Weekend Navigator
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Weekend Navigator
Course is a comprehensive course designed for
both the experienced and novice powerboat and
sailboat operators.
The course is divided into two major parts designed to educate the boating enthusiast
in skills required for a safe voyage on a variety of waters and boating conditions.
This course can be taught as a whole or as separate modules. The course includes the
textbook, Student Study Guides for both parts, 4 copies of charts for workbook
examples, and the Cruise excercise. Upon successful completion the student will
receive a Certificate and the satisfaction of being a Weekend Navigator.
Topics included in Part I (up to 12 hours of classtime)
What is navigation – Three steps of
navigation and piloting without electronics
Fundamental of waypoint navigation – Practice using a sample cruise exercise, GPS,
avoiding hazards, and using landmarks
The tools of navigation – Use of nautical charts including scales, chart symbology,
ATONs, plotting tools, GPS, compass, and other
methods without electronics
Topics included in Part II (up to 20 hours of classtime)
Planning with GPS and paper charts 
– Planning and paper charts, chart plotting, and
entering waypoints into your GPS
Planning with digital charts – Using digital charts,
cruise planning software, chart planning software,
working with digital charts, chart plotters, and PDA’s
Planning to avoid danger – Defining the area, marking obstacles, and marking
landmarks
Underway with GPS and paper charts – Steps in waypoint navigation, staying on
course, navigating a route with GPS, navigating in a region, marking objects, and
keeping track
Underway with digital charts – Using a chart plotter underway, PDA’s and pocket PC’s,
and the future of onboard computers
Double-checking with instruments – Making quick observations and more accurate
bearings
Eye of the mariner – Use of headings, ranges, bearings, collision bearings, and rules
of the road
What to do if the GPS quits – Knowing when to stop
and regroup, plan before proceeding, and navigating
without GPS
Planning as you go with GPS – Finding where you are
and how to plot a safe path to a new destination
Tides, winds, and currents – Knowledge of tides and tidal currents, adjusting for tides
and tidal currents, and winds, waves, and other unpredictable events
Navigating with radar – Range settings for recreational boaters, the radar display,
collision avoidance, and navigating with radar
Using depth in navigation – Using depth sounders versus sonars and fish finders,
and navigating with depth sounders
Using the radio in navigation – How to use a radio in an emergency, use of the
weather
radio, and fixed versus handheld VHF
Using an electronic compass – Types of electronic compasses and using the electronic
compass for navigation
Using an autopilot in navigation – How to navigate with an autopilot
Navigating harbors and channels with electronics – Importance of good visibility
and operating under limited visibility
Navigating under adverse conditions – Operating under limited visibility and influence
of the wind and seas
A last word in avoiding danger – Importance and use of electronic alarms and visual
observations
Other instrumentation in navigation – Use of weather instruments
Connecting it all together – Basic electronic interconnection and high speed connection
Many insurance companies will offer discounts on boat
insurance to individuals who successfully complete this
course. Individuals who successfully complete the course and exam are awarded certificates.
All Weekend Navigation classes are held at the USCG
Auxiliary Clinton Flotilla Base, 34 Riverside Drive,
Cedar Island Marina, Clinton, CT.
Class date 11/19/11 and 11/20/11.
Classes will start PROMPTLY at 9:00 AM and go until 8 PM each day. After the class you will have 2 workbook assignments to complete that will test your knowledge of the course material. Upon successful completion of the course you will earn a certificate that will qualify you for the CT Boater's Coastal Endorsement.
Weekend Navigator tuition is
$100
PreRegistered. Fee is
$120 walk-in not
pre-registered.
PAYMENTS; Pre-registration: Bring check or cash for the exact amount with you to the class.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES AS CLASSES FILL UP FAST.
To Pre-Register Online, Please email us your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and class date.
To Pre-Register by Phone, call Dave @ 203-623-0861.
Email any questions or comments to our Web Manager.
Interested in more instruction? See Captain Bert Daniels
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