Casco Bay Flotilla

OpenCPN is a powerful and free for laptop ($10 for android tablets) public domain marine chartplotter navigation program that is used for planning and navigating. It utilizes updated and free navigation charts downloaded directly from NOAA. OpenCPN is loaded with features, is real world tested and runs on laptops and tablets. It was developed by boaters for boaters and is continuously updated.

This 3 evening course will allow students to learn how to install, configure and customize OpenCPN and how to create, modify and export routes and waypoints. Skills will be developed through hands-on exercises.

NOTE: Students must install OpenCPN on their laptop or tablet prior to the first class. Please wait until the first session to install NOAA charts. Downloading and installing the program is simple. Please follow the instructions at this link. You must successfully install the program prior to the first class. https://opencpn.org/OpenCPN/info/downloadopencpn.html

NOTE: After successful installation of the program, students should purchase a "puck" GPS antenna for the course if a laptop will be used to run OpenCPN. This antenna is a USB GPS receiver that allows a Laptop to function as a chartplotter. The recommended antenna is: USGlobalSat BU-353-N USB GNSS GPS Receiver. It is available at TheGPSStore.com and from other vendors.

OpenCPN will run on Android and Windows tablets that have a built-in GPS antenna. OpenCPN will not currently run on an iphone or ipad.

Topics Include:

• NOAA ENC chart download and installation
• Updating software and nautical charts
• Connecting external GPS antenna to laptop
• Using OpenCPN with Tablets
• Integrating AIS with OpenCPN
• Detailed explanation of all configuration options
• In-depth explanation of Menu bars and Screen Icon Functions
• Practice creating and modifying Routes and Waypoints
• Activating routes and underway navigation
• Sharing of routes and waypoints.
• Plugins