How does ARPA handle multiple targets in terms of track management?

• A. It can automatically plot, track, and assess collision risk for multiple targets simultaneously.
• B. It tracks only one target at a time.
• C. It tracks only AIS-supported targets.
• D. It requires manual input for all targets.

Answer: (A)

The main point is that ARPA is built to manage more than one target at once. Its processor automatically plots targets on the radar, assigns and maintains separate tracks for each target, and continuously evaluates collision risk for those tracks. This means you see multiple projected paths and can compare CPA and TCPA values for each target relative to your own ship, all in real time. The system handles updates from each target, filters out unwanted echoes, and keeps the track data current so you can decide safely on avoidance maneuvers.

This is why the option stating automatic plotting, tracking, and collision-risk assessment for multiple targets simultaneously is the best fit. The other possibilities don’t reflect ARPA’s capability to handle several targets at once, nor its automatic tracking and risk assessment features, and they imply reliance on manual input or limited target sets that ARPA does not require or restrict to AIS-only targets.