|
Position: Dead reckoning and estimated position – Satellite derived position – Use of waypoints
to fix position – Radar fixes – Techniques of visual fixing – Fixing using a mixture of position lines –
Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing – Areas of uncertainty.
The Magnetic Compass: Allowance for variation – Change of variation with time & position –
Cause of deviation – Swing for deviation (but not correction) – Allowance for deviation – Different types
of compass.
Tides: Causes of Spring & Neap tides – Sources of tide tables – Tide levels & datum
– Standard & secondary ports – Tidal anomalies (Solent etc).
Tidal Streams: Sources of tidal information – Tidal stream information in sailing directions &
Yachtsmen’s Almanacs – Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer – Tide rips, overfalls
& races – Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.
Buoyage: IALA system buoyage in Region A – Limitations of buoys as navigation aids.
Lights: Characteristics – Ranges (visual – luminous & nominal) – Rising & dipping
distances – Light lists.
Pilotage: Harbour regulations & control signals – Methods of pre-planning – Clearing
lines – Use of soundings – Transits & leading lines.
GPS and Chart Plotters: Principals of operation & limitations of use – Raster and Vector charts
– Datum – Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source & keeping a separate record of position
– Importance of paper charts.
Echo Sounders: Principals of operation & limitations of use.
Logs (speed & distance measuring): Principals of operation and limitations of use.
Deck Log: Importance of log as vessels official document – Layout of log, hourly & occasional
entries.
Meteorology: Basic terms, the Beaufort scale – Air masses – Cloud types - Weather patterns
associated with pressure and frontal systems – Sources of weather forecasts – ability to interpret a shipping
forecast, weatherfax and weather satellite information – Land & sea breezes – Sea fog – Use of a barometer
as a forecasting aid.
Rule of the road: A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,
except annexes 1 & 3.
Safety at Sea: Personal safety, use of lifejackets, safety harnesses & lifelines – Fire prevention
& fire fighting – Distress signals – Coastguard & boat safety Scheme – Preparation for heavy weather
– Liferafts & helicopter rescue – Understanding of capabilities of vessel & basic knowledge of stability.
Navigation in restricted visibility: Precautions to be taken in fog – Limitations to safe navigation
imposed by fog – Navigation strategy in poor visibility.
Passage planning: Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning & making, and use at sea
– Customs regulations as they apply to vessels – Routine for navigating in coastal waters – strategy for
course laying – Use of waypoints & routes – Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy
– Sources of local & national regulations.
Marine environment: Responsibility to minimise pollution & protect the marine environment.
|
