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Please contact the office if you are interested in this module.
Celestial Navigation Module
General information
Celestial navigation is a relevant part of modern navigation: navigating by celestial bodies without electronic aids. This course is one of the subjects of the Ocean-going Sailing (Grote Zeilvaart) program. There is an opportunity for interested parties to follow these lessons, either live or online.
The module consists of 55 hours, spread over the months of October to March on Saturdays.
The module is taught in English by Eef Willems.
Why Celestial Navigation?
Besides the fact that ‘traditional’ navigation by the stars, sun, and moon is incredibly fun to do, we can conclude that it is actually a necessary skill in a changing world:
“GPS spoofing is the intentional broadcasting of falsified GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals to make a receiver display an incorrect location or time. Unlike GPS jamming – where signals are blocked and the problem is immediately noticeable – GPS spoofing can lead a vehicle astray unnoticed.”
In a spoofing attack, an attacker broadcasts counterfeit GPS signals that are stronger than the original satellite signals. The navigation system then ‘jumps’ to these false signals and displays manipulated location data.”
Who is the training intended for?
For anyone interested in celestial navigation who already holds the KZV certificate of theory or has (demonstrable) knowledge of navigation.
Admission requirements
- Knowledge of navigation, to be demonstrated with certificates and/or diplomas.
Course content
During this course, you will learn (in English) to navigate using the sextant; the topics are:
- Course and distance calculation: mean latitude, meridional parts and great circle methods.
- Altitude corrections of the sextant
- Sun’s meridian passage and declination
- Time calculation
- Compass check and Azimuth calculation
- The Hour Angle of the sun and stars
- Latitude by Polaris
- Sight reduction sun and star sight
- Drawing of plot and advancing lines of position
- Tabular sight reduction with HO249 for star sights
- Tropical sun sight
- Navigational Error Theory
- Moon and Planets
- Tidal calculations worldwide
Practical information
Read all practical information about the Celestial Navigation course in the tabs below.
Why follow this training at the EZS?
The Enkhuizen Nautical College has been the institute where professional sailors are trained since 1978. Since then, the nautical college has kept pace with the times. Every year, all training programs and courses are thoroughly reviewed and adapted to current times and regulations.
Lessons at the maritime school are structured and of high quality. We achieve this with expert teachers, good teaching materials, and pleasant social interaction. Safe navigation starts with a good and solid foundation of training, knowledge, and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I also follow the lessons online?
Lessons can be re-watched online
However, for these subjects, we strongly recommend attending the lessons at our location.
I haven’t done the ’Kleine Zeilvaart’ (Coastal Sailing), can I still follow the celestial navigation module?
Yes, certainly, though we do expect (demonstrable) knowledge in the field of navigation.
I am not in commercial shipping but I am interested in celestial navigation, can I follow the module?
Yes, that is possible. This training is spread over the months of October to February. Whether you are in commercial shipping or not is not relevant for being able or allowed to follow the training.
Register now
For the celestial navigation module
Registration
There is limited space for this course; registration takes place after consultation and contact with the office.
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