Chartwork & Pilotage 2

This is a navigation exam that will test your theoretical knowledge and also require you to demonstrate practical chartwork abilities, including the use of parallel rules and dividers.

You will need to have a good idea of the symbols in Chart #1, and may even have to sketch some of them.

Knowledge of Canadian government publications such as Tide Tables, Sailing Directions and List of Lights will also be required.

There is no celestial navigation aspect, but use of a sextant for horizontal angles is included.

Exam Syllabus:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-tp2293-chapter11-1063.htm#3

Recommended Reading:

Small Craft Piloting and Coastal Navigation Though the title says ‘small craft’ this is an excellent book for any size of vessel. It teaches chartwork in a straightforward and simple manner, progressing through the steps to make you a good navigator. Included is tides and currents as well as the use of a sextant in coastal piloting. It is equally good for the beginner or someone who just needs a refresher. A a practice cruise and accompanying chart are included so you can use all the skills you are learning.

You will also need a full-on navigation textbook (as opposed to chartwork alone) to help you through the heavier theory. Either of these titles will do you well:

Dutton’s Nautical Navigation A large book that explains all the necessary science behind navigation. Different chart projections, differences between new editions and revisions of charts, the many datums in use, electronic navigation technology and the use of gyrocompasses.

or

“Bowditch” (aka the American Practical Navigator) is also a great book, and covers what Dutton’s covers. It also covers many more topics, and so we feel it is a lot for someone just trying to learn about navigation. If you have Bowditch though, by all means use it.

To make sure you are familiar with Canadian publications you will need these:

Tide Tables We strongly recommend you look over an actual tide table to get acquainted with them. The Tide Tables also have further, very specific instructions on how to calculate levels between high and low water and also at secondary ports. Questions involving these calculations make up a good number of marks on the exam.

and

Sailing Directions These are very straightforward publications, but if you are not familiar with them then you should know what they contain and how to use them.

and

Chart #1 This is the book that has all the chart symbols in it. All of them, and there are a lot. You should have a good idea of the many different symbols and what they mean, and if possible you should basically know this entire book.

Other Resources:

Starpath Chart Trainer This is a computer program that will help you through the basics of chartwork. We’re talking the real basics (which are very important!) such as usage of rulers, dividers, Chart 1 etc. It helps you with publications and uses pictures and diagrams to help explain different concepts.

Radio Aids to Marine Navigation

List of Lights

Parallel Rules Required for measuring and transferring bearings and courselines. Many different sizes, we recommend 15″ or 18″ for most users.

Protractor Triangle A set of two triangles is also an extremely handy tool for coastal navigation. They fulfill the same basic function of parallel rules, but do it in a different way. Those that use triangles swear by them.

Dividers We offer many different types of dividers. The one-handed style are not absolutely required, but once you’ve used them you’ll never go back to straight ones.

Regulations:

Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations