Published on: 20 October 2022
The MCA has published updated guidance on the carriage and use of radar reflectors on vessels under 15m in length. The updated Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) 349 amendment 1 is for small vessels under 15m and under 150 Gross Tonnage (GT). MGN 349 was initially published following the tragic loss of the yacht ‘Ouzo’ in August 2006 and the subsequent recommendations by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) investigation, including a study they commissioned QinetiQ to undertake into the most appropriate choice of radar reflector for their craft aimed predominantly at the yachting community.
This guidance advises on the recommended installation of radar reflectors on vessels less than 15m in overall length. Containing an explanation of the ISO 8729 standards – Marine radar reflectors with part 1 looking at passive radar reflector types and part 2 looking at active types.
The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Safety of Life At Sea convention, 1974 (SOLAS) Chapter V Regulation 19.2.1.7 states that a ship shall have:
‘if less than 150 gross tonnage and if practicable, a radar reflector, or other means, to enable detection by ships navigating by radar at both 9 and 3 GHz’.
- The loss of the yacht ‘Ouzo’ and her crew highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of poor radar visibility of small vessels.
- All small craft should consider fitting, where practicable, the most effective and appropriate radar reflector or radar target enhancer (RTE) for their circumstances; and ensure those comply with international standards.
MGN 349 amendment 1 details both the selection and the installation of radar reflectors and can be downloaded here.