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