Course spotlight: Navigation
This nautical discipline is a vital skill for all our cadets to understand to ensure their safety on the water
The Sea Cadets Training Programme (CTP) now embeds navigation into the syllabus through three dedicated modules: NAV01, NAV02 and NAV03. These new sessions mean that every cadet gains a foundation in navigation principles, regardless of whether they continue with formal boating qualifications.
Rules of the road
Understanding the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), often called COLREGs, is a core skill when boating. NAV01: Basic Collision Regulations introduces cadets to these rules, focusing on lookout, safe speed, risk of collision and actions to avoid accidents. Through interactive activities, cadets practise hazard spotting, clear communication and decision-making in realistic scenarios. This session builds awareness and reinforces that safe boating is a shared responsibility.
Introduction to charts
NAV02 takes cadets into the world of nautical charts – the essential tools for planning and navigating on water. They will explore chart features, practise interpreting scale and debate the pros and cons of paper versus digital charts. By the end, cadets will have a basic understanding of how charts provide vital information for safe passage and why modern navigation increasingly relies on digital tools.
Understanding tides
Tides influence every aspect of boating and NAV03 ensures cadets grasp their importance. Using activities such as ‘Flood & Ebb Simon Says’, cadets learn key terms and how tidal strength changes with lunar cycles. They discover practical ways to access tide tables and apply this knowledge in planning scenarios, such as choosing the safest time for paddleboarding. This session emphasises how tides affect safety, timing and navigation decisions.
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Photos: Sea Cadets /John Jerwood
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