How do you obtain navigational information?

[sbmesafirstmate]

Cruising guides have been invaluable to us for local information.

One of the previous replies mentioned courses given by United States Power Squadron and inferred that their courses are just for power boats. Actually the USPS courses are for both power and sail boats. My husband and I took all their courses prior to starting our circumnavigation and believe it was one of the best things we did in our cruise planning preparations. We have a sailboat.

[TooCoys]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

I think it's on the 68th edition now, something like that. One of the e-book folks has it in softcopy, either Nook or Kindle. And older versions are still useful, anyway.


-Chris

Ah! Well then its the 64th or 65th edition!

[helise]

Originally Posted by TooCoys

I came across the following thread post from another forum while researching the Galveston to New Orleans ICW crossing.



And this post illustrates MANY of the questions I have, that I can't seem to get answers to.

If you don't know what channels these places use, how do you find out?
How do you hale a barge in your area without knowing the boats name?
Aside from an ICW map, how would you know how to navigate these locks?
How do you learn WHO to contact to schedule a bridge opening?

Whats the class name that teaches me all this?

Hi! All navigation information can be obtain from the nearest US Coast Guard and/or Port Office by way of "Notices to Mariner" and/or their website.

While underway, one should be standing-by on the Safety Channel VHF Channel 16 at all times.

Goodluck......