I need a little help! I am interested in learning navigation, however, because of schedule restraints need a book or computer software, etc. In other the materials or method need to be self-study and yet complete. Any suggestions. Thanks in advance for the help.
learning to navigate
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Bowditch
On-Line Navigation information: “Bowditch - The American Practical Navigator” http://pollux.nss.nima.mil/pubs/pubs_j_apn_sections.html?rid=187 and: http://www.sailingissues.com/navcourse0.html “Google” it - there’s LOTS of free info’ online. Gord
On-Line Navigation information: “Bowditch - The American Practical Navigator” http://pollux.nss.nima.mil/pubs/pubs_j_apn_sections.html?rid=187 and: http://www.sailingissues.com/navcourse0.html “Google” it - there’s LOTS of free info’ online. Gord
Chapman's Seamanship
In addition to a chapter on chart navigation, you will have a reference book that you will use for years. I first taught myself chart navigation from this book. I then supplemented it with a Power Squadron course when I was able to squeeze it in. Good Luck, navigation is a fulfilling feeling when it is successful.
In addition to a chapter on chart navigation, you will have a reference book that you will use for years. I first taught myself chart navigation from this book. I then supplemented it with a Power Squadron course when I was able to squeeze it in. Good Luck, navigation is a fulfilling feeling when it is successful.
Power Squadron
If you join the United States Power Squadron, you can take courses from Seamanship to advanced navigation. While these courses are offered in a classroom setting, they can be taken self-study. They have workbooks, example problems and sometimes video that can be borrowed. In our squadron, there are members available to answer questions or help with problems. You can then arrange to take the exam or not. Here is a link if you would like additional information. Ward PS... Here is a link to the Power Squadron in Boulder. http://www.usps.org/localusps/boulder/
If you join the United States Power Squadron, you can take courses from Seamanship to advanced navigation. While these courses are offered in a classroom setting, they can be taken self-study. They have workbooks, example problems and sometimes video that can be borrowed. In our squadron, there are members available to answer questions or help with problems. You can then arrange to take the exam or not. Here is a link if you would like additional information. Ward PS... Here is a link to the Power Squadron in Boulder. http://www.usps.org/localusps/boulder/
Didereaux
MAny suggest specific manuals, books, methods etc, but the truth is their is one way to wade through the choices. Go to a large library, a sailing club with a library or beg , borrow or simply go to a large book seller...whatever. THEN scan through every book that covers navigation, carefully note which one reads easiest for you and makes the most sense to you. THAT is your first 'manual'. You will not learn it all from one, but the first one must be able to give you the basics so that you can then understand what is being said in others. My personal choice for a first is 'Pilotong' by Frederick Graves. Well written, and fairly comprehensive. The next thing is to actually PRACTICE, even from shore, or simply out your window. Get some basic 'tools', a hand compass,a plastic beginners sextant etc. PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE!!!! g'Luk Didereaux
MAny suggest specific manuals, books, methods etc, but the truth is their is one way to wade through the choices. Go to a large library, a sailing club with a library or beg , borrow or simply go to a large book seller...whatever. THEN scan through every book that covers navigation, carefully note which one reads easiest for you and makes the most sense to you. THAT is your first 'manual'. You will not learn it all from one, but the first one must be able to give you the basics so that you can then understand what is being said in others. My personal choice for a first is 'Pilotong' by Frederick Graves. Well written, and fairly comprehensive. The next thing is to actually PRACTICE, even from shore, or simply out your window. Get some basic 'tools', a hand compass,a plastic beginners sextant etc. PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE!!!! g'Luk Didereaux
USCG AUX
Your local CG auxiliary teaches both basic and advanced coastal navigation. If you don't have time for classes they will sell you the USCG instructional text. I like their textbooks because, while they do get into detail, they assume you know NOTHING to begin with. This forces you to read through some basic stuff to get what you're looking for and that never hurts! Good luck. Drew
Your local CG auxiliary teaches both basic and advanced coastal navigation. If you don't have time for classes they will sell you the USCG instructional text. I like their textbooks because, while they do get into detail, they assume you know NOTHING to begin with. This forces you to read through some basic stuff to get what you're looking for and that never hurts! Good luck. Drew
Try the ASA
The American Sailing Association has an excellent book with chart included. While it is intended as a text for use in their navigation course, it can be used by itself. It has practice quizzes and answers.
The American Sailing Association has an excellent book with chart included. While it is intended as a text for use in their navigation course, it can be used by itself. It has practice quizzes and answers.
Basics of Navigation
While originally intended for police boat operators, this mini-course is designed to provide all Small Boat Professionals with the basics of navigation. Divided into modules, this free, online tutorial allows the student to chip away at the subject at a comfortable and steady pace. Each module builds on the ones before it and learning is reinforced with numerous illustrations, examples, and exercises.
While originally intended for police boat operators, this mini-course is designed to provide all Small Boat Professionals with the basics of navigation. Divided into modules, this free, online tutorial allows the student to chip away at the subject at a comfortable and steady pace. Each module builds on the ones before it and learning is reinforced with numerous illustrations, examples, and exercises.
Basics of Navigation - With Link
This is the link: http://home.att.net/~agligani/navigation/navigate.html
This is the link: http://home.att.net/~agligani/navigation/navigate.html
Thanks for th effort
Thanks for all the replys and suggestions. I will move forth and examine all.
Thanks for all the replys and suggestions. I will move forth and examine all.
Also Bowditch
I agree with Gord. But you can buy the green 2 volume Bowditch from the used book section of the Barnes & Noble web site. The new 1 volume Bowditch has a little more on the most modern satellite stuff but the 2 volume green cover Bowditch was the best ever.
I agree with Gord. But you can buy the green 2 volume Bowditch from the used book section of the Barnes & Noble web site. The new 1 volume Bowditch has a little more on the most modern satellite stuff but the 2 volume green cover Bowditch was the best ever.
ASA
ASA has a correspondence course that is excellent. They provide coaching via 800 number. You can't go wrong. Modern Sailing Academy in Sausolito, CA is an ASA facility. If you want ASA certification then you need to take the exam at an approved facility. Good luck and fair winds!! Cheers, Chet
ASA has a correspondence course that is excellent. They provide coaching via 800 number. You can't go wrong. Modern Sailing Academy in Sausolito, CA is an ASA facility. If you want ASA certification then you need to take the exam at an approved facility. Good luck and fair winds!! Cheers, Chet
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