Offshore Navigation

Event Phone: (281) 451-1146

This class covers the Offshore Navigation (formerly called Junior Navigation) course.  This course blends the basics of celestial navigation with contemporary electronic methods for navigating the world’s oceans and large bodies of water. It is designed as a practical, how-to-course.

It will be taught every Thursday night, on the listed schedule.  The course is approximately 12 weeks in duration for the classes.  There will be additional time required for taking sights and building the Sight Folder.

The course will be delivered via teleconference for the most part.  There are several sessions that should be attended in person (when possible) for learning specific skills around using the sextant and making special plots, but video of the hand-work will be used.  To join the Zoom teleconference, click this link.  If asked, the meeting ID is 534 734 8100 and the passcode is Qq4edj.

The students and instructors will set the final schedule for study, excursions for taking sights, completing the Sight Folder and other ancillary tasks during the first meeting.  Study groups will be formed to help learn and complete exercises.

Mentors will be on-hand to assist all students.  The Houston Squadron has a collection of sextants that will be loaned out to students.  These sextants are calibrated and in excellent working order.  Additional materials and publications, forms and electronic tools will be supplied to the students by the Squadron.  Your book can be purchased online by clicking this link.  One book per student or family unit.

NOTE:  It is required to have completed the Marine Navigation (Piloting) and the Advanced Marine Navigation (Advanced Piloting) courses before taking this course.