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On the topic I took the Starpath home version of celestial and thought it
very well done.  For those not easily able to get to a power Squadron or ASA
location StarPath will coordinate a proctored exam anywhere to achieve ASA
celestial certification for those interested.

Separate but related topic.  It seems that we are bound and determined to
validate using celestial as the backup for GPS and/or LORAN etc following
terrorist jamming, war, lightening strike, alien invasion, suspension of the
laws of physics or some calamity... It always becomes a taste great less
filling argument between the "modern" digital electronics supporters (I can
buy 5 handheld battery GPS for the price of a sextant) and the "never met an
electron I could trust in a jam" crowd.

Maybe celestial isn't really a cost effective solution to any realistic
casualty.  I suggest we are drawn to it for the simple elegance of using a
finely crafted mechanical instrument to  do what seems
mysterious...determine our position without outside help based on skill and
practice, and to, in a small way retain contact with the rich history of
navigation at sea. I have to admit when querried why I spend time on
celestial I now simply say because it gives me great pleasure, a sense of
accomplishment, and allows me to have a greater appreciation for the "art"
of navigation. And if some day sitting in my darkened, powerless boat in the
middle of the ocean it helps show the way home...well then I guess I'll just
be amazed what an astute seaman I am.

Jim Dullea


-----Original Message-----
From: Navigation Mailing List [mailto:NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM]
On Behalf Of Cliff Sojourner
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 2:04 PM
To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
Subject: Re: USCGA celestial nav class

the USCG Aux had long stopped giving the celnav class when I took their
coastal nav class, in March 1991 according to my certificate on the wall...

FWIW, in March 2001 I took the "Introduction to Celestial Navigation" class
from Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship.  instructor (Andy Howe) was
excellent, materials were good for both teaching and reference, and lately
the occasional refresher.  and the catering from Greens Restaurant in San
Francisco was excellent!

--
these are the good old days
Cliff Sojourner          cls@employees.org

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Istok" 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 02:40
Subject: Re: Hello from new member


> For what it is worth, it seems that the Coast Guard and the Auxillary no
> longer have a course in celestial navigation.  Granted it is old
technology,
> but someone needs to know how to get home when the GPS quits working.
>
>
> George Istok
>
> -----Original Message-----
> On Behalf Of Smith_Peter@EMC.COM
> Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 10:22 AM
>
> It's clear that traditional surveying and navigation have much in
> common: trigonometry, interesting instruments, being steamrolled
> by GPS.
>

   

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