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Compass USA study companion

Basic Coastal Cruising Study Companion

Direct answer

Independent U.S. coastal-cruising knowledge preparation for larger auxiliary-powered sailboats, systems, anchoring, docking, weather, navigation, and emergencies. Independent study companion mapped to the published ASA 103 knowledge standard. Not affiliated with, approved by, or endorsed by American Sailing. Completion does not award certification or replace on-water instruction and assessment.

Price
$39 once
Course size
10 modules
Access
Lifetime access
Format
Independent online study companion
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Product tour

Try the revision loop here

This working, course-specific sample uses the same three primary steps and feedback timing as the revision app: learn the idea, use Practise for immediate help, then Test at the end.

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Learn · teaching first

Through-Hulls, Seacocks, Bilge, and Flooding Paths

From Cruising Boat Systems

What you will learn

Locate the boat's below-waterline openings, connect each seacock to its hose and equipment, and distinguish source control from water removal.

Explanation

A through-hull is an opening through the hull; a seacock is an operable valve at an opening. Knowing a valve exists is not enough—the crew needs to know what it serves, how to reach it, what its normal operating state is, and what failure it can isolate.

Common installations may include engine raw-water intake, toilet intake or discharge, galley or head sink drains, transducers and cockpit drains. Not every opening has the same arrangement, not every seacock should be in the same state, and a valve that is seized, hidden or mislabeled is not an effective emergency control. Trace each accessible hose from the hull connection toward the equipment it serves.

The bilge is the low internal collection area, not a disposal route or proof of watertightness. A manual or electric bilge pump removes water at a limited rate; it does not repair the source, guarantee automatic operation or prove it can keep up with a failed hose or damaged hull. An unexpectedly cycling pump, rising level, odor or oily water is evidence to investigate.

Turn the seacock list into an emergency map

A crew member points to three similar valves under the cabin sole but cannot say which serves the engine intake or head.

Sense check: A valve location without a system identity cannot support a safe isolation decision.

Common mistake

Leaving seacock locations unknown

Recap

  • A seacock is a system-specific isolation control at a hull opening.
  • Identify, trace and keep access clear before departure.
  • Find and reduce the source of flooding while managing accumulated water.
More ways to revise

Flashcards, audio and interactive tools remain optional support inside the module; they do not replace the Learn → Practise → Test route.

Course route

Learn the knowledge, then take it afloat with an instructor

1Free

Cruising Boat Systems

Hull, rig, steering, electrical, water, sanitation, and pre-departure checks.

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2Full access

Auxiliary Diesel Operation

Fuel, air, cooling, lubrication, starting, stopping, and first-response troubleshooting.

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3Full access

Docking and Close-Quarters Planning

Wind, current, prop walk, spring lines, approach plans, and abort points.

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4Full access

Anchoring and Mooring

Ground tackle, scope, holding ground, swing room, setting, monitoring, and recovery.

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5Full access

Sail Handling and Reefing

Reefing, sail combinations, heavy-weather preparation, heaving-to awareness, and crew coordination.

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6Full access

Coastal Navigation and NOAA Charts

Position, course, depth, hazards, NOAA ENC/Custom Chart context, and route monitoring.

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7Full access

Tides, Currents, and Depth

NOAA predictions, tidal height, current set and drift, under-keel clearance, and local effects.

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8Full access

Weather for Coastal Cruising

NWS products, fronts, pressure, wind shifts, advisories, thunderstorms, fog, and local limits.

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9Full access

Inland and International Navigation Rules

Rule scope, lights, shapes, sound signals, narrow channels, diver-down and Code Flag A distinctions, and U.S. Inland rules.

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10Full access

Coastal Emergencies and Assistance

Crew overboard, grounding, flooding, fire, towing, distress communication, and Coast Guard assistance.

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What the companion includes

Clear knowledge and practical boundaries

  • Original lessons and explanations
  • At least 18 explained questions and 12 flashcards per module
  • Three 40-question mixed knowledge assessments
  • United States terminology, jurisdiction, and primary-source context
  • Practical-awareness prompts clearly separated from assessed knowledge

Not included

  • American Sailing certification or an official exam
  • Instructor-observed practical assessment
  • Copied textbook or examination questions
  • State-by-state legal advice
  • A guarantee that a charter operator will accept a qualification or resume

Editorial record

Primary-source review

Original content is reviewed against published standards and current U.S. government sources. State, local, vessel-specific, and operator requirements must be checked separately.