from the MCA site are compulsory, with exceptions as noted, for all leisure craft regardless of age.
Click to expand...

Well interesting that we dont have a consensus??!!
 
My octahedral reflector is permanently fixed on a bracket that is off the mast top it is not in the catch rain position but in what is called the double catch rain position explained half way down this article http://thenauticalsite.com/NauticalNotes/Radar/MyRadar-Lesson05-Reflectors.htm I probably spend over 90% of time sailing when underway and will be heeled at least 75% of that also when running I can expect some roll so unless motoring in flat sea I am seldom upright. Have I made the right decision I dont know for sure I think if your hull was designed pre 1980 with a narrowish beam and heavy keel the likelihood is you will be heeled more than not oh and by the way it was originally fitted by the Royal Signals a previous owner.
 
Stork_III said:
No one, certainly me, is saying small leisure craft have to comply with the whole of SOLAS V, whatever age your craft. Those points I have highlighted from the MCA site are compulsory, with exceptions as noted, for all leisure craft regardless of age.
Click to expand...
If you read it carefully it uses the word "Should" not "Must" - so it is not a legal requirement.

If you doubt that go back to the legislation and quote the section that makes those requirements apply to boats constructed before 2002
 
bedouin said:
If you read it carefully it uses the word "Should" not "Must" - so it is not a legal requirement.

If you doubt that go back to the legislation and quote the section that makes those requirements apply to boats constructed before 2002
Click to expand...

If you read the extract from MCA I posted in #22, it says "MUST". The points noted are the only parts of SOLAS V that apply to small craft of any age.They are not retro fitting GPS or other equipment mainly paperwork and sensible actions.
 
Stork_III said:
If you read the extract from MCA I posted in #22, it says "MUST". The points noted are the only parts of SOLAS V that apply to small craft of any age.They are not retro fitting GPS or other equipment mainly paperwork and sensible actions.
Click to expand...
Read the details of that post - note the use of "Should" in the section on Radar Reflectors and compare with "Must" in other sections. Also the MCA is only interpreting the SOLAS V rules - check the text of that for final confirmation
 
Last edited:
I'm more concerned with protecting my life rather than compliance with rules and regs. On my last boat I had a 4" tube Echomax jobbie but nothing active. Figured it must be better than nothing and best I could afford.
 
Last edited:
Stork_III said:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/pleasure_craft_information_packdec07-2.pdf Page 3 gives Solas V requirements enacted under Merchant Shipping Acts relevant all small privately owned pleasure craft.
Click to expand...
But that document does not have the force of law - all I am looking for is a reference to some legislation or statutory instrument that supports your belief that that regulation applies to all boats rather that just those constructed after 2002, so we can clearly see the differences from the SOLAS V requirements I referenced above.
 
bedouin said:
But that document does not have the force of law - all I am looking for is a reference to some legislation or statutory instrument that supports your belief that that regulation applies to all boats rather that just those constructed after 2002, so we can clearly see the differences from the SOLAS V requirements I referenced above.
Click to expand...

The Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2002 , unless you know better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

M
Adding radar - on pole or arch?
2 3 4
Replies
74
Views
2K
Marsali_1
M

Share this page

Top