This module explores safely navigating in and out of a harbour, including the preparation and planning required. It covers visual aids for navigation, such as buoys and buoyage systems, both by day and night. It introduces navigational techniques to ensure a smooth process.
This knowledge allows us to perform pilotage, the nautical term for getting in and out of a harbour.
Module Prerequisites
Before learning about buoys and pilotage, you need to understand charts, positioning, where there will be water, and the impact wind and tide have on your vessel. Trying to get in and out of a harbour is only relevant if you know where the harbour is and if there’s enough water to float!
Don’t worry; we’ll walk you through each step step-by-step, and make sure you are confident in the subject.
Learn tools and techniques to position yourself on a chart visually & electronically.
Skills Covered
Once you complete this module, you’ll understand buoys & buoyage, lighthouses and how to plan to get in and out of a harbour safely. Of course, you’ll also have the coveted Buoyage & Pilotage insignia!
Buoyage & Pilotage
Learn how to plan and safely execute departure from or arrival at port.
Module downloads:
Downloadable resources are to support learning, not a pre-requisite for the sessions. You only need to download or print something if it helps your understanding of a topic.
Creating a Cockpit-ready Plan
This crib sheet explains the key needs for any cockpit-ready pilotage plan. It is used in the Creating a pilotage plan topic of the 'How to get in and...
Cockpit Pilotage Plan
This example plan, specifically designed for executing pilotage in the cockpit, is to support Planning pilotage session in the module Getting in and out...
Pilotage Notes
Notes captured whilst planning pilotage from the anchorage in Martyns Bay to Port Fraser. These are created during the session Planning pilotage in the...
Module Content
Module Includes
- 3 Topics
- 9 Sessions
- 1 Exercise
