This course is principally intended for candidates for certification as officers in charge of a navigational watch. Before entering the course, trainees should have completed a minimum period of six months at sea and preferably have gained some experience of Bridge Watchkeeping. A trainee successfully completing the course and meeting the required standards will recognize when radar should be in use; will be able to set the controls for optimal performance; and will be aware of the limitations of the equipment in detecting targets and in terms of accuracy.

The aspects covered include the theory necessary to understand hw radar information is obtained and displayed, the limitations and accuracy of that information, the formation and recognition of unwanted responses, the correct use of operational controls to obtain an optimal display and checks on performance of the set.