ASA 105 – Home Study Program for Coastal Navigation

Coastal Navigation (ASA 105)

Prerequisites: None but basic sailing experience recommended.

General Description: Navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters.

Sailing Knowledge

• Explain the chart symbols and conventions on U.S. nautical charts in accordance with international terminology.
• Identify a source of official U.S. Coast Guard navigation publications.
• List the publications and instruments required for prudent navigation in the local area including ASA minimum requirements.
• Use the tide and current tables to find times/heights of tides and direction/rate of current at reference and secondary ports.
• Convert courses and bearings between true, magnetic,and compass.
• Check compass deviation by means such as a transit bearing.
• Plot a dead reckoning position on a chart using speed, time and course to steer.
• Allow for the effect of current and leeway to plot the estimated position.
• Determine a course to steer which takes into account known current and leeway.
• Determine current given the course steered and speed and two observed positions.
• Plot a chart position from terrestrial objects using various types of bearings, transit range and distance off the object.
• Use the above techniques to chart a course of at least 20 miles and 3 course changes.
• Explain the terms and characteristics used for lighted navigation aids.
• Explain the significance of shapes, colors, and lights used in the buoy system.

Sailing Skills

Offshore course for practical application of the Coastal Navigation standard.