Chapter 5    VARIOUS FUNCTIONS 
1
4 
  Relative Vector and True Vector 
From two points of view, collision prediction and avoidance, it is necessary to obtain the relative vector of 
other ship for prediction and the true vector of other ship for collision avoidance in order to grasp other 
ship's aspect. 
The relationship between the relative vector and true vector is shown in Fig. 5-24-3. Furthermore, the 
meanings of both vectors are described. 
Both rough CPA and TCPA can be obtained easily from the relative speed vector of other ship. This 
method has an advantage that the risks of collision with all other ships within the radar range can be seen 
at a glance. On the other hand, the course and    speed    of other ship can easily be obtained from its true 
speed vector, enabling other ship's aspect to be seen at a glance. Thus, the aspects of other ships 
(transverse, out sail, parallel run, reverse run, etc. ) as described in the act of prevention of collision at 
sea can be readily grasped. If there is a risk of collision with other ship, the operator can determine which 
rule to be applied and how to operate own ship. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fig. 5-24-3 Relative Vector and True Vector 
 
  Radar and Collision Avoidance 
Radar is still playing an important roll for collision prevention and positioning. 
A plotter is used to further enhance the radar functionality. The plotter is capable of plotting other 
positions of other ships in 3 to 6 minute intervals to monitor their movement. The plots of other ships 
represent their tracks relative to own ship, and it is shown whether there is a risk of collision, namely CPA 
and TCPA can be obtained. This method using a plotter is fairly effective, but the number of target ship, 
which are manually plotted, is limited and it takes several minutes to measure those.