Since 1958 the Maritime Administration has continuously conducted instructions in use of collision avoidance radar for qualified U.S. seafaring personnel and representatives of interested Federal and State Agencies. Beginning in 1963, to facilitate the expansion of training capabilities and at the same time to provide the most modern techniques in training methods, radar simulators were installed in Maritime Administration's three region schools. It soon became apparent that to properly instruct the trainees, even with the advanced equipment, a standardize up-to-date instruction manual was needed. The first manual was later revised to serve both as a classroom textbook and as an onboard reference handbook. This newly updated manual, the fourth revision, in keeping with Maritime Administration policy, has been restructured to include improved and more effective methods of plotting techniques for use in Ocean, Great Lakes, Coastwise and Inland Waters navigation. Robert J. Blackwell Assistant Secretary for Maritime Affairs