Automatic Radar Plotting Aids Service Providers

Every ARPA unit on a commercial ship needs more than just installation. Regular testing, calibration, fault diagnosis, and the occasional urgent repair must be carried out by engineers qualified to work on safety-critical bridge equipment.

Under SOLAS, Automatic Radar Plotting Aids are mandatory on most vessels above 10,000 gross tonnes, and any fault has to be cleared before the ship can safely sail. That's the role of automatic radar plotting aids service providers.

RecordsMarine has created a directory where shipowners, superintendents, and technical managers can find vetted service providers across all major port regions.

Services You Can Book Through an ARPA Provider

Most service companies cover both onboard and workshop work. A typical scope starts with installation and commissioning on newbuilds, annual radio survey attendance alongside class surveyors, and day-to-day fault diagnosis. Engineers also handle magnetron and transceiver replacement, antenna alignment, scanner servicing, and power supply or PCB swaps when a unit starts failing.

Beyond hardware, providers carry out software and firmware updates, IEC 62388 performance testing, and integration work between the ARPA and nearby radar, ECDIS, or VDR systems. End-of-life removal is normally provided by ARPA service companies separately.

When Your Vessel Needs ARPA Service

It's easy to assume the ARPA is working fine until the alarm sounds. In practice, service is booked at a few predictable points: before class approval on a newbuild or retrofit, at every annual radio survey, and after any major fault or target-tracking error.

Lightning strikes and electrical surges are common triggers, too, as well as bridge upgrades that change how the ARPA talks to nearby equipment. Crews heading into busy traffic separation schemes often schedule a precautionary check before they sail.

What to Look For in an ARPA Service Provider

A service failure on a safety-critical system is worse than a parts failure. When our experts vet service providers for the directory, the non-negotiables are:

• Manufacturer-certified engineers (Furuno, JRC, Sperry Marine, Raytheon Anschütz, and others)
• Flag state and class society approvals
• A clear emergency attendance process, ideally 24/7
• Engineers based in or near your regular ports
• Written service reports accepted by class surveyors
• Transparent pricing that separates labour, parts, and travel

Response Times and Portside Attendance

Response time depends heavily on the port. In major hubs like Rotterdam, Singapore, or Houston, a qualified ARPA engineer can usually be onboard within 24 hours. In smaller ports, attendance may take two to five days, and sometimes the ship has to reroute or wait at anchorage. 

Remote troubleshooting over video call often narrows down the fault before the engineer arrives, which cuts billable hours once they step onboard.

Class and Flag State Requirements

ARPA testing forms part of the annual radio survey carried out by classification societies and flag state inspectors. 

The engineer's report has to confirm performance against IMO Resolution A.823(19) and IEC 62388 standards. Some flag states require specific engineer certification, and certain class societies only accept reports from approved service stations. So it's worth checking an APRA service provider's approvals before booking a pre-survey attendance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the engineer bring replacement parts, or should the ship have them in stock?

It depends on the job. For planned work like annual surveys, good providers arrive with expected consumables and likely-to-fail items. For unplanned faults, they often ask the ship to pre-order suspected parts to avoid a second attendance.

What paperwork should I expect after an ARPA service visit?

A complete service report with test results against IEC 62388 parameters, a signed checklist, and any manufacturer-specific calibration data. Many providers also issue a certificate accepted by the classification society for survey purposes.

What happens if the ARPA unit is too old to service economically?

Experienced providers will tell you when a repair no longer makes sense. Once OEM parts are discontinued or refurbishment costs pass half the price of a new unit, they'll usually recommend replacement and quote both options side by side.

Find ARPA Service Providers Near You

The right service company can be the difference between a two-hour fix and a missed sailing. Browse the providers listed below, filter them, and contact them directly to confirm engineer availability and attendance costs.