Andrew Ridley, Conservancy Operations Manager for the Authority, first insisted Echomax arrays be fitted into all the new Eason Marine buoys he was then in the process of ordering. Eason Marine modified their top marks and cases to suit the Echomax EM230/305 arrays. Since they were positioned, Ridley has received favourable unsolicited comments as to the units' radar response and visibility.

Trials have confirmed that the radar response from the Eason polyethylene 2.4m maintenance free buoy fitted with Echomax arrays was equal to or better than 3m steel buoys fitted with 32in octahedral reflectors. Eason Marine now recommend Echomax arrays as standard fitting on all their new polyethylene buoys.

Mr Ridley was also concerned about a reflector fitted to his new pilot boat providing inconsistent response, resulting in a loss of traces on the VTS radar. There was insufficient mast height to fix a standard Echomax EM305 so a customised 305 was fitted into a GRP roof box/mast support.

Although additional height above sea level would have been beneficial, the EM305 is reported as giving a much improved response signal. An EM305 fitted to a fixed wooden finger jetty at Tees & Hartlepool has enhanced the radar signal through all tidal states and avoids the reflection being lost when a combination of high tide and sea clutter would otherwise cause problems for approaching vessels.

MJ Information No: 17603