Navigation & Maritime Skills Classes

Anchoring & Anchorages - Online Class

Learn the fundamentals of anchoring—deploying, setting, scope calculations, and retrieval—and what to do about anchoring in storms or high winds. Then learn about specific anchorages in the San Juan and Gulf Islands—where to drop the hook in fair weather and where to hide in a storm. This class is offered online via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on two consecutive evenings. Please watch for class details, including the Zoom link, to be sent via email. The class has a four-person minimum.

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Charts & Dead Reckoning - Online Class

Navigation without a GPS! You'll learn to use latitude, longitude, compass bearings, transits, and your paper charts to know where you are. This is an introduction to the traditional art of dead reckoning.

You will need the following materials to participate in class, they are available for purchase in the Chandlery on the NWMC campus, but also through our virtual store:

• Chart 18471 "Approaches to Admiralty Inlet"
• Dividers
• Parallel Ruler
• Pencil and eraser

Optional materials:

• Hand bearing compass
• Chart No. 1

This class is offered online via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on two consecutive evenings. Please watch for class details, including the Zoom link, to be sent via email. The class has a four-person minimum.

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Electronic Navigation & VHF: What are my electronic instruments and what are they telling me? - Online Class

This is an introduction to the many electronic tools and instruments that can help us navigate safely: Depth Sounders, GPS, Chart Plotters, AIS, Radar and VHF radios. The class features a discussion of the common errors associated with each system and what they can and cannot tell you. Includes video from our Simulator and a chance to practice mayday calls. This class is offered online via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on two consecutive evenings. Please watch for class details, including the Zoom link, to be sent via email. The class has a four-person minimum.

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No Impact Docking - Online Class

How to dock without fear (or damages)! No yelling! No leaping! We’ll see slides, handouts, and tips for successful docking strategies for keelboats and trawlers, and how to practice them. We’ll learn how to use prop walk, winds, and spring lines to your advantage...the finer points of docking without bow thrusters or twin screws. This class is offered online via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on two consecutive evenings. Please watch for class details, including the Zoom link, to be sent via email. The class has a four-person minimum.

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Radar, Collision Avoidance, & Night Navigation - Online Class

Learn to interpret the images your radar is displaying with video radar exercises from our simulator. This class includes an introduction to true and relative motion, range, bearing, and what that means to you and your vessel. You will also learn how to mark targets and track other vessels. Then, build on your basic radar skills with simulated navigation exercises in fog and darkness. Use vectors, bearing lines, and range rings to navigate safely. You will learn to recognize other vessels, aids to navigation, harbor entrances, and hazards at night. The class features video from our state-of-the-art maritime simulator, which accurately demonstrates the lights of Puget Sound and the vessels you might encounter. This class is offered online via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on two consecutive evenings. Please watch for class details, including the Zoom link, to be sent via email. The class has a four-person minimum.

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Radar & Collision Avoidance - In-Person Simulator Class!

Learn to interpret the images your radar is displaying with hands-on radar exercises in our simulator and chart room. This class includes an introduction to true and relative motion, range, bearing, and what that means to you and your vessel. You will also learn how to mark targets and track other vessels. This class utilizes our state-of-the-art simulator to create radar collision avoidance scenarios to practice and learn from. This class is in person, at the Northwest Maritime Center campus. The class has a four-person minimum.

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Rules of the Road & Aids to Navigation - Online Class

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Lights, sounds, right of way: know the rules!
Who has right of way? Where's the channel? By the end of this class, you'll understand the maneuvering rules, lights, sound signals, and buoys that allow us to navigate safely around hazards and other vessels. This class is offered online via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on two consecutive evenings. Please watch for class details, including the Zoom link, to be sent via email. The class has a four-person minimum.

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Tides & Currents in the Salish Sea - Online Class

Tides and currents are a huge part of boating in the Salish Sea. Knowing the forces at work, the resources available, and the boat skills needed to safely operate is paramount to a successful on-the-water adventure. Kayak, inflatable, sailboat, or powerboat—all are affected by the rise and fall of the tide. Whether a day trip on Port Townsend Bay or a trip up the Inside Passage, this class will help you with safe boat-trip planning. This class is offered online via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on two consecutive evenings. Please watch for class details, including the Zoom link, to be sent via email. The class has a four-person minimum.