Marine Electrical Systems
(MES) covers the properties of electricity and the practice of wiring your boat for both DC and shore power (AC). Galvanic and stray current corrosion are covered, as is lightning protection. The student manual concludes with a chapter on troubleshooting and repairs, so students should feel comfortable maintaining most boat wiring after passing this course. MES has completed beta testing and is available today.
Marine Communications
Systems (MCS) covers everything you need to know about on-board communications.
It begins with a brief history of radio communications and an explanation of the various types of marine
radios, focusing especially on the VHFFM radio. FCC rules and licensing procedures
are included, as are radio operating procedures. Options for long range communications for the offshore
cruiser are covered. The course ends with a chapter on maintaining your radios. MCS is now undergoing beta testing and should be available for general distribution in the spring.
Marine Electronic Navigation Systems
(ENS) deals with the tools used in electronic navigation. Chart plotters, GPS, the Automatic Identification System, traditional electronics (radar, depth sounders, etc.), and vision aids such as Forward Looking Infrared Systems are covered. In addition, a chapter on networking will demystify the connection of all these devices that make electronic navigation so data rich.