I am nearing the end of the online CanBoat Radar Course and it has been a challenging course. Eight Weeks of one three hour course per week plus homework .
Excellent instruction but some classes seemed to be like drinking from a firehose. I find the online courses often more challenging becasue it is often very difficult to ask questions during class and you miss the follow-up questions from classmates who's follow-ups may add further clarity
It was also humbling to learn what I didn't know (almost everything ) from the get go.
For Example
You need to turn on your Radar as soon as you leave the dock.
Under Canadian maritime law, specifically the
Collision Regulations, if a vessel is fitted with radar equipment,
it is required to be operational and in use, particularly to determine risks of collision.
Key details regarding radar operation and requirements in Canada include:
- Proper Use Requirement: According to the Collision Regulations, proper use must be made of radar equipment if it is fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.
- "If Fitted" Rule: If your boat has radar, it must be on, especially in conditions of restricted visibility (e.g., fog, heavy rain, or darkness).
- Small Vessels & Mandatory Reflectors: While not all small boats are required to have active radar units, the Collision Regulations require that most boats under 20 metres or made of non-metallic materials (fiberglass/wood) must carry a passive radar reflector to ensure they are detected by other vessels' radars.
- Exceptions for Reflectors: A passive radar reflector may not be required if operating in limited traffic, during daylight hours with good visibility, or if its installation is impractical.
In summary: If your boat is equipped with radar, it is not optional—it must be used.
