ASA 105 Coastal Navigation

Learn the basics of coastal navigation including piloting and navigation: chart skills, course plotting, dead reckoning, impacts of wind and current, and determining tides and currents.  Whether new to sailing or want to brush up on your piloting and navigation skills, this course is for you.

We are offering this class over 3 Saturdays, including a review/exam day.  Upon successful completion, you will earn your ASA 105 certification.  Course Fee:  $275

You may take this course as an "auditor" and skip the exam if you do not need ASA certification.  ASA 105 certification is a prerequisite for ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising and for ASA 107 & 117, Celestial Navigation.

TOPICS:

The course will cover navigation aids such as buoys, day-marks, and lighthouses; how to read charts; other publications; magnetic and true north direction; checking for compass deviation; how to use a hand-bearing compass and get a position fix based on charted landmarks; how to find the boat’s position on the chart using both the bearings and Lat/Long; plotting courses, deduced reckoning (“dead reckoning”); use of depth sounder and charted depth contours; reading tide and current tables; and impacts of weather, wind, and current on navigation.

PREREQUISITES:

§  The desire to learn navigation and apply the skills in a classroom setting, no other ASA certifications are required

CLASS PREPARATION:

The class will be based on ANSA provided materials and practice problems.   

It is also recommended that students use at least one of the following references or sources to help prepare for the course. 

• Chapters 9-13 of The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, Third Ed., by John Rousmaniere
• Chapters 13-18 of Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, 66th Ed., by Charles B. Husick
• Chapters 4-5 of The International Marine Book of Sailing, by Robby Robinson
• Captain Tursi or Captain Pyzel’s reference materials available from ASA
• Navigation Workbook 1210Tr: For Power-Driven and Sailing Vessels, by Burch & Brandt
• Chapter 5 in both the ASA 103, Coastal Cruising, and ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising ASA Textbooks

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

§  One full size paper chart for practice and exam - Chart 1210 TR_NL (No Loran lines) - Order your own chart at the link below, select the "Water Resistant" format. 

Order Chart Online

Students will need to buy or borrow navigation tools for the class. Recommended tools include:

• Pencils & sharpener
• Gum Eraser
• Dividers (example: Weems & Plath Matte Nickel 7″ or Traditional One Handed)
• A Plotting tool:
• Roller Plotter (example: Weems & Plath Roller Plotter 120)
• Protractor plotter
• Parallel plotter
• Straight edge
• Magnifying glass
• Head lamp

These items are readily available from most marine supply stores, including West Marine, Fawcett’s, or order online from Weems & Plath Navigation Tools or Amazon.