Does the Coast Guard Academy teach celestial navigation?

I'm considering applying to the Coast Guard Academy and I'm interested in celestial navigation. Does anyone know if this is something they teach there? I'd love to learn more about the navigation training at the academy.

Yes, the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) does include celestial navigation as part of its curriculum. As a major part of their professional maritime education, navigation studies at the USCGA cover a variety of topics, from terrestrial and coastal navigation to celestial navigation.

Proficiency in celestial navigation remains a critical skill, particularly for merchant marine and Coast Guard officers, who may need to use celestial navigation as a backup navigational method if modern technical systems fail or are unavailable.

In the academy's courses, you would learn how to use celestial bodies, like the sun, moon, stars, and planets, to determine your position while at sea. This typically requires learning how to use traditional navigational tools, like the sextant and nautical almanac, among others.

In addition to celestial navigation, the Academy's curriculum also includes comprehensive courses on electronic navigation methods, which would give you a well-rounded foundation in navigational science.

However, it's always a good idea to reach out directly to the admissions office or an Academy representative for more detailed information. They can provide the most current, accurate, and comprehensive overview of the curriculum and answer any specific questions you have about the program.