Nautical Science I - Theory of Navigation (6112)
An introduction to navigation through an understanding of piloting and relative motion theory. In the piloting module, the emphasis is on chart interpretation, compass usage, computation of gyro error and various coastal piloting techniques used to fix a ship's position such as dead reckoning, running fixes, and determination of set & drift. The relative motion module focuses on the radar system and its fundamentals, leading into basic relative motion problems involving a single contact. These relative motion problems are then taken a step further through computation of intercept and avoidance solutions. A research project covering selected navigational topics integrates course material and primary source research that the students then present to their classmates.

Credit Hours: 3.00
Format: Class/Laboratory
Prerequisites: None
Projected Offering: Fall and Spring

Nautical Science II – Voyage Planning (6214)
This course builds upon and expands the basic navigation skills acquired in Nautical Science I to a point where the student is able to plan for both a coastal and transoceanic voyage. The course is divided into four modules and culminates in a group project. The first module develops the principal skills junior officers require to navigationally prepare a cutter for a deployment. This voyage planning process includes route selection, making use of various navigation publications, chart preparations, calculation of tides and currents, and anchorage selection. The second module involves celestial phenomena to determine such vital information as gyro error by azimuth and amplitude. During the third module, various navigation methods and systems are explored, such as differential GPS, hyperbolic navigation, and integrated electronic charting methods. It is during this module that the cadet is first formally exposed to the state-of-the-art visual ship simulator in which they will train for many hours in Nautical Science III and IV. The fourth module includes a review of basic relative motion fundamentals and expands into intermediate and advanced practices incorporating the first 19 Navigation Rules for collision avoidance. The group project involves a group of four to five students building and presenting a detailed navigation port brief to a commissioned officer selected from the faculty.

Credit Hours: 3.00
Format: Class/Laboratory
Prerequisites: 6112
Projected Offering: Fall and Spring

Nautical Science III – Theory and Science of Shiphandling (6316)
This course explores issues and techniques vital to successful performance as a Deck Watch Officer (DWO) or Engineer Officer in Training (EOIT) aboard a Coast Guard Cutter. In addition to reviewing basic navigation skills taught in Nautical Science I and II, students develop new skills such as basic shiphandling, rapid radar plotting (RRP), application of the Navigation Rules, and Team Coordination Training (TCT) techniques. Staff from the Engineering Department introduce concepts of basic naval architecture, including buoyancy, stability, weight additions and shifts, and free surface effects. Classroom shiphandling theory is reinforced aboard T-boats, while RRP, Navigation Rules applications, and TCT concepts are practiced in radar and visual simulators. TCT concepts are further analyzed in group projects wherein cadets present the causal factors and potential corrective actions surrounding selected Coast Guard Cutter mishaps. Nautical Science III also introduces cadets to effective communication through various forms of official Coast Guard correspondence.

Credit Hours: 4.00
Format: Class/Laboratory
Prerequisites: 6112 and 6214
Projected Offering: Fall and Spring

Nautical Science IV – The Coast Guard Division Officer (6418)
This capstone course integrates prior nautical science topics with selected Coast Guard organizational and leadership issues. As Division Officers, new Ensigns are expected to accomplish the unit's mission while remaining responsive to their subordinates' needs and managing their own career. Cadets prepare for these responsibilities in Nautical Science IV by discussing Coast Guard personnel management issues in depth, and by developing administrative skills they will be expected to possess upon graduation. Lab assignments in the visual and radar simulators, and aboard 65 foot training vessels develop critical thinking and decision-making skills in navigation and shiphandling, and reinforce Team Coordination Training concepts through effective leadership and communication. The shipboard engineering module of the course reviews basic naval architecture concepts, environmental issues, and the Engineer Officer in Training (EOIT) program. The newly added Search and Rescue (SAR) module examines Coast Guard policy, planning and procedures within this critical mission area. A major oral and written assignment requires research into current Coast Guard policies and issues, and comprises the majority of work for the 1/C Cadet Hewitt Writing and Speaking Contest requirement.

Credit Hours: 4.00
Format: Class/Laboratory/Project
Prerequisites: 6112, 6214, and 6316
Projected Offering: Fall and Spring