Coastal Navigation Courses

Coastal navigation and pilotage together are the art and science of navigating close to and often within sight of shore. Shores, rivers, bays, and other coastal features can be a hazard to sailors and mariners, but a lot of time is spent around such features. Coastal navigation is essential for moving about these areas and involves using charts, navigation tools, as well as electronic and satellite equipment.

We offer two levels for Coastal Navigation courses:

• For non-professional mariners: Coastal 1 is for sail and power, Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) members, and independant mariners. It equips them for inshore sailing and focuses on safety, traditional methods, and navigation using modern, electronic tools.


• For professional mariners: Coastal 1 and Coastal 2 - comprised of Chartwork and Pilotage Level 2 are for people who are candidates for Transport Canada, Marine Safety, Certification. Coastal 2 consists of advanced areas of Coastal navigation required by Transport Canada, Marine Safety examination regulations. Units of study for Coastal 2 expand on material from Coastal 1.

Sample unit-by-unit description of Coastal 1:

UNIT 1 - Position and Distance

• How we identify our position on the earths surface, and the terms used in the process.

UNIT 2 - The Nautical Chart

• How to use the nautical chart as an instrument of precision and how to exploit the information it contains.

UNIT 3 - The Mariners Compass (part 1)

• The mariners compass as our most accurate instrument of direction.
• General magnetism, magnetic pole.
• Compass errors and correction of courses and bearings.

UNIT 4 - The Mariners Compass (part 2)

• Conversion of courses and bearings.
• Swinging the boat to establish compass error.
• Uses of the hand held compass.

UNIT 5 - Planning a Cruise

• Selecting charts and publications and other supplies.
• Cruise plan and itinerary.
• Laying off courses and distances.

UNIT 6 - Estimating the boat's position

• Ways to estimate position when underway using course steered and distance run, (dead reckoning) allowing for tide / current / wind, (estimated position).

UNIT 7 - Finding the boat's position

• The numerous way's by which we can determine lines of position and so fix our position on the chart.

UNIT 8 - Tides and Currents

• How tides are caused, types of tides.
• Predicting times and heights and rates and directions when planning a cruise .
• Determining by plotting effect of the current, course to counteract a current or wind separately or together.

UNIT 9 - Navigating near Dangers

• Techniques for keeping clear of dangers with emphasis on confined waters.
• Use of special fixed aids and conspicuous shore objects available on the chart.

UNIT 10 - Aids to Navigation

• Operating features, Use of, and Limitations of Lighthouses, Fog signals, Echo sounder, Lead line, Radio Direction Finder, Gyro compass, Loran C, Global Positioning System (GPS), Radio Telephone (VHF & SSB), Global Maritime Distress and Safety system (GMDSS), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS).

UNIT 11 - Buoyage Systems

• The system adopted for worldwide use by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, consisting of the Lateral, Cardinal, and Special Buoys. Buoy fittings, Bells, Gongs, Whistles,and Radar Reflectors. Reliability of Buoys.

UNIT 12 - A three day cruise in British Columbia waters (comfort of your home)

• This is the final examination for the course.
• It consists of a set of multiple choice questions followed by the Three Day Cruise.

How do I register? Fill out our Registration Form