Radar Transponders and the like.

[BrendanChandler]

<span style="color:blue"> Hi All,
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Anybody got any experience of Radar Transponders or other devices that would give warning of incoming radar.

I am considering their use in ocean passages to warn shorthanded crew of the approach of vessel with radar.

Brendan

</span>

 

[Talbot]

In the middle of the ocean, a lot of merchies turn their radar off.

You would probably get a higher probability of information mid-ocean from an AIS system with a CPA warner (such as www.shipplotter.com)

Approaching land is a different matter - not because of the merchant ships, but more due to fishing vessels.

 

[jerryat]

Hi Brendan,

I would be very surprised indeed if any of the merchant ships used radar in the ocean. We have chatted, via vhf, with four ships during our trips back and forth and NONE of them had seen us on radar because none of them had it operating at the time.

They were all rather loathe to admit this but, in a way, I can see their point. On the last trip for example, we saw only one ship (prior to entering the western channel) between Antigua and the Scillies!!

 

[jamesjermain]

Transponders like the Seame work extremely well if there is a radar signal to transpond to. AIS in an ocean context is also good provided the ship has it switched on.

But, mid-ocean or coastal, the only sure way to avoid shipping is to keep your own watch and carry your own radar - although I bet you turn yours off for most of the time.

And please don't joint the fraternity that thinks its better to save the battery by not showing nav lights. We came across one of those in mid-Atlantic last year; it gave us quite a fright.