This is a multi-class sequence involving three hours of classroom-based instruction, typically held in one evening session, followed by a half-day on the water session. The classroom sessions introduce basic nautical terms and navigation rules, and cover the fundamentals of charts and methods of navigation. We cover concepts such as geographic positioning based on latitude and longitude, true and magnetic bearings, the use of basic navigation tools such as charts, compass and watch. We describe how to read a nautical chart and learn to identify some of the common chart symbols that occur in our area. The fundamentals of navigation based on piloting, the use of ranges and lines of position, and ways of estimating speed are introduced.
The half-day practical session puts into practice the skills learned in the classroom sessions. We will learn how to recognize navigation aids and correlate what we see with what is on the chart. We will practice piloting, using ranges, navigation aids, chart and compass, and experience the important differences between classroom-based navigation and navigating from the cockpit of a kayak. The class will take place in generally calm conditions. |
