Nautical Navigation

Advice
#1

Although I’m far from having the experience and confidence to handle large open water, I do find that I’m getting quite interested in learning the basics of nautical navigation. I did a small amount of internet searching and found this site that offers this course.



http://www.boatsafe.com/navigation/index.htm



Wondering if anybody has taken this course or heard anything + or - from others who have.



Also, can anybody suggest some good online sites that might cover basic nautical navigation how-to, tips,reading a nautical chart, etc.?



Thanks in advance!



Chip

#2

here is one
http://www.canoestories.com/mapindex.htm

More designed to inlandlakes, but the same principles apply to coastal cruising.

#3

Navigation
Go look for this book at chapters.com, Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation by David Burch

#4

coast guard
the coast guard auxilliary in your area will probably offer a class on coastal and advanced coastal navigation. the cost of the class is free - yes…free, except for the materials you will need. there is a book/study guide and then the practice chart (TR1610?) that has chart #1 on the back that shows the different icons used throughout all the NOAA charts.



they offer an excellent introdution into the world of nav.



mind you, even after having taken it, i have known to “discover” islands that weren’t exactly what i was looking for…but never the less interesting, in my time on the water!



have fun!

#5

Another book
by Lee Moyer is good for basic navigation. Both this one and Burche’s are available from Sea Kayak Mag.



seakayakermag.com



Jim

#6

Coast guard exam prep course
As mentioned above, there are good books. Also, a very thorough way to learn would be to enroll in a Coast Guard Captains License prep course. These are readily available and I think they’d let you sit in on various class sessions for a reduced rate, as you are not actually teting for your Masters licence. What you will learn about the “Rules”, navigation, etc., will put you way ahead of most paddlers, and I think you would find the experience extremely valuable on many levels. Perhaps the auxilliary can do likewise, though I doubt as thoroughly. Good luck.

#7

Here is a good one
http://www.atlantickayaktours.com/Pages/ExpertCenter/Navigation/Navigation-1.shtml

I found this very useful . Nice site.

FishHawk