ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION COURSE SYLLABUS

The aim of this course is to teach best practice for navigating using GPS and other electronic devices. The course includes some traditional chartwork including how to plot satellite derived positions on to a paper chart and how to take a route plan from a paper chart and program it into an electronic navigation device.

1. Electronic equipment
   • log
   • Depth
   • Compass
   • GPS
     • Types of receiver
     • Errors and accuracy
     • GPS terminology
     • GPS features
       • Datums, Waypoints, Routes, Tracks
   • Chart plotters
     •  Electronic Chart types
     •  Updating charts & Software
   • Equipment Interfacing
     • NMEA and proprietary interfaces
     • DSC radios
2. Navigation using GPS
   • Position fixing
     • Latitude & Longitude
     • Bearing & Distance to a WPT
     • Confirmation of position by an independent source
   • Passage planning using WPTs and Routes
   • Course to Steer allowing for Tides & Leeway
   • Course shaping
3. Radar
   • Overview of Radar
   • Collision avoidance, MARPA
   • AIS
4. Website resources
   • Weather forecasting
   • Tidal predictions
   • Pilotage notes