Whether you plan to use modern electronics or traditional navigation techniques, there is a core set of knowledge and skills that will help make you a safe and prudent navigator.
This course covers all the requirements defined in Sail Canada’s Basic Coastal Navigation standard. Once you pass the official exam, you will be certified according to this standard, which is a prerequisite for Intermediate (or bareboat) Cruising. You will also be prepared to learn more in-depth knowledge and skills in Intermediate Coastal Navigation.
This course tests you on the fundamentals of navigation, how to read a chart, and how to plot a course.
Publications to be carried on board
Common Aids to Navigation
Buoys, including Cardinal Buoys
Day Marks
Use of a Leading Light or Range Light
Using the Scale in the Header Block of a chart
Basic chart symbols and abbreviations from Chart No 1
Factors to be considered in a Pilotage Plan
Anchor depth in tidal waters
Extending the Variation on the Compass Rose on a chart to current date
Causes of compass deviation
Using Current and Tide Tables
Using Tidal Diamonds
Using Secondary Tidal information
Basic GPS concepts
Plot a course and determine ETA given a departure point, time, and destination
Plotting a 3 bearing fix
Plotting Waypoints
Plotting Danger Bearings
IMPORTANT!!!
Required: This course uses 2 different charts for questions which will be required in order to complete several questions.
Canadian Chart CHS 3463, Strait of Georgia, Southern Portion
Canadian Chart CHS 9997, Cape Hurd to Lonely Island
These are available at many CHS locations in Canada, USA, UK, and Japan. Search online for Purchase charts for navigation - Canadian Hydrographic Service. There you will be able to find a source near you or one that can ship the charts to you.