BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning

The aim of this course is to give the student the tools to enable them to plan and navigate effectively on coastal journeys in moderate sea conditions.

This course is designed for those paddlers carrying out coastal journeys including islands up to 2 nautical miles offshore in areas of tidal movement up to 2 knots and is a prerequisite for those seeking their British Canoeing Sea Leader Award.

The course will include the following:

• Interpretation of sources of information including maps, charts, coastal pilots and tide tables
• Navigation on the water using visual references and simple pilotage techniques e.g. transits and dead reckoning
• Effective use of a compass
• The ability to source, interpret and apply weather information to the coastal environment
• The role of the coastguard

Equipment required for course:

• Silva type 4 or similar compass suitable for map work
• 2B pencils and rubber
• Notebook

Tea, coffee and snacks are provided, but please bring your own packed lunch.

Recommended course book:
Sea Kayak Navigation, Franco Ferrero (2nd Edition, 2007).