Weekend Navigator - Course Description

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 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