Marine Navigation: Radar, Gyrocompass and ECDIS

MNE 105 introduces technicians to the core principles and operational aspects of advanced marine navigation equipment. The curriculum covers the theory of radar operation, including signal propagation, display interpretation, and collision avoidance techniques. Students will explore the physics and engineering behind gyroscopic compasses, their stabilization, and integration with other ship systems, alongside an overview of satellite-based compass technologies. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to electronic charting systems (ECS), encompassing data standards, display functionalities, route planning, and monitoring. Practical hands-on labs reinforce theoretical concepts, providing experience with system setup, calibration, and troubleshooting. The course culminates in a capstone project applying acquired knowledge to a realistic marine navigation scenario.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

MNE 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Marine Navigation Systems and Principleslecture

02Lesson 2: Principles of Marine Radar and Signal Propagationlecture

03Lesson 3: Radar Display Interpretation and Target Trackinglecture

04Hands-on Lab: Radar Operation and Basic Collision Avoidancelab

05Lesson 5: Advanced Radar Features and Environmental Factorslecture

06Lesson 6: Gyroscopic Principles and Gyrocompass Operationlecture

07Lesson 7: Satellite Compass Technology and Performance Characteristicslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Compass System Calibration and Verificationlab

09Lesson 9: Fundamentals of Electronic Chart Systems (ECS)lecture

10Lesson 10: ECS Chart Data, Display Management, and Route Planninglecture

11Hands-on Lab: Electronic Chart System Route Creation and Monitoringlab

12Lesson 12: Integration of Navigation Systems and Data Managementlecture

13Lesson 13: System Troubleshooting and Maintenance Best Practiceslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Integrated Navigation Scenarioassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Marine Navigation Systems and Principles","Week 2: Lesson 2: Principles of Marine Radar and Signal Propagation","Week 3: Lesson 3: Radar Display Interpretation and Target Tracking","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Radar Operation and Basic Collision Avoidance","Week 5: Lesson 5: Advanced Radar Features and Environmental Factors","Week 6: Lesson 6: Gyroscopic Principles and Gyrocompass Operation","Week 7: Lesson 7: Satellite Compass Technology and Performance Characteristics","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Compass System Calibration and Verification","Week 9: Lesson 9: Fundamentals of Electronic Chart Systems (ECS)","Week 10: Lesson 10: ECS Chart Data, Display Management, and Route Planning","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Electronic Chart System Route Creation and Monitoring","Week 12: Lesson 12: Integration of Navigation Systems and Data Management","Week 13: Lesson 13: System Troubleshooting and Maintenance Best Practices","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Integrated Navigation Scenario"]