NAVIGATION
WE NEVER STOP LEARNING:
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Chart selection and organization.
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Selecting best nationality of chart to cover a specific area.
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Sailing Directions, Light List, Cruising Guides.
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Determining course, distance, VMG and ETA.
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Coastal Navigation: plotting course and determining dead reckoning position, depths, dangers, currents and obstructions.
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Celestial Navigation: Use and calibration of a sextant, shooting, reducing and plotting a LAN.
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Electronic Navigation: Use both MFD and laptop charting systems, discussion of accuracy of charts relative to GPS positions.
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Radar and AIS for collision avoidance, landfall and squall avoidance.
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Use of VHF and SSB radios and Iridium SatPhone for communication and distress.
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Discussion of various communication options for long distance cruisers.
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Dealing with officialdom in foreign ports: health, customs, immigration, port authorities.
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Selecting best type of anchor and rode for varying conditions.
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Calculating scope and diameter of swing.
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Identifying best location for least contact with coral or rocks.
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Setting a second bow anchor.
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Safe use of electric windlass, use of manual back-up feature.
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Marking and stowing chain and use of a chain snubber.
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