Radar Target Enhancement Devices

[Cobalt]

I recently went up on the bridge of the Cork Swansea Ferry at night as it was leaving harbour to see what the view of small boats was like as I was thinking of buying an AIS for my small Rib. What struck me first of all was the reliance on radar with two huge radar screens. Shortly, after that we saw a small boat with one of its lights not working that could cause confusion amongst all the lit buoys. It did not show up on radar. Speaking to the Captain he didn't seem too keen on AIS for a rib but did suggest a good radar reflector. When I got home I found an article commissioned by the marine investigation board about radar reflectors after the loss of a yacht I had read before. I then found the original document about the accident - it makes chilling reading and is a good example of the swiss cheese effect (lots of little errors lining up to make a catastrophe). You can find all the documents here Marine Accident Investigation: Ouzo. It seems the 4" plastic tube reflector I have is a waste of time in rough seas so I have to get something else. The best is a target enhancer but at the moment they are a touch expensive and I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on the matter? Of course they are cheaper than getting hit by a big ferry, especially when you remember the new Collision Regulation - steel beats glass fibre every time! Gilbert

[SPR]

If in busy area look at:

EchoMax Radar Reflectors -EchoMax Products

the problem with traditional radar reflectors unless they are completely verticial they are a bit less effective.

Echomax Active X or Echomax Active XS have better area sizes that the brand mentioned in the report. A the time the brand in the report was the only brand around.

S.

PS. Paragraphs make reading a bit easier...

[GJ0KYZ]

I have an Echomax reflector and haven't been hit by a ferry yet.

[SPR]

Yes - the echomax traditional range is good too, the report stated the cheapo £30 pringle tub type is not worth having.

Traditional Reflectoes IMHO on a rib is OK, less vertical movement..

S.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

I have an Echomax reflector and haven't been hit by a ferry yet.

But most ferries don't dare go where you do .

I fitted a Tri-Lens on the basis that it had one of the better performance characteristics in the Qinetic report and is passive.

[Cobalt]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

I have an Echomax reflector and haven't been hit by a ferry yet.

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far.

I will try and use paragraphs in future.

I was interested in the reply from GJ0KYZ, novel idea to hide under a bridge to prevent a ferry colliding with you!!!!

Thanks again

Gilbert

[Channel Ribs]

The tri lense is good, but my personal favourite is the Echomax and great value too. I will add them to our site in the next few days.

Do not dismiss AIS though, you get a lot more than just outbound target enhancement!

[SPR]

bridge! I thought it was his hangar doors to where he keeps the boat!

[kerny]

Originally Posted by SPR

bridge! I thought it was his hangar doors to where he keeps the boat!

I wish

[Channel Ribs]

Echomax Basemount, Channel Ribs