Learn more advanced techniques and seamanship required to navigate coastal waters confidently in all weather conditions, day or night.
105
ASA 105 Coastal NavigationBecome a navigator and explore coastal passages
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation is essential for anyone ready to move beyond day sailing and take command of extended trips along the coast. Knowing how to navigate safely without relying solely on electronics builds both your confidence and capability as a skipper. This course empowers you to explore new cruising grounds, confidently plan multi-day routes, and handle the ever-changing conditions of coastal waters. By mastering these fundamental navigation skills, you’ll unlock the freedom to chart your own course, making each journey both safer and more adventurous.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation teaches the foundational skills necessary for safe and effective passage planning and navigation in coastal waters. You’ll learn to read and interpret nautical charts, use tide and current tables, and understand key navigation publications like the USCG Navigation Rules. The course covers plotting positions, correcting for current and leeway, and converting between true and magnetic bearings. Practical exercises include plotting dead reckoning positions, determining a course to steer, and taking bearings to find your location. By the end of the course, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to confidently plan and execute coastal passages with accuracy and safety.
105 CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
It’s important to understand that simply enrolling in an ASA 105 course and attending classes doesn’t automatically guarantee certification. Our commitment is to the safety and competence of every sailor who takes to the water, which is why we’ve developed rigorous curriculum standards. These standards are designed to ensure you receive the highest quality education, equipping you with the skills and confidence you need to handle a boat safely. From sail trim to navigation, we hold you to a high standard, so when you earn your certification, you know you’re truly ready to skipper with skill and confidence. Safety isn’t just a lesson—it’s our priority, and these standards are what set you up for success on the water.
Download a PDF of the basic skills learned in this course. When you enroll in a certification course with a school, you will be taught each of these skills. Your ability to demonstrate these skills on the water and in the written exam determines whether you receive a certification or if you need more practice before receiving the certification.
To be successful in earning the certification, we highly recommend you study all available materials so that your time in class is used efficiently and effectively.
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WHAT'S NEXT
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Celestial Navigation
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