Basic Chart Plotting
In this course, students will become familiar with marine navigational charts and the use of parallel rulers and dividers to establish a dead reckoning (DR) course from departure to destination. The use of electronic navigation is encouraged; however, if these systems become inoperable, a paper navigational chart is needed to find your location. Students will learn the use and implementation of the Distance divided by Speed times Time (D/SXT) formula in constructing the DR course. Pre-voyage and underway course management will also be covered. This course is designed for those individuals with little or no navigational experience or can be used as a basic refresher of DR construction.
Rules of the Road
The Rules of the Road (also known as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, or COLREGs) are regulations that help mariners navigate waterways. The Rules serve as a foundation for preventing collisions at sea, and understanding the Rules of the Road for the mariner is paramount. Students will learn how to safely navigate Inland and International waters, identify Navigational Lights, Day Shapes, and Sounds, to mention a few. As mariners, it is our responsibility to use all means available, as circumstances may permit, to avoid collisions, communicate with other vessels of maneuvering intentions, and identify which vessel has the right of way in a given circumstance. For those individuals considering the Radar Plotting course, it is strongly recommended that the Rules of the Road course and Basic Chart Plotting be taken first.
Radar Plotting
In this course, students will learn to interpret targets on the radar screen and plot them on a Radar Transfer Plotting Sheet. Target identification, target threat, vessel’s relative motion, relative speed, true course, and true speed will be discussed and plotted. Course change and speed change of our vessel and how to plot these changes will be covered. Radar on a vessel has many benefits: gaining a position fix, identifying inclement weather and its direction, entering an anchorage, are but a few uses. This course is designed to teach students how to plot targets found on a radar screen and, if required, maneuver your vessel accordingly to prevent collision. Students should be familiar with the Rules of the Road and Basic Chart Plotting before taking this course.