Intro to Charts & Navigation

Build the foundational skills needed to confidently read and understand marine charts and make informed navigation decisions on the water. This hands-on clinic breaks down the language of charts so you can move beyond guesswork and start thinking like a navigator.

You’ll learn the key differences between charts and maps, how to select the correct chart using the chart index, and how scale affects what you see and measure. We’ll break down chart datum, symbology, and colour conventions so you can accurately interpret what the chart is telling you. You’ll also explore magnetic variation and how it impacts real-world navigation. We’ll introduce Chart One as your essential decoding tool for understanding all chart symbols and conventions.

By the end of the clinic, you’ll have a solid working understanding of marine charts and the confidence to start applying these skills on real routes.

Course Length

2 hours of instruction. 

Location

Frank James Park - Campbell River, BC

Please Bring

• Snacks
• Water
• Calculator (phone is fine)
• Notebook and pens/pencils
• Camp chair or bum pad
• Warm clothes for evening