Automatic radar plotting aid

An ARPA - conditioning (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) is an automatic radar Plotteinrichtung, a radar plotting aid or a radar image - processing unit. Ships in the vicinity are automatically tracked and displayed with course and speed on the display.

The ARPA - conditioning is a modern aids ( information provider ) when deciding the ship's command for the safe passage - in compliance with the Collision Regulations of 1972 - and in the proper and effective use of radar information to reduce pollution. It allows a systematic observation of displayed objects on a high level, a fast, accurate and comprehensive assessment of the situation and realized, inter alia, the following functions:

• Alphanumeric display target data
• Target detection, acquisition and tracking
• Presentation of vessel movement
• Automatic warnings
• Simulation of maneuvers
• Additional synthetic icons on the screen
• Own journey and course

ARPA devices work with the details of the radar, gyro and the airspeed indicator system and can display secondary information obtained from the radar system of the ship. Further, the processed information can be displayed on a separate screen. The technical requirements for operation ( performance standard / output parameters) the ARPA system were developed by the IMO and adopted as General Assembly resolution A. 422 ( XI) in 1979.

• Navigation (navigation )