ARPA Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep Guide

Question: 1 / 400

Which factors can cause "false echoes" in ARPA readings?

Wind speed and compass headings

Sea clutter, rain, and interference from other electronic devices

The presence of false echoes in ARPA readings can be attributed to several environmental and technical factors, primarily sea clutter, rain, and interference from other electronic devices. Sea clutter occurs when waves and water surface conditions reflect radar signals, resulting in misleading readings of targets that are not actually present. Rain can similarly scatter radar waves, creating ghost signals.

Additionally, interference from other electronic devices can disrupt radar performance by generating spurious signals that the ARPA system might misinterpret. These conditions generate echoes that do not correlate with real objects or vessels in the vicinity, thus affecting the accuracy of the radar assessment and situational awareness. Understanding these sources of false echoes is crucial for navigators to interpret ARPA data correctly and make informed navigational decisions.

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Water depth and temperature changes

Vessel maintenance and fuel quality

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