Books about Navigation

[valleydawg]

II have owned boats my whole life but have always had lake boats. I am close to buying a 24 ft CC saltwater boat. What are a few good books or videos to help get me started with waterway navigation and rules? Yes, yes I have been offshore several times with friends and family but wanted a little more depth for myself but also something I could understand. Thanks

 

[ziggy]

Re: Books about Navigation

chapmans seamanship and boat handling would be a good start.

myself, when i wanted to understand and learn about piloting and navigation i joined the us power squadron. they had a pretty in depth classes on the subject.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Books about Navigation

I've really toyed with looking into a captain's license. I have *NO* idea what's involved, but I think it'd be incredibly interesting & also would be very proud to be able to put Cptn. before my name, officially. That being said, my boating experience is extremely limited to a single lake growing up and only a couple of lakes and the Delaware only recently, so I might be getting a little ahead of myself.

 

[relstabw]

Re: Books about Navigation

I've really toyed with looking into a captain's license. I have *NO* idea what's involved, but I think it'd be incredibly interesting & also would be very proud to be able to put Cptn. before my name, officially. That being said, my boating experience is extremely limited to a single lake growing up and only a couple of lakes and the Delaware only recently, so I might be getting a little ahead of myself.

I have a friend who recently got his Captain's liscense (six pack) for taking up to six people on a charter. He went through an on line school and took the test as he finished each segment.

 

[JB]

Re: Books about Navigation

You can't go wrong with a current issue of Chapmans, the USPS Piloting and Seamanship course, followed by the USPS Navigation courses.

When I got my sixpack license I needed a log of time (I think it was 40 hours) crewing under a licensed Captain in addition to the exams. That was 1986.

Don't expect to get there overnight. I had been "boating" as a fisherman for many years before I started with Chapmans and it still took me 4 years to get to a sixpack.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Books about Navigation

When I got my sixpack license I needed a log of time (I think it was 40 hours) crewing under a licensed Captain in addition to the exams. That was 1986.

How times have changed. 360 documented days (4 hr min.) on water of which 90 days must have been in the past 3 years. Requires Drug testing and first aid / CPR certifications.

 

[valleydawg]

Re: Books about Navigation

Thanks. Plan to go to the book store today.