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ASA 105 Coastal navigation

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ASA 105 - COASTAL NAVIAGATION

COURSE OVERVIEW

The GPS tells us where we are and how fast we are moving and in what direction, but it can never tell us the safest, most efficient route to our destination. That fundamental task requires the basic navigation skills taught in ASA 105, Coastal Navigation.

Learn to check the GPS underway, and be prepared to navigate without the GPS if needed. The hallmark of good seamanship is to look ahead and be prepared. This course covers not only the long tested traditional methods of navigation but also the efficient use of the latest technology in electronic navigation and charting, including chart reading, piloting, rules of the road, tides and currents, and more. A prerequisite for ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising, this online course will cover the following topics:

» NAVIGATION, PILOTING AND CHARTS.
Use of U.S. Coast Guard navigation publications and resources required for prudent navigation in local areas. Decipher chart symbols and conventions on U.S. nautical charts in accordance with terminology using:
    ‣ Large scale charts of the area and Chart #1
    ‣ Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats
    ‣ USCG Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook
    ‣ State small vessel regulations
    ‣ Local rules and regulations, if applicable
    ‣ Local cruising guides
    ‣ Tide and current tables, (paper or electronic)
    ‣ List of lights, buoys, and fog signals
» DEAD RECKONING NAVIGATION, BEARINGS AND FIXES.
Measuring and plotting direction and distance, bearings and courses, and speed-time-distance calculations. Plot a chart position from terrestrial objects using:
    ‣ Two or more bearings on different objects taken at one time.
    ‣ Bearings at different times (i.e. a running fix).
    ‣ One bearing and transit range.
    ‣ One distance (i.e. a sounding or dipping a light) and one bearing.
» CORRECTING YOUR COURSE FOR CURRENT AND LEEWAY.
Converting courses and bearings between true, magnetic, and compass. Determine a course to steer which takes into account known current and leeway:
    ‣ Check compass deviation by a transit bearing or other means.
    ‣ Allow for the effect of current and leeway to plot the estimated position.
» TIDES AND TIDAL CURRENTS.
Causes of tides and currents and using tables to predict the height of tide as well as the set and drift of current. Use of tide charts and current tables to find:
    ‣ Times and heights of tides at reference and secondary ports.
    ‣ Direction and rate of current at referenced and secondary stations.

COURSE LENGTH & PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites for this course. While there are no prerequisites for this course, as even the basics of how to use standard plotting tools (parallel rulers and dividers) are covered in detail, many students benefit from completing the ASA 101-104 Courses before taking this course.

You can reasonably expect to spend approximately 40 to 60 hours on this course, depending on how much optional material you choose to cover. You will have the option to control how much work you do during each session and work at your own pace.
ASA 105 CERTIFICATION
Students who complete the online course and pass the final exam will be awarded an official ASA 105 certification and seal for their logbook.

COURSE ACCESSIBILITY

This course can be accessed from any computer (Windows or Mac) with an internet connection. Work through the lessons, assignments and quizzes in the interactive online classroom and, when you are away from the computer, study with the printed texts and paper charts.

With this versatile package you can learn both traditional and electronic navigation at the same time — solve practice problems in the traditional manner on a paper chart with standard plotting tools then solve the problems electronically in an e-chart program using waypoints, bearing lines, and range rings.

With these electronic components you can take the complete course with you as you travel, or use them as a resource to search specific topics. If you prefer to work on your own without computers, you will have a complete syllabus with practice exercises and answers in the printed materials. For added structure to your training, take part in the online discussions and individual quizzes for each lesson.

COURSE MATERIALS - WHAT'S INCLUDED

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    COURSE MATERIALS

    With the exception of plotting tools, all course materials are provided including printed textbook, workbook, training chart, and multiple additional electronic resources. The Inland and Coastal Navigation online course with Starpath utilizes a free, open-source navigation program called OpenCPN. This versatile, well-designed program offers many useful features and, combined with Starpath’s training chart 18456tr, students will have the ability to solve nav problems electronically to compare with traditional paper chart solutions.

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    INSTRUCTORS & DISCUSSION GROUPS
    Each Starpath course includes free access to online resources and discussion groups. Starpath has instructors in three different time zones monitoring these groups so, should any question arise, simply post it in the Student Discussion Forum for a quick answer — or search the forum to see if an answer to your question already exists.
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    ASA Certification
    A certification & seal for your logbook.
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    1 year access

    You have one year to complete the course or request an extension.

     

    REGISTER HERE: ASA 105 COASTAL NAVIAGTION

     

     

     

     

     

     

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