Newsletter

Welcome to the Safety Marine Newsletter.

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Our Latest Newsletter : The loss of Yacht Ouzo & Radar Reflectors

The recent MAIB report on the tragic loss of Yacht Ouzo and her three crew near the Isle of Wight in August last year highlights several areas of discussion for leisure boaters.

One of the key observations was that small vessels of this size can easily fail to show up on larger vessels radar screens, even at close ranges.

Most small vessels constructed out of wood, fibreglass or composite materials are inherantly poor reflectors of radar energy. As radar is the primary piece of equipment used by all commercial vessels for collision avoidance in bad weather, poor visibility and at night, the tragic loss of Ouzo and her crew should bring to the front of every skippers mind that when visibility is limited or when we are navigating at night or in potentially busy shipping areas we should ensure that everything is done to maximise the size of the radar reflection that our vessel produces.

The most common device used to increase a vessels Radar Cross Section (RCS) is the passive radar reflector. This is a simple device constructed out of mathematically designed metal shapes assembled so that they reflect the incoming radar energy in the most efficient manner back in the direction of the transmitting vessel.

There are numerous different models of passive radar reflector on the market, but take note, often many will only give their best results under certain conditions and in many circumstances the cheaper they are, the poorer they usually perform.

The Maritime Coastguard Agency, the RNLI and the RYA all recommend installing the largest radar reflector with the biggest Radar Cross Section (RCS) that is possible on your vessel, and they also advise that extra attention should be made as to how it is installed, at what height and also what happens to the radar reflectors efficiency once the vessel is healed.

Radar Reflectors can be mounted in numerous ways. Many are commonly seen fixed to sailing boat masts using small metal brackets just above the first set of spreaders and on motor vessels they can often be seen fixed to the radar arch or navigation light mast on a cabin or wheelhouse roof.

But remember, most radar reflectors only give their best results when they are in as near a vertical position as possible. Easier perhaps to acheive on a motor vessel were the natural behaviour even when under way is to sit on an even keel. On a sailing vessel things can be a little more tricky.

One of the simplest ways to mount a radar reflector on a sailing yacht is to hoist one on a spare halyard with two down lines, one to each toe rail. When the vessel is healed simply take in the slack on the leeward down line as tight as possible and the radar reflector should now be hanging in as near a vertical a position as possible. (Not to much of a chore to handle if you are only tacking the boat every now and then!) You can also mount them hanging from a spreader with a similar down line arrangment. Gravity will keep the reflector in a vertical alignment once you have tacked the vessel, the two downs lines are there to stop it bashing about.

Whether its on a motor cruiser, sports boat, fishing boat or sailng vessel, the higher you can position the radar reflector the better, and always try to ensure that it is kept in this optimum vertical position.

Echomax EM180 Radar Reflector

Due to the enormous demand for an Echomax for smaller boats, Echomax are pleased to announce the availability of the NEW Echomax EM180 Radar Reflector based on the proven John Firth patented stacked symmetrical array with peak responses of 8m2. Utilising the largest possible array with the smallest possible robust polyethylene case the Echomax EM180 Radar Reflector is suitable for both deck and mast mounting... £89.99 inc VAT

Echomax EM230 Midi Radar Reflector

A new generation of passive radar reflectors based on the patented symmetrical array by John Firth. The EM230 Midi Radar Reflector is especially suited to small yachts, RIBs and motor cruisers and gives an astonishing Radar Cross Section (RCS) of 20m2, independently tested by DERA. This exceeds the RORC / ORC requirements by nearly three times. ...£119.00 inc VAT

Echomax EM230 Midi Basemount Radar Reflector

The EM230 Midi Radar Reflector is especially suited to RIBs, Sportsfishers and motor cruisers and gives an astonishing Radar Cross Section (RCS) of 20m2, independently tested by DERA exceeding the RORC / ORC requirements by nearly three times. These Basemount models are designed to be mounted to the A-frame or radar arches on RIBs and motor cruisers. They are attached by four bolts that pass downwards from the radar reflector and through the mounting surface... From: £119.00 inc VAT

Echomax EM230-BR Radar Reflector (SOLAS approved)

The EM230-BR (Firdell Blipper Replacement) is the latest development of the Echomax design and recorded a staggering peak Radar Cross Section performance of 24m2 exceeding RORC/ORC and ISO-8729 requirements by miles. This new revised model is designed to directly replace Firdell Blipper 210-7 Radar Reflectors and has the mounting holes centered exactly to match the mast mounting brackets of Firdell Blipper 210-7 models. Therefore you do not need to replace your existing mast brackets!... £110.00 inc VAT

Echomax EM230I Inflatable Radar Reflector

The Echomax EM230I inflatable radar reflector is a unique device using an innovative Metax array with a with a transparent PVC casing that folds down neatly to just pocket size. An ideal addition to an emergency grab bag or for use in small craft such as dinghys & RIBs. The EM230I recorded an astonishing Radar Cross Section of 20m2 in independent tests by DERA and exceeds RORC/ORC requirements by nearly four fold... £99.00 inc VAT

Echomax EMA031 SOLAS approved Inflatable Radar Reflector

The Echomax EMA031 SOLAS approved Inflatable Radar Reflector is a unique device using an innovative DuPont metalized lacquered and spunbonded fabric array in a durable PVC casing that folds down neatly to pocket size. An ideal addition to a SOLAS-B emergency grab bag or for use in small craft such as dinghies & sportsboats... £109.00 inc VAT

Echomax EM305 Radar Reflector (SOLAS approved)

The largest radar reflector in the Echomax range, the EM305 is made designed for large yachts, motor vessels, work boats and commercial fishing craft. Constructed from 3mm glass fibre this reflector exceeds ISO:8729, RORC and ORC regulations by far with a radar cross section of 63m2. Supplied ready for mast mounting with optional Mast Mounting Brackets, or alternatively it can be deck mounted with an optional Deck Mounting Bracket... £249.00 inc VAT

SEA ME Active Radar Target Enhancer

The SEA-ME active Radar Target Enhancer is the modern solution to the old problem of small craft failing to show up on larger vessels radar screens. The SEA-ME Radar Target Enhancer is an ACTIVE system which receives a radar signal, amplifies it and then re-transmits it. This ensures a stronger return signal and a more stable and uniform strength around the full 360° azimuth. The SEA-ME Radar Target Enhancer has a maximum radar cross section of 63sqm, which is 6 times the current requirement for a passive radar reflector and the effects of a vessels heal are minimised... £284.95 inc VAT

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