Using GPS
GPS has become a
common tool for navigation. However using GPS on the water is distinctly
different from a moving map display in your car. This seminar explains the
principles of waypoint navigation which you will use. It then shows you how
to relate the GPS to your charts which provide essential information about
what is around you.
The seminar also shows you how
to operate your GPS – what the buttons do, what the screens show, and how to
access the functions you need. A handheld GPS is used as the demonstration
model, but all GPS receivers function similarly. By the time you have
completed the seminar, you will be able to store waypoints into your GPS,
activate them for navigation, and use GPS to keep you on a safe,
pre-qualified course of your choosing. You’ll also get some tips for
choosing a GPS if you don’t currently own one. You will get a waterproof
McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using GPS to take aboard to
remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your
GPS.
Using VHF &
VHF/DSC Marine Radio
VHF radio is the mainstay of
coastal communication and essential for emergency communications. Digital
Selective Calling (DSC) is rapidly becoming a reality as more Coast Guard
Rescue 21 System operations go live. Currently, the mid Atlantic
coast is operational with DSC. The Gulf region will be operational early
next year and all Cutters will be DSC equipped by next year.
DSC vastly simplifies and
improves rescue and routine call signaling – making it easier to make a call
while the system frees up Channel 16 for essential communications. However,
you need to know how to use it. This seminar answers those needs and
explains basic VHF operation. A CD is included with a DSC Simulator that
allows you to practice on your computer at home. A handy waterproof
McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using VHF is included with
essential information that you should have aboard, which will explain to
anyone on your crew how to use the radio.
How to Use a Chart
Charts provide information
essential to your safety afloat. Even with GPS and electronic navigation,
the chart is needed to tell you what is around you and between you and your
intended destination. A system of symbols is used by cartographers to tell
you what lies below the surface of the water and the depths of water. There
is key information about visible landmarks and navigation aids to help you
navigate your course. The chart also is your link with the GPS via its grid
scale, compass rose, and distance scales. A brief introduction to latitude
and longitude provides insight to the operation of GPS receivers.
The NOAA Chart No. 1 is the
quintessential reference to chart details, but is very difficult to
understand. This seminar walks you through what you really need to know in
an entertaining and interesting fashion, and provides you with a Maptech
Waterproof flip-fold waterproof Chart Symbols and On-the-Water Guide
to take along on the boat with you. In addition to showing you all about
your chart, this seminar walks you through the essentials of laying out a
safe course, steps to measure a course with the USPS plotter, and even a
quick guide to the rules of the road.
Onboard Weather Forecasting
Changing weather conditions can
convert what was a delightful day on the water into a real challenge.
Forecasting what weather you will encounter is one of the top priorities for
safe boating. Should we go out? When should we come in? These are important
questions, but some fundamental understanding of the weather can help you
make these decisions. That’s what this seminar is all about.
While not a course in weather,
this seminar explains how just using your own senses can help you determine
what conditions you will encounter where you are. By all means, a forecast
is important. It will tell you what weather systems are headed your way, but
they are challenged to tell exactly where and when conditions will change.
Add your own observations and you have an extra edge. Add a couple of
instruments and you can verify your observations. The seminar explains
weather systems, how to understand clouds and their changes, using changing
wind direction, temperature, and pressure to hone in on emerging weather
fronts. The seminar includes the McGraw-Hill Onboard Weather Forecasting
waterproof Captain’s Quick Guide to take aboard your boat.
Boat Handling under Power
This seminar shows boaters how to depart and dock under a
variety of conditions as well as all about trimming the boat underway. The
seminar materials include a waterproof USPS Captain's Quick Guide
and Student Notes.
Sail Trim and Rig Tuning
This seminar shows in clear and simple terms how to use
and adjust sails for optimum performance under a wide range of conditions.
The seminar comes with a waterproof USPS Captain's Quick Guide
written by North Sails and Student Notes.
Anchoring
This seminar covers selection of
anchor, rode and components; anchor selection for sea conditions and bottom
characteristics; deployment and recovery of anchors. It also includes tables
for sizing an anchor and components, and information for determining loads
under various conditions. The kit includes the Anchoring Quick
Guide and Student Notes with copies of the slides.
Hurricanes and Boats
This is a mini-seminar. It
covers how to select a location and prepare your boat for a hurricane. The
kit includes Student Notes with copies of the slides.
Marine RADAR
This seminar covers how radar
functions, radar selection, and operation of the radar under various
conditions including setting of controls, display interpretation, basic
navigation, and collision avoidance using radar. The kit includes The
Radar Book written by Kevin Monahan ($25 retail) and Student Notes with
copies of slides.
Knots, Bends, and Hitches
The Knots, Bends, and
Hitches seminar is a hands-on "learn how to tie knots" program geared
to a wide range of audiences. The kit comes with a copy of the USPS Guide
Knots, Bends and Hitches for Mariners, a copy of the slide notes
and a kit including a die-cut knot board and two lengths of line.
Participants learn about knots, learn to tie a set of the most useful knots,
and then get to take the whole package home with them to practice these and
a whole host of other knots described in the book.
Paddle Smart
Welcome to the world of
paddlesports. You have joined (or soon will) the fastest growing part of
boating. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, kayaks
and canoes accounted for some 54% of new boats sold in 2006 – over 493,000
crafts. Kayaking, canoeing or rowing are enjoyable opportunities to get
close to nature, have a great time, and get some quality exercise in the
process. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and
those considering purchasing paddling equipment.
Topics discussed in the seminar
include:
