The aim of this course is to give paddlers the tools to plan and navigate effectively on coastal journeys in moderate sea conditions.

This will include the following aspects:

• To interpret sources of information including maps, charts, coastal pilots, and tide tables
• To navigate on the water using visual references and simple pilotage techniques e.g. transits, dead reckoning, and a compass
• To be able to source, interpret, and apply a weather forecast to the marine environment
• By the end of the course, each student should have planned at least 2 coastal journeys that they can take home as references for further trip planning
• Students should also be aware of the range of resources they require to plan trips in the coastal environment
• Although not part of the syllabus of the course, students should be made aware of the role of the Coastguard and the value of liaising with them