Optimalisasi Penggunaan Alat Navigasi Radar untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Perwira Jaga pada Kondisi Cuaca Buruk di Kapal SPOB Bahtera Kapuas

Maritime navigation on the SPOB Bahtera Kapuas ship often faces challenges due to bad weather, such as heavy rain and fog, which reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. The use of radar as a navigation aid is crucial in these situations, but its effectiveness is often hampered by interference such as rain clutter. This study aims to identify the challenges associated with using radar navigation equipment during adverse weather, determine the factors leading to radar misinterpretation by the watch officer, and formulate measures to optimize radar usage on the vessel SPOB Bahtera Kapuas. A qualitative research method was employed, utilizing data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation review; data analysis involved data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that challenges in radar usage during adverse weather include the appearance of rain clutter, suboptimal settings for Gain, Rain Clutter, and Sea Clutter, reduced visibility, and an increased monitoring workload for the watch officer. Factors contributing to radar misinterpretation include the watch officer's lack of understanding regarding radar functions and settings relative to navigational conditions, as well as the absence of an onboard radar operation manual. To address these issues, the author proposes the creation of an ICOM Radar Operation Manual to serve as a usage guide and the implementation of an Operational Radar Log to record and evaluate radar usage during voyages. Furthermore, enhancing watch officer competence through training, familiarization, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for radar operation is expected to minimize misinterpretation, improve the effectiveness of navigational monitoring, and support navigational safety during adverse weather conditions.