MT-1221
Coastal Navigation
Course Description
This course introduces a student to the knowledge and practices necessary to carry out the routine, day-to-day navigational watchkeeping duties in a proper and safe manner. The student will be able to read and understand information from a chart, fix the ship’s position in coastal waters, understand Earth’s magnetism, buoyage systems, check and compare magnetic and gyro compasses, obtaining and applying compass error. In addition, the student will be introduced to the basic concepts and obtain an understanding of electronic navigational aids, Loran, Global Positioning System and Radar. Classwork is supplemented by practical chart plot exercises in the labs. [Lab time required]
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following STCW elements:
- OICNW-A1.02 Ability to determine the ship’s position by use of landmarks
- OICNW-A1.02 Ability to determine the ship’s position by use of aids to navigation, including lighthouses, beacons and buoys
- OICNW-A1.02 Ability to determine the ship’s position by use of dead reckoning, taking into account winds, tides, currents and estimated speed
- OICNW-A1.06 Knowledge of the principles of magnetic and gyro-compasses
Other Objectives
At the completion of this course, cadets will have demonstrated via testing and practical assessment, the ability to safely navigate in coastal waters through:
- Reading and understanding nautical charts and publications
- Fast and Accurate plotting of Latitude and Longitude
- Fast and Accurate determination of and plotting of courses; true and magnetic
- Ability to calculate Speed/Time/Distance problems
- Determination and application of Compass Error, Variation and Deviation
- Proper plotting of electronic and terrestrial fixes
- Proper use of Dead Reckoning
- Ability to accurately calculate the Geographic, Nominal and Luminous visibilities of lights
- Proper plotting and use of Radar fixes
Syllabus
Lecture
- Introduction
- Overview of Navigation
- Nautical Chart; symbols, scales, and numbering
- Direction/Distance
- Gyro Compass and Error
- DR and Position fixing
- Running fix and Danger Bearings
- Earth's Magnetism
- Magnetic Compass
- Variation
- Deviation
- Deviation Tables
- Radar use in navigation
- Other types of compasses
- Satellite Navigation
- Bathymetric Navigation
- Chart Projections including electronic charts
- Chart Datums and accuracy
- Aids to Navigation
- Lights
- Light Distances - luminous range
- Navigational Publications
Labs
- Earth’s coordinats
- Plotting Instruments
- Plotting
- Latitude and Longitude
- Distance, time and speed conversions
- DR work and Position Fixing
- Running Fixes
- Find Variation Chart Plot
- Deviation Table Construction
- Plotting Sheets
- Dif lat / long - Mid lat
- Chart exercise 12354 "Irish Sailor"
- Visibility of lights & ENL Prep
- ENL Lab Plotting Exercise
- Chart Plot: Visibility of lights
- Chart Final