The increasing environmental consciousness and the better attention paid to the primary resources (especially oil and raw materials) is one of the main drivers of the increase in vessel traffic. In addition the sea shipping is characterized by a good delivery rate and affordable operating costs in comparison with other transport means, i.e. by road, rail or air. For this reasons, the continuous increase of vessel traffic requires a high degree of control and an adequate assistance to the navigation, in order to ensure safety, reduction of risks for the environment, as well as an efficient navigation. The paper describes the evolution of the marine radar systems pointing out the advantages and the potential drawbacks due to the implementation of solid state technology in new generation of marine radars.