Kayak Ontario - Navigation Level 3

Coming Soon

Course Overview

Nav L3: Dead Reckoning & Position Fixing is where navigation gets real. This course combines online theory with hands-on practice on the water — because you can't learn to navigate in fog from a classroom.

You'll master the skills that matter when GPS fails or visibility drops: dead reckoning, position fixing by triangulation, drift compensation, and making decisions with incomplete information. 

Who Is This Course For?

• Paddlers who have completed Nav L2 or have equivalent weather and current planning skills
• Kayakers working on Paddle Canada Level 3 or 4
• Experienced paddlers planning open-water crossings or complex coastal routes
• Anyone who wants to navigate confidently when they can't see where they're going

What You'll Learn

Position Fixing

• Triangulation — fixing your position using two or three bearings
• Transit lines and leading marks
• Using depth as a position line
• The "cocked hat" — and what it actually tells you

Dead Reckoning

• Estimating position from time, speed, and heading
• The DR plot — tracking where you should be
• EP (Estimated Position) vs. Fix — knowing the difference
• When to trust your DR and when to verify

Set, Drift & Course to Steer (Advanced)

• Vector triangles for wind and current
• Calculating CTS for open crossings
• Real-time drift assessment and correction
• The constant bearing technique

⚠️ Navigation in Reduced Visibility

• Fog, rain, and low-light navigation strategies
• Sound signals and their limitations
• Group navigation and maintaining formation
• Decision-making with incomplete information

Course Format

Online Theory (5 sessions)

• Interactive lessons covering advanced chart work, DR plotting, and position fixing
• Planning exercises using real charts and scenarios
• Weather and route integration from Nav L2
• Pre-trip planning for on-water sessions

Prerequisites

Completion of Nav L2: Tides, Currents & Weather or equivalent skills. You should be comfortable with:

• Reading marine weather forecasts and making go/no-go decisions
• Planning routes around current and wind
• Basic drift compensation concepts
• Multi-leg trip planning with contingencies

Equipment Required

• All Nav L2 equipment (Douglas protractor, dividers, Charts)
• Deck compass (mounted or temporary)
• Handheld compass 
  
• Web connection

What's Next?

After Nav L3, you're ready for:

• Nav L4: Expedition Planning — multi-day logistics, remote area navigation, and the final assessment
• Paddle Canada Level 3 Skills certification (navigation component complete)
• Guided expeditions with advanced navigation responsibilities

Availability

Nav L3 launches in 2027. Complete Nav L1 and Nav L2 now to be ready when registration opens.