MCA IAMI Celestial Navigation Course

The MCA Celestial Navigation exam is required by the MCA for those taking their MCA Master 500gt or 3000gt CoC (Yachts).

At ’Astro Nav UK’ we specialise in keeping celestial / Astro Navigation, simple!

This 4 day course prepares candidates intending to take the final MCA IAMI Celestial Navigation Exam.

Cost: £725.00
Location: Wirral, United Kingdom.
Dates: (scroll down)

During the 4 days, we follow the syllabus detailed below and also take practical sights and complete an ocean passage plan with planned celestial sights utilising Gnomonic Charts, Routeing Charts and plotting sheets.

This course is highly recommended and provides the necessary insight for those seeking the final MCA IAMI exam which can be arranged via one of our trusted UK Based partners.

This course can also be taken in conjunction with the IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited which follows the same syllabus and utillises the same astro-navigation methods and resources.

Syllabus extract from the MCA:

Topic 1: Using celestial bodies to fix position
a) Can identify and select the most suitable celestial bodies in the twilight period.
b) Can determine the time of visible rising and setting of the sun.
c) Can use any acceptable method to calculate altitude and azimuth*
d) Can accurately plot lines of position obtain from a sight to fix position.
e) Can use the nautical almanac and calculator or nautical tables to find a position line from an altitude obtained by a sextant and time obtained from a chronometer.

Topic 2: Determining latitude by celestial means
a. Can calculate the latitude by Polaris
b. Can calculate the latitude by meridian altitude of the sun or planet
c. Can calculate the time of meridian altitude of the sun or planet

Topic 3: Determining the compass error by celestial means
a) Can determine compass error by amplitude of the sun or a planet
b) Can determine compass error by azimuth of the sun.
c) Can determine compass error by azimuth of a star or planet