When making collision avoidance decisions, what is an advantage of radar over AIS?

When making collision avoidance decisions, what is an advantage of radar over AIS?

• A. More accurate data transmission
• B. Can detect targets that aren't transmitting AIS data
• C. Dependent on the quality of other ship’s data
• D. Utilizes GPS for positioning

Answer: (B)

Radar offers a significant advantage over AIS (Automatic Identification System) in collision avoidance due to its ability to detect targets that are not actively transmitting AIS data. This capability is crucial because there may be vessels operating without AIS, such as smaller boats or fishing vessels that do not have the system installed. By utilizing radar, operators can obtain a comprehensive picture of the surrounding environment, including these non-transmitting vessels. This ability to provide situational awareness regardless of the presence of AIS makes radar a vital tool in navigating congested waterways or in situations where vessel safety is paramount. While AIS provides important information about vessels that are broadcasting their data, relying solely on AIS can lead to gaps in awareness concerning nearby vessels not equipped with the system. Thus, the use of radar enhances the overall maritime safety by providing continuous tracking of all potential collision threats, ensuring that mariners have the necessary information to make well-informed navigation decisions.

Radar offers a significant advantage over AIS (Automatic Identification System) in collision avoidance due to its ability to detect targets that are not actively transmitting AIS data. This capability is crucial because there may be vessels operating without AIS, such as smaller boats or fishing vessels that do not have the system installed. By utilizing radar, operators can obtain a comprehensive picture of the surrounding environment, including these non-transmitting vessels.

This ability to provide situational awareness regardless of the presence of AIS makes radar a vital tool in navigating congested waterways or in situations where vessel safety is paramount. While AIS provides important information about vessels that are broadcasting their data, relying solely on AIS can lead to gaps in awareness concerning nearby vessels not equipped with the system. Thus, the use of radar enhances the overall maritime safety by providing continuous tracking of all potential collision threats, ensuring that mariners have the necessary information to make well-informed navigation decisions.