Module Details

Module Code: MARI7016
Title: Marine Radio & Radar Maintenan
Long Title: Maintenance of Radar and Radio Communications Systems for Ocean going ships
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5252 - Marine Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the learner with the knowledge and skills needed to provide first and second line maintenance of all modern X-band and S-band radar systems and Radio communications systems found on large ocean going ships. While no prior knowledge of radio systems is assumed, it is a requirement that the learner would already have completed a basic course in electrical and electronic engineering.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and features of radio & radar systems from the generation and transmission of radio & radar signals to the propagation, detection/reception, processing of radio and radar signals, display and plotting of targets of radar signals.
LO2 Draw block diagrams and explain the function and operation of all the major sub-systems of X-band and S-band radars found on board ocean going ships.
LO3 Draw block diagrams and explain the function of all major terrestrial and satellite radio systems found on board deep-sea ships
LO4 Source and use technical documentation and manufacturers service manuals for interpretation and understanding of system operation and performance, for preventative and corrective maintenance procedures and for implementation of, and compliance with relevant safety protocols and practices.
LO5 Work alone and in teams to carry out inspections, tests, measurements, repair and re-calibration of a representative range of systems.
LO6 Compile technical reports and logs of system performance and fault conditions, liaise with shore-based engineering personnel, maintain an appropriate inventory of spare parts and source and order replacement modules/components in accordance with manufacturers specifications.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
A GMDSS General Operators Certificate is required so that the student is licenced to operate the equipment for testing purposes.
 
Indicative Content
Basic principles
Principle of detection and ranging of targets using radio waves. S-band and X-band frequencies, properties and characteristics. Generation of radar signals, transmission, propagation, detection, radar range equation. Processing and display of targets. Basic concepts of ARPA. Radio waves, frequency, wavelength, frequency bands, channeling systems. Propagation. Carrier generation and modulation. Transmission. Antennas. Reception. Demodulation and processing.
Marine radar systems
Ship-board radar systems, power supply units, transceiver unit - microwave devices, transmitter, waveguide and antenna, rotational system, receiver. Processing and display units. Microcontrollers and bus protocols. Interfacing to external devices - gyro, GPS, speed log, ECDIS. Block diagrams and system/sub-system description. Schematic diagrams and manufacturers' documentation. Introduction to radar system operation, system performance checks, maladjustment and observational errors.
Marine radio systems
Terrestrial radio communications systems, radiotelephony, NBDP, active and passive antenna systems, AIS transponders, main, emergency and reserve power supplies. Inmarsat satellite systems. Block diagrams and system/sub system description. Schematic diagrams and manufacturers' documentation.
Maintenance procedures and practices
Use of technical manuals, specifications and documentation. Preventative maintenance procedures. Equipment fault diagnosis and localisation. Proper/safe use of standard test/measurement equipment. Inspection, test, measurement, adjustment and calibration of all radio & radar systems, power supplies and antenna units. Use of built-in test facilities/routines. Repair/replacement of modules or components as appropriate. Compliance with safety protocols and codes of practice. Preparation of technical records and reports. Liaise with external technical expertise. Maintain spares inventory and order replacement modules/components as required.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
A one-hour assessment comprising a number of short quiz-type questions
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 4,5,6
Assessment Description
Practical/Skills Evaluation lab reports A week-by-week assessment of practical competency through laboratory based assignments with formal lab reports
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4,5,6
Assessment Description
A practical exam involving fault identification on marine radio and radar systems
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Two one-hour lectures on theory and system description Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact One three-hour lab on practical system maintenance and performance Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of reports and logs of practical work in the lab Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Frederick L. Gould. (1995), Radar for technicians, TAB Books, New York, [ISBN: 0-07-024062-0].
  • Daire Brunicardi,. (2012), Radar and AIS for Watchkeeping Officers, first ed. Brown, Son & Ferguson, LTD., p.440, [ISBN: 9781849270274].
  • Alan Bole, Bill Dineley, Alan Wall. (2005), Radar and ARPA manual, [ISBN: 0-75-066434-7].
  • Arrl (Corporate Author). The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications 2011, [ISBN: 978-0872590953].
  • International Maritime Organization,. (2002), General Requirements and Performance Standards for Shipborne Radiocommunications and Navigational Equipment, [ISBN: 9-28-015139-8].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMAEL_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Electrotechnology 6 Group Elective 1