Maritime radar works by emitting short pulses of radio waves from an antenna mounted on a ship. These pulses travel through air and water, and when they encounter objects such as other ships, buoys or land, some of the energy is reflected back to the radar antenna. The radar receiver then captures these reflected signals, called echoes, and calculates the distance to objects based on the time it takes for the pulses to travel to the object and back.
By processing these echoes, the radar system creates a visual representation of the surrounding environment on a display screen, showing the positions and movements of detected targets relative to the vessel.
The principle of radar in ships is based on the transmission, reception and analysis of radio waves. Radar works by sending short bursts or pulses of radio frequency energy, which propagate through the air and water. When these pulses encounter objects, some of the energy is reflected back to the radar antenna.
By measuring the delay and intensity of these reflected signals, the radar system calculates the range, roll, and sometimes relative speed of the detected targets. This information is essential for navigation, collision avoidance and situational awareness at sea.
Marine radars primarily rotate to provide a 360-degree view of the ship’s surroundings. The rotating movement of the radar antenna allows it to scan the horizon in all directions, continuously emitting pulses and receiving echoes from potential targets.
This scanning capability ensures complete coverage around the vessel, allowing the radar system to detect and track objects regardless of their location relative to the vessel. By rotating, marine radars improve the safety of vessel navigation by providing continuous updates on the positions and movements of nearby vessels, land masses, and other navigation hazards
