Yachtmaster revision module 8 of 20

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Drawing Instruments

Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments.

Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instrumentsEfficient chart work techniques and labelling conventions

7 guided lessons · 20 practice questions · 19 flashcards

3 outcomes · self-guided revision
  • Explain use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments.
  • Apply Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments to a realistic onboard situation.
  • Recall the core check: parallel rulers or proprietary plotter (Breton/Portland).

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Lesson summaries

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Essential Plotting Instruments

Accurate chartwork requires proper instruments. The three essentials are: parallel rulers (or a proprietary plotter like a Breton plotter or Portland plotter), dividers, and a sharp penci...

  • Parallel rulers or proprietary plotter (Breton/Portland)
  • Dividers for measuring distance
Read the full lesson: Essential Plotting Instruments

Parallel Rulers

Parallel rulers are two hinged rulers that can 'walk' across the chart while maintaining a constant angle. Place the ruler along the line whose bearing you want to measure, then walk it t...

  • Walk across the chart maintaining a constant angle
  • Press one ruler firmly while moving the other
Read the full lesson: Parallel Rulers

Proprietary Plotters

A Breton plotter (or Portland plotter) is a rotating protractor that sits directly on the chart grid. You align it with a meridian (N-S line) or parallel (E-W line) on the chart, then rea...

  • Reads bearings directly from the chart grid lines
  • No need to walk to a compass rose
Read the full lesson: Proprietary Plotters

Dividers

Dividers are used to measure distance on the chart. Open them to span the distance you want to measure, then transfer them to the latitude scale at the side of the chart (at approximately...

  • Measure distance on the LATITUDE scale (side of chart)
  • Use at approximately the same latitude as your measurement
Read the full lesson: Dividers

Efficient Chart Work Techniques

Keeping the chart clean is essential for safe navigation. Rub out previous workings before starting a new passage so the chart is not cluttered with old courses, bearings, and position ma...

  • Rub out old workings before starting new chartwork
  • Fix = circle with dot, DR = cross labelled DR, EP = triangle containing a dot
Read the full lesson: Efficient Chart Work Techniques

Yachtmaster Offshore Standard

Drawing Instruments at Yachtmaster level is not just recall. The answer has to show command judgement, evidence quality, margin, and a fallback if the first plan stops being safe.

  • State the evidence you trust and the evidence you distrust.
  • Name the margin that makes the plan defensible.
Read the full lesson: Yachtmaster Offshore Standard

Advanced Scenario Check

Decision pressure: Under time pressure, untidy plotting becomes a navigation risk rather than just an exam presentation issue.

  • Apply Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments to a changed real-world situation.
  • Separate fact, estimate, and assumption.
Read the full lesson: Advanced Scenario Check

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