Navigate knowing your exact location at all times.
WE OFFER
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Basic Coastal Navigation
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Intermediate Coastal Navigation
BASIC COASTAL NAVIGATION
Learn the basics of navigation. 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.
- Role of navigator
- Charts & symbols
- Understanding navigation publications
- Converting bearings between true, magnetic and compass
- Dead reckoning
- Basic fixes and determining ETA
- Tides & currents
- GPS
PREREQUISITE: None
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.
We help you feel more prepared to write the test!
Each of these courses includes a practise charting cruise which helps your prepare for the written exam!
OPTION 1: Classroom Instructor-Led Courses (Zoom or In Person options). Register Here
- 5 weeks of instruction
- Exam included and will be done on week 6 for in person class or via invigilator for Zoom classes.
- FEE: $395 + HST (includes all learning material & Exam) – Register Here
OPTION 2: Self-Study Online Learning. Register Here
- Register at any time and work through the course at your own pace. You have 1 year to complete this course.
- FEE (Single): $200 + HST (exam not included) – Register Here
- FEE (Couple): $340 + HST (exam not included; materials are shared) – Register Here
NOTES:
- Fees do not include logbook.
- For Zoom or self-study courses, exams can be arranged through Advantage Boating or with an invigilator.
CERTIFICATION AWARDED: Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation Standard
NEXT STEPS: Sail Canada Basic Cruising, Sail Canada Basic Powerboat, Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising, Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation, Sail Canada Celestial Navigation
INTERMEDIATE COASTAL NAVIGATION

Navigating while underway.
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.
PREREQUISITE: Sail Canada Basic Coastal Navigation Standard
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.
We help you feel more prepared to write the test!
Each of these courses includes plotting a cruise which helps prepare you for the written exam!
Classroom Instructor-Led Courses (Zoom or In Person options). Register Here
- Exam included on week 5 for in person class and via invigilator for Zoom classes.
- FEE: $395 + HST (includes all learning material & Exam) – Register Here
Note: Fees do not include logbook.
CERTIFICATION AWARDED: Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation Standard
NEXT STEPS: Sail Canada Basic Cruising, Sail Canada Basic Powerboat, Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising, Sail Canada Intermediate Coastal Navigation, Sail Canada Celestial Navigation