What is the purpose of a radar reflector on a small boat?

• A. To reinforce the hull with a radar-rated coating.
• B. To increase radar visibility and improve detection by other vessels in poor visibility.
• C. To strengthen the hull.
• D. To power the radar system.

Answer: (B)

Radar reflectors are passive devices that make a small boat show up on another vessel’s radar by bouncing radar waves back toward the source. Small boats have hulls that reflect radar weakly, so they can be hard to detect in poor visibility. A reflector, especially a corner or dihedral design, increases the boat’s radar cross-section so it is more likely to be seen on radar screens, helping to prevent collisions in fog, night, or other low-visibility conditions. It isn’t used to reinforce or strengthen the hull, and it doesn’t power the radar system.