Coastal Cruising

The Instruments of Navigation

positions and bearings - plotting a course - DR, EP and fix - practical plotting

Navigational Aids

lighthouses - fog signals - beacons - leading marks - buoyage systems - port traffic signals

The Compass, Course Correction and Time

the earth’s magnetism - variation and deviation - compass adjustment - application of compass error - leeway - zone times

Tidal Streams and Tide Tables

causes of tides - using tide tables - tidal diamonds - tidal stream atlases - course plotting allowing for tidal streams

Finding Tidal Heights and Times

predictions of times and heights of tides at standard and secondary ports - graphical solutions - tidal complexities

Visual and Electronic Position Fixing

transits - bearings - depth contours - running fix - the use of GPS - practical position fixing

Passage Planning

planning for people - documentation - watchkeeping - practical pilotage

Basic Nautical Knowledge

nautical terms and definitions - types of seagoing craft - parts of a boat - seamanship and safety - harbour and coastal features

Deck Seamanship

the use of rope and wire - knots, bends and hitches - deck and rigging fittings

Rigs and Rigging (DSS)

masts and booms - running and standing rigging - using a winch - care and repair of sails - auxiliary engines - reefing - sail theory

Marine Engines and Installations (DSM)

types, operation and maintenance of marine engines - displacement and planing hulls - fuel systems - starter systems - gearboxes and propellers - fault finding

Safety at Sea

personal safety - distress - GMDSS - pyrotechnics - helicopter and lifeboat rescue - HMC boat safety scheme - crew training - safety equipment recommendations - using safety equipment

Fire Safety on Small Craft

nature of fire - prevention - precautions - fire-fighting

Meteorology: An Introduction

the barometer - pressure - measurement of wind - clouds and fog - fronts - depressions - highs - interpretation of forecasts

Communications at Sea

licensing requirements - VHF operation and procedure - Navtex - visual signalling - the International Code

Handling Sailing Craft (CSS)

buoyancy and stability - sail setting and trimming - sailing to windward - sailing off the wind - handling in heavy weather - manoeuvring at sea and at close quarters

Handling Power Craft (CSM)

prop-walk - twin propellers - turning and berthing - handling at sea - heavy weather tactics - towing

Mooring and Anchoring

alongside a quay - drying out - types of anchors - choice of anchorage - practical anchoring

Shipping Forecasts and Weather Maps

weather notation - recording forecasts - local winds - constructing your own map

Emergency Procedures

man overboard - dismasting - power failures - stranding - collision - damage control - rescue - coping with heavy weather

The ‘Rule of the Road’ at Sea

international regulations - steering and sailing rules - light and shape recognition - explaining the rules - traffic separation schemes - narrow channels - restricted visibility

The Sextant in Coastal Navigation

parts of a sextant - buying a sextant - errors and adjustments - position fixing

The Use of Radar

installation - features - measurement of range and bearing - anti-collision - making landfalls - navigating with radar

Navigation by Pocket Calculator

choosing a calculator - calculating distance - sailing formulae - finding water track, ground track and speed made good

Boat Design, Construction and Trials

design features - stability - methods of construction - onboard systems - sea trials

Laws, Customs and Courtesies of the Sea

buying and selling - boat ownership - laws of departure and arrival - VAT - HM Customs - preventing pollution

Meteorological Observations at Sea

weatherfax - wind observation and forecasting - sea and swell - forecasting fog - wave formation

Boat Surveying and Maintenance

general maintenance and fitting out - surveys - osmosis - preventative maintenance - painting and antifouling

Boat Management and Husbandry

budgeting - security - organisation afloat and ashore - general management of boats and crew