This preparatory course is designed to provide the participant with fundamental meteorological theory and links the concepts to shipboard practice. The course provides the participant with knowledge to; understand and interpret synoptic weather charts, understand characteristics of various weather systems including tropical revolving storms, understand ocean current systems, calculate tidal conditions, and to use all appropriate navigational publications on tides and currents. A preparatory course does not replace the official Transport Canada exams; rather, it supports your learning, helps you understand the required subject matter, and prepares you to meet Transport Canada’s standards and expectations. Please note that the official certification examination must still be written directly with Transport Canada.

• Describe global wind and pressure systems and their impact on weather and navigation.
• Interpret synoptic and prognostic weather charts for voyage planning.
• Decode and apply maritime weather forecast codes.
• Identify types, formation, and movement of sea ice.
• Apply safe navigation practices in ice-covered waters.
• Explain the structure and weather associated with major frontal systems.
• Describe the formation and behaviour of tropical revolving storms.
• Identify major ocean currents and their effects on vessel operations.
• Integrate weather and sea conditions into voyage planning.
• Explain how sea waves and swells form and affect vessels.
• Perform tide and current calculations for safe navigation.

ATTENTION: Your acceptance notification will be E-mailed to the E-mail account you provide during the registration process. Please remember to check your Junk E-mail folder for any communications that may have been filtered to that location.

Minimum class sizes are required to deliver courses, should these minimums not be achieved classes could be postponed or rescheduled.