Celestial navigation (2 cr)

Objective

Knowledge and understanding of and proficiency in:
- use of celestial bodies to determine the ship’s position

Content

- astronomy fundamentals of navigation
- systems of coordinates
- hour angles
- calculation methods for different celestial bodies
- use of the sextant
- use of the astronomical tables
- determination of the position of the vessel with the help of meridian passage of celestial object
- position lines calculations for the different celestial bodies and determination of vessels position with the help of position lines

Evaluation

Students can:
- use professional vocabulary and concepts in an expert way in different situations
- look for information in the key information sources of the field
- choose appropriate models, methods, software and techniques according to the purpose and justify these choices

In addition, competence evaluation according to STCW code tables A-II/1 andA-II/2 columns 4 are used:
- the information obtained from nautical charts and publications is relevant, interpreted correctly and properly applied
- calculations and measurements of navigational information are accurate
- the primary method chosen for fixing the ship’s position is the most appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions
- the fix obtained by celestial observations is within accepted accuracy levels
- the accuracy of the resulting fix is properly assessed

Course material

Study materials are in the Learn.

Study forms and methods

Scheduled track:
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Lecture hours and calculations in class, training of the sextant use outdoors.

Independent track:
n/a

Blended track:
Discussion with the teacher and, where appropriate, PSP-planning with your own mentor teacher.

RDI and work-related cooperation

There are no ECTS points for RDI or working life co-operation in the course.

Timing of exams and assignments

Tasks and exam performance time will be adjusted during the teaching hours, because the times of the exercises depend on the weather condition and possibilities for the practice using of the sextant outdoors.

International cooperation

No collaboration

Further information

Kurssin suoritus vaatia 100% läsnäolo tehtävien ja tenttien tekeminen.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Active participation in the teaching process, tasks and exercises execution. Exam. Evaluation by Xamk evaluation criteria

Qualifications

- Terrestrial navigation 1
- Terrestrial navigation 2

Further information

Meets the requirements of STCW section A-II/2 (and A-II/1) regarding function: navigation, as per description.