Automatic Radar Plotting Aids Suppliers

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids, or ARPA, are the collision-avoidance brain behind every modern ship's bridge. An ARPA radar tracks nearby vessels on its own. It works out how close they'll come (CPA) and when (TCPA), then warns the officer on watch before things get risky. 

SOLAS requires automatic radar plotting aid systems on most ships above 10,000 gross tonnes, and nearly every commercial vessel carries one. 

Because ARPA is both mandatory and safety-critical, choosing the right automatic radar plotting aids supplier matters as much as choosing the hardware itself. RecordsMarine has compiled a directory where shipowners and superintendents can browse vetted ARPA suppliers worldwide in one place.

How an ARPA Radar Keeps Your Bridge Safer

An ARPA radar turns raw radar signals into clear target data. It marks vessels on a collision course, shows their direction and speed, and sounds an alarm when one enters the guard zone. Crews depend on it at night, in poor visibility, and in busy shipping lanes, which is why even a small fault, like a worn trackball or a weak power supply, is treated as a serious issue.

What ARPA Suppliers Provide

Most suppliers on our platform handle more than a single product line. A full-service ARPA supplier typically offers:

• Complete ARPA radar systems for newbuilds and retrofits
• Replacement units for dockside or in-service swap-outs
• Core components such as magnetrons, transceivers, and display units
• Control hardware, including trackballs, keyboards, and scanner motors
• RF parts such as waveguides, rotary joints, and antennas
• Consumables like cooling fans, filters, and cables
• Installation, commissioning, and class-survey support

Some focus on a single manufacturer, while others cover several brands from stock.

Top ARPA Radar Brands on Commercial Vessels

Most commercial bridges use ARPA radar from a handful of trusted makers: Furuno, JRC, Kelvin Hughes, Raytheon Anschütz, Sperry Marine, Wärtsilä Voyage (formerly Transas), and Koden. Older models can be harder to support, so it helps to work with ARPA spare parts suppliers who cover several brands rather than just one.

How to Choose a Reliable ARPA Supplier

Not every seller offers genuine equipment, and fake components in a safety system are a real risk. Before you order, check each ARPA supplier against this short list:

• OEM authorisation or proof of trusted aftermarket sourcing
• Type-approval certificates matching IMO and IEC 62388 rules
• At least 12 months of warranty
• Delivery to ports worldwide with proper customs handling
• Technical support from engineers who know marine bridge systems
• A clear return policy on sealed electronic equipment

Standards That Govern ARPA Equipment

ARPA performance is set by two key rules: IMO Resolution A.823(19) and IEC 62388. Any unit or replacement part that affects how the system works must carry matching type approval. Class surveyors check for this at the annual radio survey. If the paperwork doesn't match, your certificate can be held up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ARPA suppliers handle installation and commissioning, or only the equipment itself?

Most focus on supply, but many work with partner service engineers who can arrange for you. If you need portside fitting, calibration, or a sea trial, ask about it at the quote stage; it's rarely bundled in by default.

What's the difference between an authorised dealer and an independent ARPA supplier?

Authorised dealers have a direct contract with the manufacturer and full access to the OEM catalogue. Independent suppliers often carry wider cross-brand stock and move faster on older models. 

Can we set up a long-term supply agreement with an ARPA supplier?

Yes. Most established suppliers welcome framework or blanket purchase agreements, especially from fleet operators. These deals usually lock in pricing, give you priority on scarce stock, and agree delivery windows across several vessels at once.

Do ARPA suppliers work directly with ship managers, or only with owners?

Both. Most are happy to invoice ship managers, procurement houses, or flag agents acting for the owner. 

Find ARPA Suppliers Near You

A failed radar unit can't wait for the next port call. The suppliers listed below carry type-approved ARPA equipment and deliver quickly to major ports. Pick one that covers your trading area and contact them directly for prices, stock, and lead times.