MT-2222
Celestial Navigation
Course Description
This course covers the requirements of the 1978 STCW Convention as amended in 1995 and 2010. The course covers the theory and practice of navigation necessary for the effective and safe navigation of a vessel, including the use of charts, position fixing by celestial observations and the extraction of information from relevant navigational publications. It introduces and focuses on the theory and practice of the use of observations of celestial bodies for determining lines of position and checking compass errors. [Lab time required]
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following STCW elements:
- OICNW-A1.01 Use celestial bodies to determine the ship’s position
- OICNW-A1.07 Ability to determine errors of the magnetic and gyro-compasses, using celestial means
Other Objectives
The objective of this course is to introduce and familiarize the student with the necessary knowledge of celestial navigation so as to satisfy the STCW Code Table A-II/1 in the following areas:
- Ability to use celestial bodies to determine the ship’s position
- Ability to determine errors of the magnetic and gyro-compasses, using celestial means, and to allow for such errors
- Ability to use celestial navigation in times of need, as second check and as a backup navigational system.