Weekend Navigator
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Weekend Navigator
Course is a comprehensive course designed for both
the experienced and novice powerboat and sailboat
operators. The course is divided into two major parts
designed to educate the boating enthusiast in skills
required for a safe voyage on a variety of waters and
boating conditions. This course can be taught as a
whole or as separate modules.
Topics included in Part I
What is navigation – Three steps of navigation and
piloting without electronics
Fundamental of waypoint navigation – Practice using a
sample cruise exercise, GPS, avoiding hazards, and
using landmarks
The tools of navigation – Use of nautical charts
including scales, chart symbology, ATONs, plotting
tools, GPS, compass, and other electronicswithout
electronics
Topics included in Part II
Planning with GPS and paper charts – Planning and
paper charts, chart plotting, and entering waypoints
into your GPS
Planning with digital charts – Using digital charts,
cruise planning software, chart planning software,
working with digital charts, chart plotters, and PDA’s
Planning to avoid danger – Defining the area, marking
obstacles, and marking landmarks
Underway with GPS and paper charts – Steps in
waypoint navigation, staying on course, navigating a
route with GPS, navigating in a region, marking
objects, and keeping track
Underway with digital charts – Using a chart plotter
underway, PDA’s and pocket PC’s, and the future of
onboard computers
Double-checking with instruments – Making quick
observations and more accurate bearings
Eye of the mariner – Use of headings, ranges,
bearings, collision bearings, and rules of the road
What to do if the GPS quits – Knowing when to stop
and regroup, plan before proceeding, and navigating
without GPS
Planning as you go with GPS – Finding where you are
and how to plot a safe path to a new destination
Tides, winds, and currents – Knowledge of tides and
tidal currents, adjusting for tides and tidal currents,
and winds, waves, and other unpredictable events
Navigating with radar – Range settings for recreational
boaters, the radar display, collision avoidance, and
navigating with radar
Using depth in navigation – Using depth sounders
versus sonars and fish finders, and navigating with
depth sounders
Using the radio in navigation – How to use a radio in
an emergency, use of the weather radio, and fixed
versus handheld VHF
Using an electronic compass – Types of electronic
compasses and using the electronic compass for
navigation
Using an autopilot in navigation – How to navigate with
an autopilot
Navigating harbors and channels with electronics –
Importance of good visibility and operating under
limited visibility
Navigating under adverse conditions – Operating
under limited visibility and influence of the wind and
seas
A last word in avoiding danger – Importance and use
of electronic alarms and visual observations
Other instrumentation in navigation – Use of weather
instruments
Connecting it all together – Basic electronic
interconnection and high speed connection
Many insurance companies will offer discounts on boat
insurance to individuals who successfully complete this
course. Individuals who successfully complete the
course and exam are awarded certificates and cards.e
All classes held at the Clinton Police
Department, East Main Street at Route 145, Clinton, Connecticut unless
otherwise noted.
Classes will start PROMPTLY at 9:00 AM.
Pre-registration is required:
visit our website http://clintonflotilla.webs.com PAYMENTS; Pre-registration: Credit Cards. CC cancellation fee $5.00 per transaction.
Day of Class:Exact cash amount accepted.
WE CANNOT
MAKE CHANGE.
CHECKS ONLY MADE
OUT TO:
USCG AUX CLINTON.
02/27/10 |
Weekend Navigator | $65 |
$80 |
|---|---|---|---|
11/20/10 |
Weekend Navigator | $65 |
$80 |
Schedule is subject to change visit our website for
updated information www.boatsafect.com,
or call Tom @ 860-262-0688.
PLEASE
REGISTER AND PRE-PAY EARLY, CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED.
Basic & Advanced Coastal Navigation, Boating Skills & Seamanship, Boating Fun, GPS for Mariners, How to Read a Nautical Chart, Let's Go Sailing, PaddleSmart, PWC Safe Operation, Waypoints, and other courses may be offered if our boaters are interested in learning about these topics.
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