CP2 – Chartwork & Pilotage 2

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:

Chartwork and Pilotage Level 2 (Page 154, Section 11.3)

Recommended Reading:

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.


Bowditch” (aka the American Practical Navigator) also comes recommended and covers what Dutton’s covers. It also covers many more topics, and so we feel it may be a lot for someone just trying to learn about navigation. It is an excellent book though, and will serve as a reference on many maritime topics for years to come.


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. On the exam you will likely need to demonstrate how to calculate levels at secondary ports and at intermediate states of the tide. Any volume will be good for studying.


Sailing Directions These are very straightforward publications, but if you are not familiar with them then you should get a copy (any one will do) and get familiar with the general information and layout. Any volume will be good for studying.


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. You will notice that there are consistent themes regarding different symbols and what they represent, this makes getting to know the symbols a lot easier.


Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters The syllabus says you should know “nature of content”.

 

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

2 thoughts on “CP2 – Chartwork & Pilotage 2

  1. thanks for all this information

  2. Hi. I am taking the Chartwork & Pilotage 2 in a few weeks. All my training has been through US schools and we used Martha’s Vineyard to Block Island for training. Can you recommend a good or common Canadian Chart used? It is for my Master 150 ie Straights of Vancouver? Thanks

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