Open Water Navigation

This course is designed for those paddlers carrying out open water journeys including islands over 2 nautical miles offshore in areas of strong tidal movement of 3+ knots and/or including winds of up to force 5 and is suitable for those seeking their 5 star award sea.
Designed to complement the areas covered in the 5 star leader training.

The aim is to give the student the tools to enable them to plan and navigate effectively on open water journeys in advanced sea conditions. It should increase the knowledge and awareness of the paddler and therefore improve their seamanship. This will include the following aspects:
To interpret sources of relevant information including maps, charts, coastal pilots, tide tables and tidal stream atlases.
To apply the above relevant information in calculating vectors and negotiating open crossings and/or coastlines with no landing zones and/or tide races and overfalls.
To develop the necessary knowledge to navigate on the water using advanced pilotage techniques in poor visibility or hours of darkness.

To ensure you have full up to date details and course pre-requisites, please visit www.bcu.org.uk

Course dates

 15.02.2014 to     15.02.2014    

Alternatively you may send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or call us on +44 (0) 1407 765 550 or +44 (0) 1407 762 425

General information

Please read here about equipment, directions to the office at the waterfront, opening hours etc