Advanced Marine Navigation Course

(Formerly known as Advanced Piloting)

Advanced Marine Navigation is a 10-session, in-depth course offered by the United States Power Squadrons®, America’s Boating Club, Beverly Marblehead Sail & Power Squadron.

Advanced Marine Navigation is the second in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation. It continues to build coastal and inland navigation skill, allowing the student to take on more challenging conditions like unfamiliar waters, limited visibility, and extended cruises. GPS is embraced as a primary navigation tool while adding radar, chartplotters, and other electronic navigation tools. As with Marine Navigation and Piloting, the course includes many in-class exercises, advancing the student’s skills through hands- on practice and learning. Ten classes of two hours each are scheduled for presentation of this course with additional seven days to complete the open book exam.

Topics covered include:

• Review of skills learned in Marine Navigation and Piloting

• Advanced positioning techniques such as advancing a line of position

• Other electronics: radar, depth sounders, autopilots, chartplotters, laptop computer software, etc.

• Hazard avoidance techniques using electronics (e.g., “keep out” zones in GPS)

• Collision avoidance using radar and GPS

• Working with tides: clearances, depth, effects of current

• Piloting with wind and currents

• The “Seaman’s Eye” – simple skills for checking that one is on course

When and where is the course being offered?

Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 pm, starting September 12, 2024 via Zoom. Registered students will receive a link to join the online meetings.

How much does it cost?

Cost is $100 for U.S. Power Squadron & Jubilee YC members, $130 for others.

Navigation Tools are an additional $20 if needed.

How do I register?

Online Pre-registration Required. To register, please click here.

What if I have questions?

For further information, please contact Patrick Pearce