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Navigation Essentials
Our Flagship online course gives new and experienced boaters a huge advantage, equipping all boaters with best practices for any conditions, anywhere.
Train for Best Practices in all areas of navigation & piloting:
- Learn NOAA's new charting environment
- Know your Navigation Aids
- Get comfortable with latitude & longitude
- Plot accurate courses
- Multiple ways to know your position
- Deal with tides & currents like a pro
- Understand marine weather
- Plan trips and routes that keep you, your boat and crew safe and enjoying the cruise
- Tuition: $500 includes books
Launch Navigation Essentials using the Red Button
Navigating the New Charting Environment
For experienced navigators: Do you know just how much charts have changed in the last 5 years? Many misconceptions are leading boaters astray. This short course will get you back on track using both electronic and paper charts optimally for safe boating.
This short course is best for those who are already trained and experienced navigators. Boaters who need comprehensive navigation training should take Navigation Essentials, which includes this as a Module. For seasoned navigators, this is your best opportunity to get up to speed with NOAAs new and rescheming ENC chart system, plus how to use the NOAA Custom Chart tool for the most up-to-date paper charts ever, perfectly designed for your boating area or cruising route. Tuition is $50.
Hit the button at right to learn best practices for using ENCs on your electronic devices and for the most up-to-date custom paper charts
Knotting But Knots!
You are not alone! The ratio between boaters and those skilled with tying the right knot, for the right purpose, the right way is perhaps 100 to 1. These are knot tying methods you will KNOT forget.
These three knots every boater should know without thinking. Learn them solid for free by hitting the green button.
Bonus! Learn all about docking lines in this free lesson
Your Instructors
With the Best Practices in Maritime and Best Practices in Eduction in mind, we are uniquely specialized to focus on your best path and process toward the high level of skills necessary to safely and confidently cruise your boat or a charter boat anywhere in the world.
Captain Phyllis Woolwine
Phyllis Woolwine, AKA Captain Wooly, is a US Coast Guard licensed Captain (Master, Near Coastal), US Sailing Certified Instructor for all levels, US Powerboating Certified Instructor for all levels, and National Board Certified Teacher. She has spent her life on the sea, plying all parts of the Inside Passage and other waters of the world. Captain Wooly is also a career professional educator. For over 30 years - both on and off the water - she's taught all types and ages of learners, in the classroom, on the sea, in the wilderness, in universities, high schools and private settings. She has trained hundreds of recreational boaters and professional mariners of all skill levels, on all types and sizes of boats, and in all manner of conditions.
Mark Hersh
Mark is an ABYC Certified Marine Maintenance Technician, and has been operating boats for most of the decades of his life. At Shearwater University, Mark is a highly sought-after instructor, serving every kind of student on every kind of boat. Your knowledge of your boat's systems, your ability to maneuver, dock, operate and cruise your boat will grow rapidly in the time you spend with him.