Do you want to navigate unfamiliar waters in limited visibility or take an extended cruise with confidence? Learn to use radar, chart plotters, AIS and other electronic tools to supplement basic GPS navigation. Obtain a thorough understanding of piloting techniques in a variety of coastal tide, current and wind conditions.

What's included?

• Advanced positioning techniques, such as advancing a line of position to obtain a running fix

• Use of a variety of electronic tools: radar, depth sounders, autopilots, chart plotters, laptop computer software, and more

• Hazard avoidance techniques using electronics (e.g. avoidance waypoints or safety zones in GPS)

• Collision avoidance using radar, GPS, and AIS

• Working with tide and current data to determine clearances, depth of water, and effects of current

• Piloting in various wind and current conditions

• The "Seaman's Eye" - simple skills for checking that one is on course

The class meets once each week for two hours. In addition, students have seven days to complete an open book exam. The location date and time will be announced.