40 Hours
No Prerequisites
380

ASA 105, Coastal Navigation

Earn your official ASA 105 certification by completing this online course from Starpath.
Course Materials Included
Instructors & Discussion Groups
ASA Certification
1 Year Access

Learn practical navigation on inland and coastal waters, including chart reading, piloting, rules of the road, tides and currents, and more. Includes both electronic nautical chart and paper chart training.

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ASA 105, Coastal Navigation - Online Course

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Course OVERVIEW

The ASA 105 Coastal Navigation course covers the theory and practice of coastal navigation. It is designed for sailors who want to enhance their skills and confidence in navigating a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. There are no prerequisites required to take this course.
 
The course covers the following topics:
  • Chart reading and interpretation:
    You will learn how to read and understand the symbols, scales, projections, and features of nautical charts. You will also learn how to use Chart #1, which is a reference guide for U.S. nautical charts.
  • Navigation publications and instruments:
    You will learn how to identify and use the official U.S. Coast Guard navigation publications, such as the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats, the USCG Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook, the State small vessel regulations, the Local Notice to Mariners, the List of Lights, Buoys, and Fog Signals, and the Tide and Current Tables. You will also learn how to use the instruments required for prudent navigation, such as the steering compass, the hand-bearing compass, binoculars, the protractor, the parallel rule, and dividers.
  • Aids to Navigation (ATON) system:
    You will learn how to recognize and interpret the shapes, colors, and lights used in the U.S. Aids to Navigation system. You will also learn how to use lighted navigation aids to determine your position and course at night or in low visibility conditions.
  • Plotting techniques:
    You will learn how to plot your position and course on a chart using various methods, such as dead reckoning and estimated position. You will also learn how to correct your course for magnetic variation and deviation, current and leeway effects, and compass errors.
  • Charting a course:
    You will learn how to plan and chart a safe and efficient course of at least 20 miles, including three course changes, using all the skills you have learned. You will also learn how to mark your waypoints, check your distances and bearings, identify hazards and obstructions, select alternative routes, and update your chart as you sail.
Students who complete the online course and pass the final exam will be awarded with an official ASA 105 certification and seal for their logbook.
 
The ASA 105 course is a challenging but rewarding course that will prepare you for more advanced sailing courses and adventures. It is a prerequisite for the ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising course, which teaches you how to safely act as a skipper and crew of a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions.

Course Length & Prerequisites

You can reasonably expect to spend approximately 40 to 60 hours on this course at your own pace. The number varies based on how much optional material you choose to cover. You have the option to control how much work you do during each session. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Accessibility

This course is available to complete on both Windows and Mac computers.

What's included

  • COURSE MATERIALS

    All materials are included except plotting tools. Materials included but not limited to charts, Navigation Rules, custom eCharts and NOAA eCharts.

  • INSTRUCTORS & DISCUSSION GROUPS
    We have instructors in three different time zones, so if any question comes up, just post it in the Student Discussion Forum for a quick answer - or search to see if someone has already asked the question for an even faster answer.
  • ASA Certification
    A certification & seal for your logbook.
  • 1 year access
    You have one year to complete the course or request an extension.

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ASA 105

Coastal Navigation

Learn practical navigation on inland and coastal waters, including chart reading, piloting, and more.

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ASA 107

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ASA 117

Basic Celestial Endorsement

Learn to apply basic celestial navigation theory and to determine latitude and longitude at sea.

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ASA 119

Marine Weather Endorsement

Learn to observe and forecast weather conditions using traditional maritime skills and modern technology.
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ASA 120

Radar Endorsement

Learn to properly use small-craft radar (or radar simulator) for piloting, navigation, and collision avoidance.
ASA & STARPATH ONLINE COURSES

Please register for one or more of the Starpath courses below.
If you have any questions contact support@asa.com