When joining a new vessel, what checks would you make to the radar set?

When joining a new vessel, it is essential to check for functionality and calibration of the radar set. This is crucial because the radar is a key navigational aid that assists in detecting other vessels, obstacles, and navigational aids, particularly in poor visibility conditions. Ensuring that the radar is fully operational allows the Officer of the Watch to maintain situational awareness and make informed decisions while navigating.

Calibrating the radar is also important to ensure that the information displayed is accurate. Calibration involves adjusting the radar settings to accurately represent the distances and positions of detected objects. Any malfunction or miscalibration could lead to navigational errors, potentially resulting in collisions or grounding, which is why this check is a fundamental part of ensuring safe navigation.

While other checks, such as examining previous voyages or testing display settings, provide useful information, they do not replace the fundamental need for the radar system to be functional and properly calibrated before the vessel sets sail. Ensuring the radar is turned off would not only be unnecessary but also unsafe, as it would prevent the officer from obtaining crucial navigational information.