Sailing Lesson Overview
Coastal Navigation (ASA 105)
Prerequisites: 101, 103, & 104
Required reading: 'Coastal Navigation & Piloting'
by Tom Tursi.
(For a clear, straight-forward presentation of most of this material see chapters 9-12 of 'Annapolis Book of Seamanship' by John Rousmaniere. Order both books from our Ship's Store.General Description: Able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal waters. There are no sailing skills required. The practical application comes in Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106).
All terms below are described in the Glossary.
Sailing Knowledge
Almost everything listed below is explained in depth in the category Navigation and sub-pages.
Explain chart symbols and conventions on U.S. nautical charts in accordance with chart #1.
Identify a source of U.S. Coast Guard navigation publications.
List publications required for proper navigation in the local area including the following minimum requirements:
- Chart #1.
- Large scale charts of the area.
- Federal requirements for vessels.
- Navigation Rules.
- State vessel regulations.
- Local rules and regulations.
- Local sailing directions.
- Tide and current tables.
- List of lights, buoys, and fog signals.
List instruments required for prudent navigation in the local area including the following minimum requirements:
- Steering compass and deviation table.
- Handbearing compass and pelorus.
- Binoculars.
- Protractor and parallel rule.
- Depth sounder and leadline.
- Pencil, eraser, and notebook.
- Dividers.
- Watch or timekeeping device.
- Log/knotmeter.
Describe how to use 'Notice to Mariners'.
Use the tide and current tables to find:
- Times and heights of tides at reference and secondary stations.
- Set and drift of current at reference and secondary stations.
Be able to convert courses and bearings between true, magnetic, and compass.
Check compass deviation using such means as a transit bearing.
Plot a dead reckoning position on a chart using speed, time and course.
Allowing for current and leeway, plot the estimated position.
Determine a course to steer which takes current and leeway into account.
Determine the current given course and speed and two observed positions.
Plot a chart position from objects using:
- Two or more bearings on different objects taken at one time.
- Bearings at different times (running fix).
- One bearing and a transit range.
- One distance (sounding, dipping of a light, distance off, etc.) and one bearing.
Use the above techniques to chart a course of at least 20 miles and 3 course changes.
Explain the terms and characteristics used for lighted aids to navigation.
Explain the significance of shapes, colors, and lights used in aids to navigation.