Course Overview
This course provides students with a means to navigate a vessel by celestial methods. The course contents include the celestial sphere and bodies, determining a vessel’s position by using celestial bodies, and theory and practice of the sextant. It is strongly recommended that students should review algebraic and trigonometric functions prior to taking this course.
Prerequisite(s)
- Successful completion of Term 3
Credits
9.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Solve spherical triangles.
- Explain the solar system and celestial bodies useful for navigation.
- Describe the celestial sphere and celestial bodies.
- Define equation of time.
- Obtain celestial information using the Nautical Almanac.
- Calculate azimuth and amplitude bearings of celestial bodies and to determine compass error.
- Demonstrate proper use of a marine sextant.
- Calculate the latitude and position line using the meridian altitude method.
- Calculate the longitude and position line by longitude by chronometer method
- Calculate position by intercept using the Marc St. Hilaire method.
- Transfer calculated position lines to obtain vessel's position.
Effective as of Winter 2011
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.