Radar & Sensors
What surface search radar is primarily used for navigation and surface tracking?
SPS-73
What does CIC stand for and what is the primary mission?
Combat Information Center. Primary mission is to gather, process, display, evaluate, and disseminate information.
What does CPA stand for?
Closest Point of Approach.
In a crossing situation, which vessel is the stand-on vessel: the one with the other on its starboard or port side?
The vessel with the other on starboard side is the give-way; the one on the port is stand-on.
*Port (Red) stop, Stbd (Green) go.
What does FAC stand for and what is it typically armed with?
Fast Attack Craft, usually missile-equipped and highly maneuverable.
What radar is known as a 2-D air search radar with range and bearing only?
SPS-49
Which watchstander is responsible for surface contacts and collision avoidance while underway?
Shipping Officer.
What is the standard bearing system used in CIC?
Relative bearing system
What shape is displayed by a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver?
Ball-diamond-ball.
What is FIAC and how does it differ from FAC?
Fast Inshore Attack Craft: smaller, typically lightly armed or with crew-served weapons, and used in swarm tactics. (Cheaper)
What do STC and FTC control on radar displays?
STC (Sensitivity Time Control) reduces sea clutter near own ship; FTC (Fast Time Constant) reduces precipitation and weather clutter.
What is the primary function of the TIC?
Track all surface and air contacts and maintain the tactical picture.
If a contact's bearing remains constant while range decreases, what is happening?
A risk of collision exists.
At night what lights identify a vessel engaged in fishing (not trawling)?
Red over white lights.
What does COI stand for and what does it refer to?
Contact of Interest; any surface contact requiring further observation or investigation.
Define EMCON and its purpose.
Emissions Control; to reduce electronic emissions for tactical advantage.
What system is used in CIC for track management and tactical display?
GCCS-M (Global Command and Control Systems Maritime).
What are the three components of a relative motion triangle?
Own ship motion, contact motion, and relative motion.
Two vessels are head-on. What is each vessel required to do?
Alter course to starboard, for a port to port passing.
What is a CCOI and how is it prioritized?
Critical Contact of Interest; a COI deemed to pose an immediate or high-level threat based on intent or capability.
What is the maximum range of the SPS-49 radar in nautical miles?
Which watchstation is responsible for controlling and assisting aircraft in the vicinity?
AIC (Air Intercept Controller).
What is the standard reporting format for reporting a contact?
What is the arc of visibility and color for a starboard light?
Green light, 112.5 degrees.
What tactics are used to defend against FIAC threats?
Layered defense including visual ID, warning shots, maneuvering, and use of CIWS or crew-served weapons.