Plotting aids

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An Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) provides for manual or automatic acquisition of targets and the automatic tracking and display of all relevant target information for at least 20 targets for anti-collision decision making. It also enables trial manoeuvres to be executed. It is required on ships over 10,000GT and complies with the Performance Standards laid down in A.823. Testing standard is IEC 60872-1.

An Automatic Tracking Aid (ATA) enables manual acquisition and automatic tracking and display of at least 10 targets. It conforms to the Performance Standards laid down in MSC.64(67) Annex 4 and is suitable for HSC. Testing standard is IEC 60872-2.

An Electronic Plotting Aid (EPA) for manual direct plotting is intended for small ships fitted with either a gyrocompass or a transmitting marine electromagnetic compass conforming to ISO 11606 or a transmitting magnetic heading device conforming to IMO MSC.86(70) – annex 2, and a speed and distance measuring equipment (SDME) conforming to IMO Resolution A.824 and IEC 61023. This plotting aid is not suitable for ships classed as high-speed craft. Testing standard is IEC 60872-3.