ocean racing club of victoria

Practical Navigator 2019

Ocean Racing Club of VictoriaThe Practical Navigator


Presenters & volunteer assistants introductions

Participants welcome, quick questions:

• Anyone boat owners/skippers ?

• Anyone with navigation experience ?

• What do you want out of the sessions ?

Introductions


For participants to be able to:

• explain the role of a navigator on a cruising or racing yacht

• determine and communicate their position, whilst at sea

• plan and communicate a safe route of travel, bearing in mind voyage objectives, crew experience and potential risks

Course objectives


Course schedule• Pre reading (video watch) for Session 1

• Session 1 – Understanding the Basics?

• Session 2 – Planning the passage / race

• Session 3 – Planning continued

• Session 4 – Whilst at sea


Practical Navigator – Session 1

Basics, Observations, Where am I?



• describe the meaning of common navigation terms used, including the ability to interpret a nautical chart

• identify on a chart, where they are

• recognise nearby risks and visual references

• be able to communicate their position (to an external party)

Session ONE objectives


Navigation basics

(warning – theory ahead)


1. What is the role of the Navigator ?

2. Navigator or Navigators ?

3. What is the skipper’s role in respect to Navigation ?

4. What is the crew’s role in respect to Navigation ?

Discussion


Everyone on a boat should take an interest in navigation

There should be redundancy – in equipment and people

There should be a plan, made well before the trip, including plan B catering to “what if”

Don’t blindly rely on technology, use your observations

Be conservative !!

Key points


Chart basics

• Have a look at AUS143 (Port Philip Bay)

• Colours and depths

• Note the age of the chart (why does that matter ?)

• Note updates, explain Notices to Mariners

• Note the Datum, chart and GPS need to match

• AGD66, WGS84

• eg MV AUS143 150m out WGS84

• Identify Latitude / Longitude


Latitude & Longitude

• Latitude – angle from the polar axis, parallel to the equator (north or south)

• Longitude – perpendicular lines to the equator, angle compared to Greenwich (east or west)

• Be careful reading your GPS:

• Degrees, Minutes, Seconds

• or Degrees, Minutes. Decimal

• 40° 26’ 46” or 40° 26.77’


Plotting

• Note scale on Lat/Long

• To plot a position on to a chart:

• Mark desired latitude on side scale (pencil)

• Use parallel ruler to transpose to approx. location

• Do similar with Longitude, where lines cross is your position

• To read off a position from a chart:

• Reverse the process above

• (maybe not the pencil mark)


Measuring distance

• Use dividers (ideally, if not a ruler), measure distance between two points

• Transfer this to the Latitude scale (the vertical axis on chart) and read off distance

• 1 minute Latitude = 1 Nm


Radio

• Clearly state position, for ORCV skeds round up to nearest minute, and drop off the South and East since we know we are in Australia

• eg 38.12 144.45

• In emergency situation, use seconds or at least one decimal place of a minute

• Typical sked position call

• Ocean Racing, this is Hewitt’s Revenge,

our position was 38.12 144.45 over


Exercise 1

• See exercise sheet – work in small groups

• 3 different lat/long position plots

• Radio 1 position (lat/long)

• What is the distance between 2 points

• determine lat/long from a given position


More Chart basics

• Depth – Metres

• Compass rose

• Lights, Leads, Channel Markers


• Chart depth = Lowest Astronomical Tide, the lowest possible theoretical tide

About tides and depth


• Charts show “True” direction

• Compasses show “Magnetic” direction

• The difference is “magnetic variation” (declination)

In the East, compass is least. So if you want

to head due north steer less than 360 magnetic

• Magnetic variation varies across the globe

o In Melbourne, its approx. 11 degrees

• Some compasses also have deviation

About the compass


Reading Lights from chart

eg West Channel Pile

Fl.WR.6s 14 / 11MFl = Light type

WR = Color (White Red)

6s = cycle period (6 sec)

14 & 11 = visible range (Nm)


Exercise 2

• See exercise sheet – work in small groups

• Depth query given tide info – is it safe ?

• Convert True bearing to Magnetic to steer by

• Convert Magnetic bearing to True, a bearing taken using a hand compass

• Interpret 2 different lights, find them on the on the chart


Observations

• When at sea, navigation clues to look out for include:

• Shore line changes (eg a headland)

• Navigation markers

• Lights and beacons

• Significant landmark (that is on your chart)

• Depth changes

• Consider writing them down

• In your log book


Taking a bearing from a chart

To take a bearing from a chart:

• Align parallel ruler or navigators tool from point A to point B

• Transpose to the compass rose (parallel ruler or align navigator tool lines with chart Lat/Long lines

• Read off bearing (True)

• Be careful you are not 180 degrees out

• Convert to Magnetic


Taking a fix using compass

To take a bearing using a compass:

• Sight the object you wish to take a bearing

• Read off the compass angle

• Convert to true

• Find the object on the chart, use compass rose and transpose the angle to the object, this time you need the opposite angle

• So add or subtract 180 degrees

• You will be somewhere along that line


Multi point fix

• If you can take a bearing to two or more (ideally three) landmarks that are on your chart

• Where they converge will provide an approximate fix

• Inaccuracies could lead to triangulation


The power of the transit

• Without using a compass, transit sight lines can also provide input into locating where you are

• Could be used in conjunction with depth contours


Exercise 3

See exercise sheet – work in small groups

• What is the magnetic bearing to steer from SYC to West Channel Pile ?

• Bearings were taken, locate yourself on the chart:

West Channel pile

Prince George light

Arthurs seat


What is next ?

Everything we have discussed so far has been “static’.

Nothing is moving – everything is at one point in time.

Now we will look at things that change, what are those?

• Position• Speed• Course• Weather• Sails• crew on watch• Tides• Currents• Sea state• Appointments such as schedule radio skeds• etc


• Every yacht is different, you should know approx. boat speed at various wind angles and wind strengths

• This can be represented on polar diagrams or tables

• If you don’t have one, start a diary and create your own

• Computer models use these polars

Predicting boat speed


Course and position

• Example

I am travelling at 6 knots. How far do I go in 36 minutes?(Nautical miles)

6 ×36

60= 3.6

It is 10:00, and the start line for the race is 5 Miles away. What speed do I need to travel at to reach the start line at 10:50?

5

50/60= 6 knots

• Exercise

I am located at Mornington Pier. I wish to meet another boat at Fawkner beacon at noon. What time do I need to leave if I think I will travel at 6.5 knots.


Leeway

“slippage” caused by wind• How can we Estimate it?• How can we Measure it?• How can we Apply it to predict our course?


Leeway• Leeway – estimate typically 5 to 10° (for a yacht when the wind is forward of the

beam)

• Measure Sight wake with hand compassUse GPS course vs compass heading.

• Predict: Wind from Port side: Water track - Leeway angle = course to steer.Wind from Starboard side: Water track + Leeway angle = course to steer.


Set and drift, impact of current

• How can we estimate it?

• How can we measure it?

• How can we predict our course?



• BOM tides – stream flows



• From nautical charts (note Devonport tide !!)



• Compare actual course with heading

o Needs accurate plotting of positions

o And or GPS (eg COG vs Heading, SOG vs Speed)

o Needs accurate compass

• Electronic instruments

o Sophisticated if current forms part of them

o Well calibrated



• Example

Current

Hea

din

g

My heading is due north (T) at about 4 knots ( by log) Time is 1 hour before high water


Exercise

At that same time, someone heading back to the Cowes pier, what course should they steer ?


15 minute break


Exercise

See exercise sheet – work in small groups

• You passed Fawkner Beacon at 10am when your GPS stopped working. You keep sailing on a reach when after 2hrs fog sets in. You weren’t really keeping track

• The course you have steered, based on the magnetic compass was 180 Deg True

• The wind is strong, from the West (270 Deg True)

• You expect around 5 degrees leeway

• Your boat has been doing 8 knots

• Where are you ?


Questions ?



Planning



• Learn about resources available

• Different types of charts

• Create a plan for the passage

• Identify potential hazards for the passage

• Weather and its effect on your route

Session TWO objectives


• With the onset of sophisticated navigation software and the internet available at sea, the role of the navigator has shifted to finer weather forecasting and boat positioning

• But the basics must not be forgotten.

• The primary role is still to keep the boat in navigable water

Role of the modern Navigator


Role of the modern Navigator

• Communication amongst crew and the outside world

• A deep understanding of NoR’s and SI’s

• Most of the Navigators role is done beforehand

o Navigable route planning

o General expectations of what to expect

o “Scenario” and “what if” planning

o Weather


• Build a library of pilotage information

o NGA portal

▪ Planning guides

▪ Enroute sailing directions

o Cruising guides, Cruiser forums (noonsite)

o Local knowledge, previous competitors

o Admiralty Book 5011 – symbols and abbreviations

o Admiralty list of lights and Fog signals

o ColRegs, Bowditch

Pilotage & Sea Pilot Charts


WBB. The Hook point light characteristics have changed refer to NtM 509/2018.

Crossing the WBB from the SE start at GC ref. point 1 @ 25 deg. 48' S, 153 deg 08' E.

Steer NW to CG ref. point 2@25 deg.46.8’S

153 deg. 06.9'E.

Steer SW to CG ref. point 3@ 25 deg. 48.2' S 153 deg.04.6 E.

Mariners should cross the WBB at slack water high tide.

Mariners must remain remindful of constantly changing conditions on the bar and cross at their own risk.

Group practical exercise – create WBB marks


• https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/

• Beacon 2 Beacon

• https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/boating/notices/about

Beacon 2 Beacon

https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/boating/notices/about


• https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal

NGA Portal

Alan Lucas Guide

https://www.alanlucascruisingguides.com/

https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal

https://www.alanlucascruisingguides.com/


• 10.22 Ulul Island (8°35'N., 149°40'E.) is densely covered

• with coconut palms. A drying reef fringes the island. There is a

• radio station on the island.

• 10.22 The reef forming the rim of the atoll has charted depths of

• 0.9m to over 18.3m and can usually be identified by the discoloration

• of the water and by the action of the sea. The lagoon is not

• of uniform depth. Except for a 5.5m patch, located 14 miles W

• of Pisaras island, and a detached reef, with depths of 2.7 to 3.7m,

• located about 6 miles NW of Pisaras, there appears to be no less

• than 9.1m on the scattered coral heads.

• 10.22 Vessels can cross the atoll at any of the swept areas. An excellent

• place to cross is at a position about 8 miles W of Pisaras

• Island. Another good position at which to cross the reef is at a

• position 6 miles SE of Magur Island.

Extract from Sailing Instructions

• 10.22 Anchorage.—There is reported to be good anchorage in the

• swept area NW of Pisaras. Protection is afforded from E and

• SE winds.

• 10.22 During W winds, vessels can anchor 0.5 mile off the E side

• of Ulul Island, in 27m.

• 10.22 Vessels can anchor outside the lagoon, in 55m, about 0.3

• mile off the S part of the W side of Ulul. There is limited space,

• but some protection is afforded against the prevailing NE

• winds.

• 10.22 Caution.—The island has been reported (1993) to lie 1.5

• miles SE of its charted position.


• The Chart

o Navionics

o C-map

o Admiralty – raster or paper

• Why should you have more than one source ?

• Why should they be up to date ?

Preparation


• Know your polars

o Manufacturer

o ORCi

o I-polar

• Proper Instrument calibration

o Why?

Boat Data


• Measured

o Boat Speed – log

o Apparent Wind

▪ Speed

▪ Angle

o Compass Heading (deviation)

o GPS

▪ COG

▪ SOG

Instrument Calibration

• Calibrated

o True Wind

▪ Speed

▪ Angle

o Current

▪ Drift

▪ Set

o Performance


Lunch



Planning continued



• Create a passage/race plan

• Identify boltholes

• Integrate weather into the plan

Session THREE objectives


• HDG - Heading

• COG – Course over Ground

• BSP – Boat Speed

• SOG – Speed over Ground

• Boat or GPS?

Some definitions

• Mark Range

• Mark Bearing

• Mark Time (BSP or SOG)

• XTE – Cross Track Error


COG - HDG

Show practical example


• How is yours set

o dd mm ss

o dd mm.mmm

o dd.dddd

• Compass

o True

o Magnetic – understanding of declination

GPS – your settings

• Practical Example

o 38.29934s 144.54397e

o 38 29.934s 144 54.397e

o Where are we?


GPS – it is accurate ?

• What happens if the signal stops?

o Does it continue with current position?

o Or does it use dead reckoning?

o Does it warn you?

• Regularly cross check

o Depths, Light houses, transits

• Utilise HDOP & HPE (Horizontal Dilution of Precision),(Horizontal Position Error)


GPS – is it accurate ?

• What can make it inaccurate

o Degrading cables

o Antenna position

▪ Crew sitting on it

▪ Is it under the sail

o Rough weather

o Redundancy https://www.orcv.org.au/safety/useful-articles-and-links

https://www.orcv.org.au/safety/useful-articles-and-links


• Waypoint / Mark / Pin

o Estimated time to waypoint

o Distance to waypoint

• Route

o Collection of waypoints

• Weather Route

o Recommended route based on boat data AND weather information

Waypoints / Routes – Weather Routes


• Signal mainly over VHF network

o Can be enhanced via Satellite

o VTS networks

• You’ll generally see bigger ships further out

• Local traffic is dependent on the height of both aerials

• MOB/AIS will show up on nearby screens

• CPA – Closest Point of Approach

AIS


• First priority is to plan a safe route

o How are your waypoints defined

▪ Are they landmarks to be avoided or points to sail to?

▪ Create safe laneway

▪ XTE – Cross Track Error

▪ How to you communicate this to the crew

o Does AMSA know

▪ E-pirb’s

▪ PLB’s

Route planning


• Create a route

o start with an automatic routing if you like – then build from there

o Local knowledge

o Reference

• How long is the trip/race

o Might need to segment it

▪ Melbourne-Sydney – Port Phillip, Bass Strait, South Coast, Sydney Harbour

Create the basic route


• Scour the charts

o Mark the dangers

▪ Expedition – race notes, range circles

▪ Marinetraffic to find commercial routes

o Zoom in, ZOOOOOOM IN – the entire route

▪ Need to know your lane – use RNC or paper charts

o Use XTE to create a safe side

▪ Much easier to tell your helm if your XTE is, then your safe

What can I except

Map Example


• 1 - Create a route from SYC to QCYC

• 2 – Create a route from RBYS to BYS

• 3 - Create a route from BYS to CYCA

o Discuss

▪ Dangers

▪ Points of interest

▪ Segments

▪ Bolt Holes – premake waypoints

▪ Estimated times

Group Exercise – Part ONE – create the route

Navionics and Expedition Example


• Currents

o IMOS images link

o Windy TV Link

o BOM Link

o Predictwind / Tidetech

o SST

• SeaPilot Charts

o OpenCPN

What can I expect

OpenCPNExample

http://oceancurrent.imos.org.au/sst.php

https://www.windy.com/-Currents-currents?currents,-36.507,151.473,7

http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/forecasts/idyoc300.shtml?region=NSW&forecast=SSTCur


• Create Boltholes

o Utilise Cruiser books and forums

o Seapilot reference

o Scour the chart

o Will your boltholes work in all weather – create reference to them on the chart

o Will your route work in all weather

▪ Lee shore

▪ Wind over tide

What if


• Weather routing – historical / Sea Pilot Data

o Estimate time and conditions

▪ Sail Planning – pre-stacking

▪ Food required

▪ Fuel

▪ Clothing

What do I need


• Weather routing

o Expedition

o Predictwind

o B&G H5000

• ASCAT’s

• Start big picture

Weather before I go


• Understanding the basics helps you understand the electronics

• The actual passage is simply a confirmation of what you already know

Recap


Questions ?


15 minute break



All at Sea



• Having procedures whilst at sea

• Shared procedures

• Communication with crew

• Confidently create a passage / race plan

Session FOUR objectives


• Am I in navigable water

• What dangers are ahead

• Look for HiRes GRIBS for the short term

• Keep your eye on the bigger picture - weather

• Lookout for other boats/ships

• Am I in current – do I want to be in current

• What does my Baro say?

I’m at Sea


• Maintain a log

• Manage and update the plan

o Skipper, watch lead, tactician

• Maintain communications with race management / Coastguard

• When am I doing it?

o Am I sharing my role?

What am I doing ?


• Weather is a vital part of navigation both for cruising and racing

• Boat positioning is key to race navigation

• GFS 16 days out, ECMW 14 days out

• HiRes GRIBS – good for 1-2 days

Weather


• We are currently Manly Harbour – Brisbane

• We’re heading to Urangan Harbour for some whale watching

• But we’re going to stay overnight at Mooloolaba

• And also somewhere inside Fraser Island

• 2.5m draft, 15m L.O.A, 22m air draft

Practical Exercise


• Knowing how your electronic options work (preferences)

• Navigable water

• The key to success is planning

• Have options at sea

• Communicate the plan

❑ Further reading – Will Oxley ~ Modern Race Navigation; David Burch ~ Modern Marine Weather

Conclusions


Questions ?


Ocean Racing Club of VictoriaThe Practical Navigator

ocean racing club of victoria

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