Celestial Navigation (Master Yachts)

A complex topic explained in simple terms. Feel fully prepared for the exam on the Friday. Outstanding pass rates.

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Course Structure

Master (Yachts) - Celestial Navigation

This course provides students with the practical understanding and knowledge of celestial navigation.

The course covers three areas:

Topic 1

Using celestial bodies to fix position:

identify and select the most suitable celestial bodies in the twilight period

determine the time of visible rising and setting of the sun

use acceptable methods to calculate altitude and azimuth

accurately plot lines of position obtained from a sight-to-fix position

use the nautical almanac and calculator or nautical tables to find a position line from an altitude obtained by a sextant and time obtained from a chronometer.

Topic 2

Determining latitude by celestial means:

calculate the latitude by Polaris

calculate the latitude by meridian altitude of the sun or planet

calculate the time of meridian altitude of the sun or planet.

Topic 3

Determining compass error by celestial means:

determine compass error by amplitude of the sun or a planet

determine compass error by azimuth or the sun

determine compass error by azimuth of a star or planet.

Duration

5 days

Assessment

Written exam.