Imagine this
You are preparing a real trip and course to steer changes the decision. Use this module to explain the cue, the risk, and the next safe action before you move on.
7 lesson sections · 15 quiz questions · 12 flashcards
Day Skipper training module 10 of 17
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Chartwork
Course to steer, position fixing, waypoints, dead reckoning, and estimated position.
Course to steerUse of waypoints to fix position
3 outcomes for this module
- Explain course to steer, position fixing, waypoints, dead reckoning, and estimated position.
- Apply Course to steer to a realistic onboard situation.
- Recall the core check: chartwork = practical navigation using charts and instruments.
Preview the onboard scenario
You are preparing a real trip and course to steer changes the decision. Use this module to explain the cue, the risk, and the next safe action before you move on.
7 lesson sections · 15 quiz questions · 12 flashcards
Lesson summaries
Use this module hub to choose the right lesson, then open the dedicated lesson page for the complete explanation, worked examples, FAQs, and practice questions.
What Is Chartwork?
Chartwork is the practical skill of plotting courses, fixing positions, and working out navigational problems on a nautical chart. It is the core of Day Skipper navigation and forms the b...
- Chartwork = practical navigation using charts and instruments
- Forms the basis of the chartwork exam paper
Dead Reckoning (DR) and Estimated Position (EP)
Dead Reckoning (DR) is the process of estimating your position based solely on your course steered and distance run through the water — without accounting for tidal stream or leeway. It g...
- DR = course + distance only (no tide, no leeway)
- EP = DR plus estimated tidal stream and leeway; keep an uncertainty allowance
Position Fixing
A fix is a position determined from observations — it is more reliable than a DR or EP. Common methods include: visual bearings (take compass bearings of two or three charted objects and...
- Fix = position from observations (more reliable than DR/EP)
- Three visual bearings give a 'cocked hat' fix
Course to Steer (CTS)
The course to steer is the compass course you need to follow to make good a desired ground track, after allowing for tidal stream, leeway, and compass errors. It involves constructing a v...
- CTS accounts for tide, leeway, and compass errors
- Vector triangle: tidal stream + water track = ground track
Worked EP and Course-to-Steer Example
Worked EP example: start from a fix at 1000. You steer 090 degrees true for one hour at 5 knots, so the DR is 5.0 M due east of the fix. The tidal stream during the hour sets 180 degrees...
- DR uses course and distance through the water only.
- EP adds tidal stream and leeway to the DR.
Waypoints and GPS Navigation
A waypoint is a position defined by latitude and longitude, used to mark turning points or destinations on a passage. Modern GPS and chart plotters navigate between waypoints and display...
- Waypoint = a Lat/Long position used for navigation
- GPS gives bearing, distance, XTE (cross-track error) to waypoints
Leeway
Leeway is the sideways drift caused by wind pushing the boat off course. A yacht sailing in strong winds will make leeway — the boat slides sideways to leeward. The amount depends on wind...
- Leeway = sideways drift from wind (typically 3–10°)
- Applied as a correction to course steered
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