This classroom course is an introduction to Pilotage and Coastal Navigation using traditional methods. Emphasis is on navigating a cruising sailboat in coastal waters, but the material is applicable to both power and sailing vessels.

Participants can earn their US Sailing Coastal Navigation Certification after successful completion of a written test.

Coastal Navigation course takes place over on two weekends, January 27-28 and February 10-11, 2024:

• Weekend 1: Saturday - Sunday 8 - a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Weekend 2: Saturday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The course schedule includes: 

• Understanding Nautical Charts and methods to keep them updated
• Aids to coastal navigation
• Plotting courses, estimating and fixing position, and assessing effects of current and wind
• Planning a passage by incorporating the effects of current, tide, and weather
• Strategies for navigating underway and for arrival at a destination
• Planning for and managing risks
• Use of Electronic Aids to Navigation (GPS, Radar, AIS) and their limitations

The course fee includes: US Sailing textbook, practice chart, basic plotting tools, and exam fee.