Syllabus

The Basic Navigation & Safety course provides an introduction to the basic
skills required before taking a small boat to sea or taking an active part
in running a boat.

• Charts, publications and terms
  Basic terms, Chart overview, Introduction to chart datum and depths
  
• Buoyage
  Lateral buoys / Cardinal buoys / Where to find information
  
• Navigation
  Plotting a position / Measuring distance and bearing /Position fix / Heading
  
• Safety
  Personal and boat safety equipment / Safety procedures and briefing /
  Communications / Engine checks / Rescue procedures
  
• Anchoring
  Where to anchor / How to anchor
  
• Tides
  Tidal streams / Tidal heights
  
• Electronic navigation
  GPS terms / GPS use / Using waypoints
  
• Rules of the road
  Risk of collision / Rights of way
  
• Weather forecasts
  Sources of forecast / Terms used in forecasts
  
• Pilotage
  Harbour information / Transits / Pilotage plan
  
• Passage planning
  SOLAS requirements / Pre planning / Chart choice