coastal navigation

Navigate knowing your exact location at all times.

Our Coastal Navigation course will help equip sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to safely plan and execute voyages in coastal waters using traditional and modern navigation techniques.

With instructor support, you’ll never run a ground—reach out for help whenever you need guidance. We’ll provide all the tools you need to succeed, including a physical textbook, exercise book, plotting tools, dividers, and a chart. Your course includes a written exam and certification, ensuring you’re ready to navigate with confidence.

For extra hands on help we offer an additional in-person workshop to supplement the home study course. Stay off the rocks and become a more knowledgeable navigator with lots of hands-on exercises.

PREREQUISITE: None

CERTIFICATION AWARDED: Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation Standard

This course is your first step in learning how to safely plan and navigate through coastal and inland waters during the day.  During this hands-on practical course you will learn how to determine your position on a nautical chart and the skills required to safely reach your intended destination. This course also covers basic electronic navigation including using a GPS and waypoints.

OBJECTIVE: To be able to demonstrate and safely navigate by day in coastal and inland waters.  This introductory course offers basic knowledge of navigation theory and is the initial course in a comprehensive set of courses offered by Sail Canada on vessel navigation.  This standard is a requirement for the Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising and Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation standards.

STUDY OPTIONS: 

Self-Study Home study including textbooks.

This home study option includes all the learning materials you need to complete the course independently. 

UPGRADE OPTION:  You can combine this course with the Intermediate Coastal navigation Home Study course for a comprehensive learning experience. FEE: $595 + HST | REGISTER HERE:  [LINK]

    • Materials include:  2 textbooks (learning and exercise book), navigation chart, dividers, chart plotter, final exam and certification.
    • Instructor support is available via email
    • You will write your exam and receive a post-exam summary via email
    • Register at any time and complete the course at your own pace. You have 12 months to finish after which there may be additional fees.
    • FEE: $350 + HST (additional fees if you would like to have your navigation package(s) mailed).
    • REGISTER HERE:  [LINK]
    • Note:  Above fees do not include logbook. 

NEXT STEPS: Sail Canada Basic Cruising, Sail Canada Basic Powerboat, Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising, Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation, Sail Canada Celestial Navigation

PREREQUISITE: Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation Standard

CERTIFICATION AWARDED: Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation Standard

This course builds on the basic knowledge of navigation theory presented in the Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation Standard.  The curriculum focus is on near shore navigation and covers position determination methods as well as methods for dealing with current and leeway.  The course also covers the determination of intermediate tidal heights and introduces you to the basic of passage planning and the the impact that the Collision Regulations may have on navigational practice.  The standard emphasizes the navigational skills at a level appropriate for bare boat chartering and for extended cruises in coastal waters.

OBJECTIVE: To be able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely plan and execute a long continuous passage including night sailing in unfamiliar coastal or inland waters, in all conditions of visibility, with our without electronic aids. This standard is a requirement for the Sail Canada Advanced Cruising and Sail Canada Advanced Navigation and Celestial Navigation standards.

STUDY OPTIONS: 

Self-Study Home study including textbooks.

This home study option includes all the learning materials you need to complete the course independently

    • Materials include:  2 textbooks (learning and exercise book), navigation chart, dividers, chart plotter, final exam and certification.
    • Instructor support is available via email
    • You will write your exam and receive a post-exam summary via email
    • Register at any time and complete the course at your own pace. You have up 12 months to finish after which there may be additional fees.
    • FEE: $350 (additional fees if you would like to have your navigation package(s) mailed).
    • REGISTER HERE:  [LINK]

NEXT STEPS: Sail Canada Basic Cruising, Sail Canada Basic Powerboat, Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising, Sail Canada Celestial Navigation

In-Person Navigation Plotting Workshop.

For those who prefer hands-on learning, join our series of in-person workshops focused on navigation plotting skills. This workshop will help support the intermediate coastal navigation home study course and help you put your new plotting skills to practise. You will need to bring your #3436 BC Strait of Georgia Chart, dividers, chart plotter, fine tip pencil and eraser.  These workshops do not replace the home study Coastal Navigation program. Materials are not included.

  • DATES & TIME:  Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM on February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2025
  • LOCATION:  2nd Floor @ Nepean Sailing Club
  • FEE:  $250 + HST
  • REGISTER HERE:  [LINK]

NEXT STEPS: Sail Canada Basic Cruising, Sail Canada Basic Powerboat, Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising, Sail Canada Celestial Navigation

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