| Navigation is the discipline of determining a safe and | | | | the terms true north and magnetic north and the |
| efficient course for a boat to move from one point | | | | difference between them known as deviation. Course |
| to another. It is desirable for the recreational boater | | | | lines are always plotted on the chart in terms of true |
| to have some basic navigational skills. The boater | | | | north but the compass is a magnetic device and |
| becomes aware of this when she encounters | | | | always points to magnetic north. Therefore, in order |
| adverse conditions such as darkness, fog, rain or | | | | to move the boat along a given course line on the |
| unfamiliar waters. | | | | chart one must understand how to calculate the |
| Piloting is that part of navigation that uses landmarks, | | | | deviation in order to read the correct heading on the |
| navigational aids, and soundings to aid the boater in | | | | compass. |
| guiding her boat safely through channels, along | | | | Distance is measured in nautical miles on marine |
| coasts, and in areas where the depth of water and | | | | charts. The chart will have a scale showing the length |
| obstructions present serious hazards which require | | | | of a nautical mile for that particular chart. By using |
| constant attention to the boats course and position. | | | | dividers and the scale on the chart one can easily |
| Basic piloting skills consist of plotting a course, the | | | | determine the distance between point A and point B |
| use of the mariner's compass, determining distance, | | | | on the chart. |
| speed and time and determining position. A boater | | | | Distance, Speed and Time can be determined |
| should learn theses skills and use them on the water. | | | | mathematically by using the formula 60D = ST where |
| To become proficient a boater must continually | | | | time is measured in minutes. As an example: if you |
| practice the basic piloting skills. | | | | were going to cruise 20 nautical miles at a speed of |
| Plotting a course entails using charts and | | | | 10 knots the formula would be 60D divided by S = T |
| understanding how they are laid out, understanding | | | | or 60 times 20 divided by 10 = 120 minutes or two |
| the purpose of the compass rose and knowing the | | | | hours. |
| terminology and markings on the chart. Various tools | | | | Learning and practicing basic piloting skills, will enable |
| are used in plotting a course on the chart. | | | | the boater to operate a boat in a safe manner. The |
| The boater must become familiar with the use of | | | | ability to use basic piloting skills to determine your |
| tools such as parallel rules, course plotters, | | | | position at any time and to select the safest passage |
| protractors, dividers and others. These tools are used | | | | will provide confidence and lessen the stress when a |
| to draw course lines, determine direction and position | | | | boater encounters those adverse conditions |
| and to determine time and distance. | | | | mentioned above. |
| Using a mariner's compass requires understanding of | | | | |