Modern navigation is increasingly digital and radar is one of the most powerful tools for safe decision-making at sea. In this hands-on course, you learn how to confidently operate radar for navigation and collision avoidance through practical exercises on board.
By combining theory with real-world application, you gain a clear understanding of how radar works, what its limitations are, and how to interpret its information correctly. The result: greater awareness, better judgement and more confidence whenever you’re underway!
This course is suitable for anyone who wants to learn how to use radar on the water.
No prior experience or prerequisites are required!
The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea form the rules of the road at sea – and when you have radar on board, it’s not just equipment, it’s a responsibility to know how to use it properly.
During this course, you learn how to properly set up, interpret, and apply radar in real-life navigation. Topics covered include:
Optimizing display settings and monitoring system performance
Understanding relative and true motion, trails, and vectors
Identifying errors such as shadow sectors, blind arcs, and false echoes
Using automatic tracking for collision avoidance — and understanding its limitations
Recognizing errors in automatic plotting systems
Applying COLREGs in restricted visibility and radar navigation
Safe position monitoring and navigation using radar
Understanding different radar types and their key differences
Using radar for ranging and bearing measurements, including limitations
Understanding horizontal beamwidth and its impact on the radar picture
The course lasts one day and combines theory with practical training. We alternate between classroom sessions and hands-on practice aboard one of our vessels, where you will work directly with radar equipment.
This practical approach ensures that you not only understand the theory but also build confidence in using radar in real-life situations on the water.
This radar course is only available in combination with a 7-day RYA Day Skipper Theory & Practical course or during a weekend sailing course. When combined, an additional €50 will be added to the price of the multi-day course.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive your RYA Radar certificate, which is included in the course price.
Read what some of our sailing students have to say, explore our course catalogue, and contact us for more information about each course and our availabilities to come and sail in Greece!