Course Overview
This course builds up on Electronic Positioning Systems to provide students with the knowledge to correctly use shipboard electronic navigational aids and instruments for safe navigation. Students will study the operating principles, limitations, sources of errors, and methods of correcting errors on modern shipboard equipment. This course comprises of electronic navigational aids, and magnetic compass. The course hours are: 78 hours (Electronic); 42 hours (Magnetism); for a total of 120 hours.
Prerequisite(s)
- Electronic Positioning Systems or equivalent. Copies of prerequisites are to be submitted to the course instructor on the first day of the course.
Credits
8.0
Domestic fees
$631.88
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
- List specific regulatory requirements for shipborne navigational equipment and systems.
- Explain fundamentals of electromagnetic signal generation and transmission.
- Explain global coordinate’s system data in use for electronic vessel position fixing.
- Describe Loran-C systems.
- Explain the correct operation of Loran-C system for navigation.
- Describe the Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
- Accurately use the Global Positioning System equipment for navigation.
- Explain the principles of free gyroscope.
- Describe accurately, the operation of gyro compasses.
- Describe the operation of transmitting heading devices.
- Describe heading control system, including rate of turn indicator.
- Describe types of depth measuring equipment.
- Explain the correct operation of depth sounder.
- Describe types of speed and distance measuring devices.
- Explain the correct operation of speed logs.
- Describe Automatic Identification System (AIS).
- Accurately operate the Automatic Identification System equipment.
- Explain electronic charting along with voyage management system.
- Assess the benefits of integrated bridge systems.
- Describe the operations of different types of high-precision fixing systems.
- Describe the operation of types of equipment that provide Dynamic Positioning Systems.
- Determine accuracy of lines of position and fixes.
- Explain the operational requirements for a voyage data recorder.
- Describe operation of Transmitting Magnetic Heading Devices (TMHD).
- Explain the requirements of radio communication equipment as per the Ship Station Radio Regulations and Ship Radio Technical Regulations.
- MAGNETISM
- Explain the magnetic elements of the earth’s field.
- Describe the construction of a magnetic compass.
- Identify vessel’s steel structure that affects the magnetic compass.
- Explain other miscellaneous factors that affect the magnetic compass.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2015
Related Programs
Navigation Systems and Instruments (NAUT 1832) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Transportation
- Chief Mate
Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of NAUT 1832 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70479
Dates
May 26 - Jun 19 Loading
- CRN 70479
- $631.88 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 26 - Jun 19 | Mon - Fri | 08:30 - 16:00 | Marine BMC Rm. 234 |
Duration
3 weeks
Instructor
Mujeeb Siddiqui
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Textbooks can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore, and may be shipped to the Marine Campus Library for pick up, or your home address.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.