Weekend Navigator is a 10 week instructor-led hands-on course that teaches the timeless techniques of traditional navigation so you never have to rely solely on electronics. You will also learn how to apply electronic navigation tools and how to use and understand nautical charts. Class exercises are based on nautical charts of Casco Bay in Maine.

Navigation is about much more than just using a chart or a GPS; it's about understanding your environment, anticipating challenges, and making informed decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. You will learn how to plot a course, read a chart, take bearings and navigate using piloting techniques. You will learn how to use devices like a chart plotter, radar, AIS and VHF radio and how to apply the Rules of the Road. You will learn how to create your own customized paper charts using the NOAA Custom Chart tool. Instructors continuously update this course with external content to keep it fresh and up to date.

Instructions for required course materials are coming soon!

Topics:

1.Introduction to Navigation, Fundamentals of Waypoint Navigation, Tools required for Class.

2.Charts, Plotting Tools, Compass Rose, Plotting Exercises.

3.Calculating Distance, Marine Compasses, Aids to Navigation, Meaning of Water Depth and Height, Plotting a Course with Multiple Legs, Introduction of Major Class Project.

4.Initial Debrief on Class Project, Summer Thunderstorms, Introduction to OpenCPN and Electronic Navigation.

5.Creating customized paper charts with NOAA Custom Chart app, Basics of Chartplotter use, Fuel Management.

6.Chartplotter Setup and Use, Bearings and Establishing a Fix, Avoiding Danger.

7.Avoiding Danger (Con’t), Tides and Currents, Calculating Set and Drift.

8.Radar Topics, Running in Fog

9.Using Depth to Navigate, AIS, VHF Radios, EPIRB’s

10.Networking, Boat monitoring, Rules of the Road

Weekend Navigator - UPDATED