This portion of the online course includes information relating to the NAVIGATION GENERAL examination module.
To complete this module:
- Watch the Tides and Currents Lecture below. (The presentation is also under Materials above).
- Read through the NEW Tides and Currents Slide Deck and take notes as needed.
- Read Chapman’s Piloting and Seamanship Chapter 17, or the relevant chapter about tides.
- Watch the Supplemental Videos
- Familiarize yourself with the NOAA Tide Predictions for your region.
- Familiarize yourself with the NOAA Tides and Currents resource for your state.
- Pass the Module 6 Quiz with at least a 70%
1. Video Lecture
2. NEW Tides and Currents Slide Deck
3. Read Chapman's Piloting and Seamanship chapter about tides
4. Watch these supplemental videos
5. Familiarize yourself with the NOAA Tide Predictions website - click on the graphic below
Accessing NOAA Tide Predictions:
Visit the Tides and Currents website at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov.
Navigate to the "Products" tab on the main page and click on "NOAA Tide Predictions" under the "Tides/Water Levels" heading.
Generating Tide Predictions:
Selecting a Station:
Use the search box to enter the station name or 7-digit ID number if known, or
Use the map interface or station listing to find a station.
Map Interface (ODIN):
Focus on your area of interest by panning and zooming.
Change the "Require Type" to "Tide Predictions" to view available stations.
Click a station icon or name to access its tide predictions.
Station Listing:
Stations are organized by state or region in geographical order.
Click on a station name to access tide predictions.
Types of Stations:
Harmonic Stations: Provide predictions based on tidal harmonic constants.
Subordinate Stations: Generate predictions based on a reference station with adjustments.
Using the NOAA Tide Predictions Interface:
Set the "Begin Date" and "Time Range" (Daily, Weekly, Monthly).
Choose the "Time Zone" and adjust for Daylight Saving Time if necessary.
Select the "Units" for tide heights (Feet or Meters).
Click "Submit" to generate the predictions.
Advanced Options and Capabilities (Harmonic Stations Only):
Click "Show Advanced Options" for additional settings like Datum, Data Interval, Time Units, and Threshold.
Update predictions by clicking "Submit" after making changes.
Annual Tide Predictions:
Click one of the three buttons in the upper right corner to generate annual predictions in PDF, TXT, or XML formats.
Printing and Downloading Predictions:
Use the "Printer Friendly" link for a printable version of predictions.
Download predictions as TXT or XML files from the buttons above the prediction table.
Regular Updates to NOAA Tide Predictions:
Updates occur quarterly during the first two weeks of January, April, July, and October.
Updates may include new stations, upgrades, and adjustments.
This outline provides a comprehensive guide to using the NOAA Tide Predictions tool, navigating the website, and making the most of the features available to users.
6. Familiarize yourself with the NOAA Tides & Currents website - click on the graphic below
Access Local Water Levels and Conditions
Visit the NOAA Tides & Currents homepage
Choose your desired region on the map to view local water levels, tide and current predictions, and other related oceanographic and meteorological conditions.
Search for Specific Locations
Use the search bar on the homepage.
Enter the Station ID, City, State, Territory, or Zip Code to find specific information about your location.
Explore Port Conditions with PORTS®
Navigate to the PORTS® section
Learn about the integrated system of sensors located in seaports across the U.S., which provide accurate and reliable real-time environmental data.
Utilize the Coastal Inundation Dashboard
Access the Coastal Inundation Dashboard for real-time and historical coastal flood information at select locations.
Check Tide Predictions
Go to the Tide Predictions section to access the official U.S. high and low tide predictions.
Understand High Tide Flooding
Review the High Tide Flooding Outlooks to see predictions on when, where, and how often high tide flooding may occur.
Access Coastal Condition Forecasts
Explore the Coastal Condition Forecasts for near real-time and future forecasts up to 72 hours concerning water levels, currents, winds, salinity, and water temperature.
Stay Informed with News Updates
Check the Featured News and Recent News sections for the latest updates and information.
Engage with articles like the new training module for the Coastal Inundation Dashboard.