Sailing and Marine Navigation
Updated: July 16, 2023
Essentials
To start the theoretical part of your sail training there are three good options for beginning sailors
New Sailors Begin Here! (American Sailing)
New Sailors Begin Here! (RYA)
New Sailors Begin Here! (NauticEd)
To comply with Hawaii state law every recreational boater needs to complete an approved safety course
Free Hawaii Mandatory Boating Safety Course (BoatUS)
The mandatory boating safety course reinforces some of the important safety topics discussed in the ASA, RYA and NauticEd courses. It is sort of like a drivers license for boats and is accepted in other states. The mandatory boating safety course also covers topics specific to the state of Hawaii, such as stay away from whales and dolphins and don’t operate a jet ski unless you have additional training.
As you progress through your sailing education you’ll want to get better at knowing where you are on the water and figuring out where to go. Especially if you want to be qualified to charter a boat without a hired Captain or if you want to pursue sailing professionally, you’ll want to check out these resources:
Navigation Training
Navigation Rules – USCG 72 COLREGS Official US government publication on the rules for marine navigation. Includes International and Inland rules, now combined into one document and viewable for free online. If you would like to purchase a hard copy (required for commercial vessels) you can find it here.
US Chart #1 – Official US government publication that is the reference booklet for reading nautical charts and explains the meaning of all chart symbols. You never have to memorize this stuff but it’s important to know where to find the information. Great reference to have and keep with your nautical charts. Available for free online or you can purchase a hard copy here.
Nautical Charts – Everyone has GPS and a chart plotter these days but you never know if technology will fail so it’s essential for every competent mariner to have and know how to read traditional nautical charts. West Marine in Honolulu usually stocks a limited supply of some of the most important Hawaii charts if you need one right away. The best place to get the most current up to date chart is online and have it mailed to you. NOAA doesn’t print nor sell them to the public anymore, this has been outsourced to companies such as OceanGrafix who will print them on demand with the most current corrections.
Recommended navigation tools: W&P dividers, W&P parallel plotter, W&P hand bearing compass
NOAA has all charts available to view online here
Advanced Navigation
As you venture out of sight of land you’ll want to know how to steer by the stars if your electronics fail
Bowditch – The American Practical Navigator, US Pub #9 Official US government publication that is the complete reference for marine navigation. Every book on marine navigation is based on this most authoritative reference book. Includes a thorough discussion of celestial navigation. Available for free online or you can purchase a hard copy here.
Nautical Almanac – Published jointly by the UK and US Naval Observatories, this annual publication lists the positions of celestial bodies for the purposes of celestial navigation. Essential reference for navigating out of sight of land if you don’t have GPS. Available for free online or you can purchase a hard copy here.
Sight Reduction Tables – Pub 229 US government publication used for celestial navigation. Available for free online or you can purchase a hard copy here.
Other free downloadable US government navigation publications from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, such as Pilot Charts, USCG Light List, Sailing Directions, etc. are available at this link.