Weather - Awareness of weather phenomena, how to read the weather map and the sky, and understand and anticipate weather developments for more pleasurable boating are the objectives of this course. Subjects studied include:

• characteristics and structure of the atmosphere

• what weather is and its basic causes

• normal development and movement of weather over the earth

• the factors considered in weather forecasting

Observations that the skipper can make afloat include:

• both instrumental and visual

• cloud sequences and the weather they predict

• air masses

• fronts

• storms

• fog

• the use of radio and television weather broadcasts

Throughout the course the student is encouraged to make observations and predications in order to gain  experience in applying the principles taught and develop greater insight into weather phenomena.