General Aims

The aim of the programme is to enable participants to plan and develop navigational tools to undertake open water crossings or prolonged coastal journeys in moderate to rough sea conditions with tidal complexities or limited escape options. Following the training participants will be able:

  • To apply the relevant knowledge and information in planning a trip in areas of tidal races / overfalls, open crossings or areas with limited escape options.
  • To develop their knowledge to navigate on the water using advanced pilotage techniques in poor visibility or in hours of darkness.
  • To know how to interpret and apply data from the various resources to aid them in trip planning
  • To be able to plan an advanced marine journey and have taken into account weather, tide and other anticipated hazards.
  • Understand the priorities of the rescue services in an emergency situation.

Attendance Requirements

Requirements for attending an ACN assessment:

  • Participant must hold a Level 4 sea kayak skills certificate.
  • Current member of Canoeing Ireland

Course Content

  • Additional knowledge to the coastal navigation course other

  • Recognising effects of change through observations (e.g. cross-section through a front)
  • Knowledge of the marine forecasts

  • Tidal diamonds

  • Using tides in conjunction with GPS

  • Using proformas for tidal calculations

  • Cause and effect of meteorological conditions on tidal range

  • Course to steer
  • Use of GPS for SOG
  • Calculating SOG from the charts

  • Various considerations to consider when planning a trip a trip in advanced sea conditions, e.g. timing, group ability, weather, environmental / local factors, logistics….
  • Calculating ETAs and ETDs from looking at tide gates and other crux points.
  • Planning with reference to HW and tidal stream changes
  • Planning and escape routes or alternatives with in the overall plan
  • Utilising tidal stream atlases and tidal diamonds with computation of rates tables.
  • GPS roses

Course Documents