A good way to prevent collisions

Over the past few years, the navigable waterways have experienced an increase in the number of users competing for access. Commercial vessels have grown in size and number of transits; the inshore fishing fleet continues to be strong; confidence in our economy has prompted more people to purchase recreational craft and more recently, there has been an increase in the number of High Speed Craft/Ferries.

With the advent of improved radar technology and computerized radar-based collision avoidance systems such as ARPA, mariners have increased their reliance on radar for navigation, especially when navigating in restricted visibility conditions. Radar is an effective tool; however for these systems to work effectively, a strong, repeatable radar return is required. Small vessels, especially those with non-metallic hulls, often go undetected on radar because of the weak radar returns they produce. A strong radar signature is vital for these vessels in order to reduce the risk of collision in low visibility conditions. The most reliable way to ensure a strong radar signature is to provide flat metal surfaces well above the waterline, facing all directions. The easiest solution is to install a radar reflector at the highest point possible on the vessel. Radar reflectors are highly recommended for all vessels of wood or fiberglass construction. They are readily available at marine supply stores and are quite inexpensive, with high quality models available for well under $100.00.

The following are some of the more well known radar reflectors:

Radar reflectors come in many shapes and sizes; the above pictures are just examples of what one may look like.

Although we encourage the use of radar reflectors, this does not diminish the importance of knowing the “Rules of the Road”. The best courses of action a boater can take to avoid collisions are: