An advanced course in navigation and meteorology.
Subjects covered:
- Position
- Dead reckoning and estimated position.
- Satellite derived position.
- Use of waypoints to fix position.
- Radar fixes.
- Techniques of visual fixing.
- Fixes using a mixture of position lines.
- Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing.
- Areas of uncertainty
- The Magnetic Compass
- Allowance for variation.
- Change of variation with time and position.
- Causes of deviation.
- Compas checks for deviation but not correction.
- Allowance for deviation.
- Different types of compass.
- Tides
- Causes of tides – springs and neaps.
- Tide tables – sources.
- Tidal levels and datum.
- Standard and secondary ports.
- Tidal anomalies.
- Tidal Streams
- Sources of tidal information.
- Tidal stream information in sailing directions and yachtsmen’s almanacs.
- Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer.
- Tide rips, overfalls and races.
- Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.<
- Buoyage
- IALA system buoyage in Region A and B.
- Limitations of buoys as navigational aids.
- Light
- Characteristics.
- Ranges – visual, luminous and nominal.
- Rising and dipping distances.
- Light Lists.
- Pilotage
- Harbour regulations and control signals.
- Methods of pre-planning.
- Clearing lines.
- Use of Soundings.
- Transits and leading lines.
- GNSS and Chart Plotters
- Principles of operation and limitations of use.
- Raster and vector charts.
- Datum.
- The importance of secondary means of position fixing via an independent source and keeping a separate record of position.
- The importance of paper charts.
- Echo Sounder
- Principle of operation and limitations of use.
- Rotating neon, dial and pointer, recording.
- Reduction of soundings.
- “Second trace” echoes.
- Logs (Speed and Distance Measuring)
- Types and principles of operation, comparison of towed, pressure, impeller and sonic.
- Deck Log
- The importance of log as vessel’s official document.
- Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries.
- Meteorology
- Basic terms, the Beaufort Scale.
- Air masses.
- Cloud types.
- Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems.
- Sources of weather forecasts.
- Ability to interpret a shipping forecast. weatherfax and weather satellite information.
- Land and sea breezes.
- Sea fog.
- Use of a barometer as a forecasting aid.
- Rules of the Road
- A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for the preventing Collisions at sea except Annexes 1 and 3.
- Safety at Sea
- Personal safety, use of life jackets, harnesses and lifelines.
- Fire prevention and fire fighting.
- Distress signals.
- Coast guard and Boat Safety Scheme.
- Preparation for heavy weather.
- Life raft and helicopter rescue.
- Understanding the capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability.
- Navigating in restricted Visibility
- Precautions to be taken in fog.
- Limitations to safe navigation imposed by fog.
- Navigation strategy in poor visibility.
- Passage Planning
- Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and for use on passage at sea.
- Customs regulations as they apply to yachts.
- Routine for navigation in coastal waters.
- Strategy for course laying.
- Use of visual confirmation of waypoints and routes.
- Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy.
- Sources of local and national regulations.
- Marine Environment
- The responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment.