Navigating with Compass and Protractor

Doryman · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:12 am Post subject:

If memory serves, the USPS and the USCG Aux. offer inexpensive navigation courses.

Warren

Levitation · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 11:48 am Post subject:

Ya know, 'everything' can be found online now... I have not looked but the odds are that someone has an online video instruction on chart navigating...

Mike · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 3:51 pm Post subject:

I didn't know you could leave the dock without paper charts, two compasses and a first mate who could use and keep up with both while underway!!! Shocked

Even on the inland rivers B keeps track of position and, as a minimum, mile markers. I once asked her if I had a heart attack, where would she tell the Coasties to come to her aid. From that day foward, she wore me out with questions and has almost mastered the compass / chart relationship as to our where-a-bouts. On our inland waters the lat/long is not as important as the mile marker, granted, but when we were in the Gulf or on the ICW she kept pretty good watch on the GPS as we cruised along! Can't wait to get cruisin' again!!! Just my 2 cents worth.
Mike & B in Tennessee

thataway · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 7:22 pm Post subject:

Before GPS etc. Who ever was standing watch plotted the vessel's position every hour--more frequently if near land or in a congested area.

Various inputs available: Radio direction bearings, including aviation beacons, AM radio stations, and light house beacons.

Visual bearings on points of land, buildings, Islands, etc.

Sextant.

It still holds today that the mate needs to be able to get the boat home in case of an emergency. Many years ago I ended up with a paralyzed leg, and Marie had to plot and voyage over 100 miles to get medical help. It pays off!

pflash · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 4:34 pm Post subject: seamanship

The United States Power and Sail Squadrons offers a public class called "Skipper Saver". They also offer a comprehensive series of classes all the way through offshore cruising with electronics and with sextant for backup for members. You can find a local unit at USPS.org. Our local squadron unfortunately folded after 60 years. In my first public boating class, I was astounded at the number of boaters taking the class who joined because of some incident that scared the "heck" out of them to the point where they finally decided they really needed to learn how to boat safely.

Pat (drooling over Choir Practice)