BS ISO 8729-1:2010 Ships and marine technology. Marine radar reflectors. Passive type
It is recognized that small vessels, often made of glass reinforced plastic (GRP), can be poor reflectors of radar signals. In situations where radar is the prime observation tool used by ships at sea, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) considers that it is essential that small vessels, considered in this context to be those under 150 gross tonnage, be equipped with a radar reflector to enhance their radar return and thus to improve their visibility to radar.
BS ISO 8729-1 is an International Standard which specifies the minimum requirements for a radar reflector intended to enhance returns from small vessels as required by IMO Resolution MSC. 164(78).
It provides the specification for the construction, performance, testing, inspection and installation of such radar reflectors.
There are two types of radar reflector: passive and active. Passive reflectors are mechanical, whereas active reflectors have an electronic element. BS ISO 8729-1 concerns passive reflectors.
Requirements that have been extracted from IMO Resolution MSC. 164(78) Revised performance standards for radar reflectors are printed in italics.
Contents of BS ISO 8729-1:
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Construction
4.1 Structure and materials
4.2 Enclosed size of the reflector for small-craft
4.3 Colour
5 Performance requirements
5.1 General requirements
5.2 Reflecting pattern in horizontal plane
5.3 Environmental requirements
6 Inspection and type tests
6.1 Visual inspection
6.2 Test site
6.3 Environmental tests
6.4 Performance tests
6.5 Mechanical strength test
7 Installation
7.1 Method
7.2 Positioning check
7.3 Mounting height check
7.4 Mass check
7.5 Size check
8 Manual
9 Marking
Annex A (normative) Mounting height of the reflectors
Annex B (informative) Example diagrams
Annex C (informative) Stated performance level
Annex D (informative) Equivalent requirements in this part of ISO 8729 and IMO Resolution MSC. 164(78)
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