When using an ARPA, what should you consider in order to evaluate the information displayed?

The second choice emphasizes the importance of understanding navigational constraints that can affect a target vessel’s movement. When using an Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) system, it is crucial to recognize that vessels maneuver according to various regulations, environmental factors, traffic conditions, and safety measures. Such constraints might compel a target vessel to adjust its course or speed, which could significantly impact the vessel’s interaction with other targets.

By taking these factors into consideration, an operator can better predict potential actions of other vessels, assess collision risks, and make informed navigational decisions. Evaluation of the displayed information from ARPA should be grounded in the knowledge that target behavior may not always align with the simple data observed on the screen, which fundamentally involves interpreting the situational context of maritime navigation.