What is ASA 105 Advanced Coastal Navigation?

Do you think that with your phone app or the onboard electronics, you don’t need this course? You’ll learn to read and interpret nautical charts, understand tides and currents, and use essential tools like parallel rulers, dividers, and the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules. Through engaging, hands-on exercises, you’ll plot courses, correct for current and leeway, and take bearings to pinpoint your exact position.

By the end of the class, you’ll navigate like a seasoned sailor—ready to plan your own adventures across Narragansett Bay or wherever the wind takes you.

No-Pre-requisite required

How is ASA 105 class taught?

We offer two options:

Option #1: 3 full day Friday to Sunday – 9 to 5pm in a classroom

Option #2: 3 online evening class with your instructor via Zoom meeting and one day in person with the same instructor. This option is designed to be followed for ASA 106 class right away as the in-person class will be held on a Wednesday and the ASA 106 will start on Thursday.

What will you learn?

1. Explain the chart symbols and conventions on U.S. nautical charts in accordance with the terminology of Chart #1.
2. Identify a source of official U.S. Coast Guard navigation publications.
3. List the publications required for prudent navigation in the local area.
4. Describe the instruments required for prudent navigation in the local area.
5. Describe the purpose and example contents of a “Notice to Mariners.”
6. Explain the terms and characteristics used for lighted navigation aids.
7. Explain the significance of shapes, colors, and lights used in the U.S. Aids to Navigation (ATON) system.
8. Use the tide and current tables to find:

• Times and heights of tides at reference and secondary ports.
• Direction and rate of current at referenced and secondary stations.

9. Convert courses and bearings between true, magnetic, and compass.
10. Check compass deviation by a transit bearing or other means.
11. Plot a dead reckoning position on a chart using speed, time and course to steer.
12. Allow for the effect of current and leeway to plot the estimated position.
13. Determine a course to steer which takes into account known current and leeway.
14. Determine current given the course steered and speed and two observed positions.
15. Plot a chart position from terrestrial objects using:

• Two or more bearings on different objects taken at one time.
• Bearings at different times (i.e. a running fix).
• One bearing and transit range.
• One distance (i.e. a sounding or dipping a light) and one bearing.

16. Chart a course of at least 20 miles and three course changes using the above skills.

     

You will be able to really understand the information a chart is giving you, and be able to interpret your chart-plotter information better as well.

How to prepare for the class?

The best way to prepare for the class is to review the books and material we will send you in advance.

What is included in the class?

• ASA certification
• Test material
• Navigation charts and tools will be provided in the classroom. If you choose option #2, you will have to purchase your own material
• The book and charts can be purchased upon registration and will be mailed to you