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NAVIGATION TRAINING

Two navigation courses to help you become a better mariner.  As a licensed USCG Captain, I have studied both coastal and celestial navigation for years. 

I have a USCG Captains License with Radar Endorsement.
Certified Starpath School of Navigation Certificate in Celestial Navigation.
Bosham School Of Seamanship and Navigation. 


I offer training covering many aspects of coastal and celestial navigation navigation.  

Training is aboard the SV Ava Grace unless otherwise arranged.  
 
Relevant exercises are also given as homework which  gives you ample opportunity to engage in actual coastal navigation chart work or celestial plot work. 

This training will go through the basics right through to a stage where you will be able to navigate your boat safely .  I don't over complicate the process.  And I don't expect you to be a mathematician.  

Coastal Navigation includes Chart Interpretation, Coordinates, Latitude, Longitude, Plotting courses, the Compass, Variation, Deviation, Set and Drift, and the ever important Dead Reckoning.  

Celestial Navigation includes the Background and Celestial Sphere, the Sextant, Noon Sights, Plotting and Chart Work, Sun Sights, Running Fixes, Star Sights...and more.  It also includes using the HO249 Sight Reduction Tables and the Nautical Almanac as well as apps for your phone to calculate your position when inputting data collected from time and sextant. 

                  LEARN THE PRACTICAL AND FUN SIDE OF MARINE NAVIGATION

Coastal Navigation

2 X 6 hour days.
This course is for everyone from novice to experienced boaters looking for formal training in piloting and navigation. Both lecture and hands-on training utilizing charts, plotting tools, government publications and workbook exercises. Upon completion of the class, students are able to plot a course, create a route log, plot their position by various types of fixes, calculate time, speed & distance, and perform set and drift vectors.

Two practical days navigating a vessel at sea on board the SV Ava Grace.  Time is spent taking bearings, DR track, running fix, speed, time and distance practice and chart work.  Work at your pace.  
Learn the same techniques used in the plotting module of the USCG deck officer license exam.
Topics:
  • Chart orientation
  • Use of government publications such as:
    • Tide Tables
    • Tidal Current Tables
    • Light List
    • Coast Pilot
    • Notice to Mariners
    • Navigation Rules
    • Chart No. 1
  • Plotting positions
  • Creating routes
  • Plotting three-bearing fixes, running fixes and electronic fixes
  • Understanding aids to navigation
  • Rules of the Road
  • Trip planning (use of cruising guides, planning fuel stops, etc.)
  • Dead Reckoning
    • Time, speed and distance
    • Set and drift vectors
Charts, publications, plotting tools and calculators are provided for use in class. However, students are encouraged to bring their own plotting tools.

Location:
Carolina Beach.
Tuition:
$469 per person
2 person minimum 
4 person max.  
Instructor:
Capt. Pete Bombar
Prerequisite:
None


 
 

Celestial Navigation

Celestial navigation class.
​2 X 6 hour days.
Both lecture and hands-on instruction utilizing a sextant, the Nautical Almanac, sight reduction tables and calculator are given. 

INTRODUCTION TO CELESTIAL NAVIGATION
  1. The Triangle
  2. Local Hour Angle – LHA
  3. The Sextant
  4. Altitude Correction
  5. Time and Arc
  6. The Nautical Almanac
  7. The Worksheet
  8. Sun
  9. The Plotting Sheet
  10. Running Fix
  11. LAN – Local Apparent Noon and the Sun
  12. Moon
  13. Stars
  14. Planets
  15. Navigation without a Horizon
  16. Sextant use in Coastal Navigation
   17.  At Sea – Practice, Practice,               Practice

Charts, publications, plotting tools, sextants and calculators are provided for use in class. However, students are encouraged to bring their own plotting tools.
​
Location:
Carolina Beach.
Tuition:
$469 per person
2 person minimum 
4 person max.  
Instructor:
Capt. Pete Bombar
Prerequisite:
None

Putting It Altogether

Much is learned by practice, practice, practice.  Every time I am on the water I learn something new, see something new, and many other things that makes one a better and more seasoned mariner.  Once you have learned the basics then you have moved over the starting line and are ready to go out and explore the water SAFELY by applying what we learn together in these class sessions.  Call me for more details.
​919-491-4875