Junior Navigation is the first in a two-part program of study in offshore navigation. It is designed as a practical "how to" course. Subject matter includes -

• Precise time determination
• Use of the Nautical Almanac
• Taking sextant sights of the sun
• Reducing sights to establish lines of position
• Special charts and plotting sheets for offshore navigation
• Offshore navigational routines for recreational craft

This course is the second part of the study of offshore navigation, further developing the student's understanding of celestial navigation theory. The course covers -

• Overview of why celestial bodies appear as as they do on earth
• Taking sextant sights of the moon navigational planets and stars
• Additional sight-reduction techniques
• Honing skills in sight taking and positioning
• Electronics and software for offshore navigation
• Orderly methods for the navigator's day's work at sea
• Navigating with minimal resources, as in a lifeboat

This course attempts to make students more self-reliant afloat, with trouble-diagnosis and temporary remedies given special emphasis.   It covers both marine gasoline and diesel engines, including concepts of operation, maintenance and repair of  -

• Cooling systems
• Electrical systems
• Fuel systems
• Lubricating systems
• Power train components
• Ancillary propulsion components

The safety and comfort of those who venture out on the water has always been weather dependent. In this course students will become keener observers of the weather and learn the basic principles of meteorology including -

• Weather fundamentals:  highs and lows, fronts and troughs, jet stream, fog
• Weather maps:  how to interpret forecast charts and descriptions
• Forecasting:  how its done, what is predictable and what isn't
• Cloud identification and what this means for the near term weather
• Winds and waves:  when and why local winds do not follow the theory

This course teaches essential knowledge about a boat's electrical systems, including -

• Proper wiring
• Grounding
• Corrosion and electrolysis control
• Batteries and their maintenance
• DC System
• AC System
• Troubleshooting

 Return to top...

This course teaches essential knowledge about Marine local and worldwide communications and safety systems, including -

• VHF Communications
• Digital Selective Calling
• GMDSS
• Long Range Communications (HF SSB)
• Satellite Communications
• Radio Troubleshooting and Maintenance

This class is to cover the needs of the novice and experienced sailor, as well as the non-sailor, for basic skills and knowledge. It cover such topics as-

This course is designed for members who plan to cruise for a year or just a weekend - in either a sail or power boat.  It covers such topics as -

• Planning a voyage
• Financing a voyage
• Managing commitments back home
• How to equip a cruising boat
• Crew selection
• Provisioning
• Voyage management
• Entering and clearing foreign ports
• Emergencies afloat
• Security measures

• Preparing for teaching assignments
• Preparing for meeting presentations
• Effective teaching techniques
• Conducting efficient meetings
• Selection and use of audio-visual aids