Return to Reg. 19 Para 2.1.7Regulation 19 para.2.1.7 requires radar reflectors to be carried by vessels under 150 GT. The following notes gives further guidance on the choice of a radar reflector for small vessels and supersede Merchant Shipping Notice M.1638.
1. Reflectors meeting the standards laid down in British Standard BSI 7380:1990 (ISO standard 8729: 1987) meet IMO performance standards. Radar reflectors which were type tested and approved to the earlier DOT Marine Radar Reflector Specification, published in 1977, also comply with the IMO standards.
2. An important parameter of a radar reflector is it's echoing area, or equivalent radar cross-section, as this determines the amount of the radar energy which is reflected back. Reflectors to the above standards have a maximum echoing area of at least 10 m² with a minimum echoing area of at least 2.5 m² over 240° of azimuth. Orientation of the reflector must follow manufacturers recommendations if it is to be effective.
3. Regulation 19 takes account of the fact that reflectors built to the above standards are relatively large and may not be practical for fitting to smaller vessels. The Agency considers that fitting reflectors meeting IMO standards to vessels of 15m and above length should be practicable.
4. Owners and operators of craft vessels of less than 15m in length should fit reflectors with the greatest echoing area practical. In all cases, the reflector should be mounted as high as possible for maximum detection range, following the manufacturer's instructions.
5. It should be noted by Master and Operators of all vessels that even the 10 m² reflectors referred to above will be difficult to detect in sea clutter on radar displays. Masters of all vessels are reminded that this should be taken in to account when setting lookouts and determining safe speed as required by Rules 5 and 6 of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.
6. Electronic radar target enhancers are now marketed by some manufacturers. Radar enhancers can be considered as “other means” in the Regulation. These have a larger equivalent radar cross-section for a physically smaller size than radar reflectors and produce a response on a radar display, which is stronger and more consistent, but does not increase the apparent size of the target. Some navigation buoys are being fitted with electronic radar enhancers and seafarers should be aware this improves their detection range.
7. Owners and operators should note that under Regulation 18 equipment meeting the requirements of Regulation 19 must be type approved. However by virtue of Regulation 4, the Agency allows United Kingdom vessels which are too small to fit reflectors meeting the IMO standards to fit equipment suitable for the type and size of vessel.