Evolution of marine radar: Practical effects on vessel traffic safety

Sea shipping is characterized by a good delivery rate and affordable operating costs in comparison with other transport means, i.e. by road, rail or air. Hence, the continuous increase of vessel traffic, also related to the increasing environmental consciousness and the better attention paid to the primary resources (especially oil and raw materials), requires a high degree of control and an adequate assistance to the navigation, in order to ensure safety, reduction of risks for the environment, as well as an efficient navigation. The paper describes the evolution of the marine radar systems pointing out some potential drawbacks due to the implementation of solid state technology in next generation marine radars, with related interference problems.