It is not surprising that, in a world that is increasingly dominated by technology, there is an awakening of interest in traditional methods of using the celestial bodies to help us navigate the oceans.

Astro navigation is an interwoven mix of geography, astronomy, history, and mathematics and should appeal to both mariners and scholars. 

This course will introduce you to the principles of astro navigation and the practice of finding your position using a sextant and the celestial bodies.   

You’ll also study ocean currents, global meteorology, including tropical revolving storms, and ocean passage planning.

Course content 

• The Earth and the celestial sphere
• The PZX triangle
• The use of a sextant
• Measurement of time
• Meridian altitudes
• The nautical almanac and sight reduction tables
• Plotting of position lines
• Sight planning
• Sun, star, and other sights
• Sight reduction and plotting
• Ocean meteorology
• Ocean currents
• Passage planning and preparation
• Satellite, HF communications, and obtaining weather data

Course details 

The programme includes 40 hours of teaching plus exam time.

The course is classroom-based, but practical sessions will be organised nearby to practice sights. 

Location and instruction 

The week is run in our comfortable, well-resourced waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club by an experienced and qualified RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory instructor. 

By the end of the course, you will be familiar with the sextant and able to take sights and plot your position using sight reduction.

You will also be well prepared to plan an ocean passage. 

• Tuition, course publications, course pack, and certification.
• Plotting sheets, dividers, sextants, and compasses are provided for loan. 

Qualifications 

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course certificate upon successful completion of examinations 

• You have passed the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Theory course or have the equivalent knowledge of navigation and seamanship.

• If you want to complete the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, you must complete your Yachtmaster Offshore COC and a qualifying ocean passage. Then, you will be ready to submit your celestial sights to the RYA for an oral examination.
• On passing your Yachtmaster Ocean oral examination, you will have been deemed competent to skipper a yacht up to 24 m in length on passages unrestricted by distance anywhere in the world. 
• For a complete training package, including Yachtmaster Ocean theory and a qualifying passage, see Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and Passage.