What action should you take if the ARPA shows a loss of tracked targets?

When the ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids) shows a loss of tracked targets, the most appropriate action is to confirm that the targets are indeed lost and not obscured. This step is crucial because it helps to ensure that the loss of targets is not due to a temporary issue, such as poor visibility or screen clutter due to environmental factors like rain, fog, or wave interference.

Confirming the status of the targets allows the navigator to make informed decisions based on accurate data. If targets are merely obscured rather than lost, the vessel can continue to monitor the situation without taking unnecessary or disruptive actions. This approach also prevents the navigator from potentially overreacting to a temporary issue, which could lead to unwarranted changes in navigation or vessel behavior.

Taking any other action, such as adjusting radar settings, re-initializing the system, or maintaining course and speed without verification, could lead to misinterpretation of the situation and possibly compromise safety. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes thorough assessment before proceeding with further navigational actions.