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Using a Chart:
• Chart types
• Chart symbols
• Keeping your charts up to date.
Magnetic Variation:
• Explanation of Variation and how to convert between True & Magnetic
• Allowance for Variation
• Change of Variation with time and location
Magnetic Deviation:
• Explanation of Deviation and how to convert between Magnetic & Compass course
• Explanation of causes of Deviation
• How to 'Swing' a compass
• Introduction to the Deviation curve
Exercises in class plus some homework
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Tidal Streams
• Tide tables and atlases in Almanacs
• Computing Course To Steer
• Tidal rips, overfalls
• Observation buoys & beacons
Fog
• Precautions to be taken when navigating in poor visibility
• Limitations to safe navigation
• Strategies in poor visibility
Exercises in class plus some homework
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Calculating your position
• Dead reckoning
• Estimate position;
Fixing your Position
• Fixes by radar
• Fixes by observation, mixed position lines, accuracy and uncertainty
• Fixes from mixed position lines
• Accuracy and uncertainty
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Explanation
• What causes the tides
• The reason behind 'Springs' and 'Neaps'
• Explanation of tidal datums
Calculations
• Using tide tables
• Using RYA method for calculating Height of Tide at Primary ports
• Using RYA method for calculating Height of Tide at Secondary ports
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Terms, Air masses, Clouds, Weather patterns with pressure/fronts; Land & sea breezes;
Fog, Use of the barometer as an aid
Meteorology
• Terms
• Air masses
• Clouds
• Weather patterns associated with with pressure systems & fronts
• Land & sea breezes
• Advection & Radiation Fog
• Use of the barometer as an aid to understanding the weather
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Interpreting forecasts
• Forecast sources
• Interpretating what you read
Safety
• Understanding stability & your vessel's capability
• Life-jackets, harnesses & lifelines
• Fire fighting
• Distress signals
• Preparing for heavy weather
• Life-rafts & helicopter rescue
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Pilotage
• Harbour regulations, signals & radio frequencies
• Methods of pre-planning
• Clearing bearings
• Distress signals
• Transits & leading lines
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Passage planning
• Preparation of charts & notebook for your route
• routine for navigation in coastal waters
• Strategy for course laying
• Use of Waypoints & Routes
• Use of weather forecasts for passage planning strategy
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Characteristics, Ranges, Rising and dipping, light lists in Almanacs
Sound knowledge of International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
Responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment
Entering Port
• IALA system 'A' and system 'B'
• Limitations of buoys as navigational aids
• Customs regulations
• Sources of local and national regulations
Lights
• Characteristics
• Ranges
• Uses of rising and dipping lights
• Light lists in Almanacs
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Principles and limitations of gauges
Characteristics, Ranges, Rising and dipping, light lists in Almanacs
Sound knowledge of International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
Responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment
GPS
• Way-points & fixes
• How GPS works
• HoDP
•
Chart plotters
• Raster -v- Vector electronic charts
• Understanding the need to confirm using paper chart methods
Depth and Speed instruments
• How they work
• Their uses and their limitations
Keeping an up-to-date logbook
• Importance of logbook
• What to record
• How often to record it
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