Navigation – Gold NNAS Award

National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) – Gold Award

The Gold Navigator Award is the highest qualification within the NNAS framework and builds on the skills acquired at the Bronze and Silver levels and adds techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features both large and small. The course takes place in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.

The Gold National Navigation Award now includes pre- and post-course question papers. These will be provided to candidates on completion of booking.

The NNAS Gold Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 6, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.

Gold courses are run by Course Directors who not only have plenty of top-level navigation experience but also have been on a special NNAS-run course in tutoring Gold courses.

Syllabus

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Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze and Silver Awards in the context of Gold National Navigation Award navigation strategies.

Utilise contours and fine detail as the prime method of navigation.

Accurately: Follow a route, judge distance, check progress against time, use relevant compass skills and maintain continuous map contact.

Use back bearings and transits to confirm the current position.

Use aspect of slope as an aid to relocation.

Select appropriate techniques within an overall navigation strategy.

Navigate in intricate terrain in reduced visibility i.e. mist or darkness.

Select an appropriate, safe route in relation to height gain and loss, dangerous terrain and other major hazards.

Assess the route ahead in the field in relation to prevailing conditions or changing circumstances (e.g. weather, time, daylight, ability/fitness) and re-plan the route appropriately if necessary.

Shorten a route, use an escape route and know emergency procedures.

Recognise the occurrence of a navigational error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques.

Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid for walking in remote areas in all weather conditions.

Understand the physical demands created by hill and moorland terrain in all weather conditions.

Understand the effects of cold, heat, fatigue and discomfort on decision making and execution of a selected route.

Understand the implications of climate change on the outdoor environment and be knowledgeable in practical steps to mitigate its effect.

Understand the pros and cons of appropriate electronic navigation devices and describe/demonstrate their use in the context of Gold terrain.

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Course details:

This course runs over two days. You must complete the full course, pass the assessment and answer all questions included on the pre & post assessment criteria in order to achieve the Gold NNAS Award. The assessment will normally take place on the afternoon of Day 2. All training (and assessment) will be delivered practically in the outdoors rather than in a classroom. This is a ‘hands-on’ real navigation course.

*Please contact myself via email with any course enquiries: mwall16@tiscali.co.uk

or click on link below for bookings: