History of Nautical Navigation: Safely Navigating Our Waterways

For hundreds of years, the waterways of the United States have been utilized as a means of transportation. From historical navigation tools and methods used by Native Americans to modern instruments used to navigate our waterways today, we set out to learn how our relationship with the waterways has evolved. With the construction of levees, locks and dams, the structure of the river has changed to become more navigable, but this also means boaters must be equipped with the knowledge of how to navigate these potential obstacles. As our technology and methods have improved, our navigation knowledge must develop as well. Join us as we learn about the history of nautical navigation, from past to present, and how to safely navigate our waterways. 

Full Video

Classroom Videos

A Delicate Balance: How Transporation Has Impacted Our Waterways

How To Use A Compass

Classroom Assets

Compass Navigation

Inland Waterways

RElated Content

Decoding the Science of Boating Safety

What do physics geniuses, Archimedes and Sir Isaac Newton have to do with keeping you safe while boating? Join our outdoor adventure team as they decode the fun and...

Learn Boating Safety: Save That Life!

Savvy Seagull welcomes Barnacle Bob, Party Boat Dude, and Wannabe Certified as guests on “Save That Life,” the game show where contestants win priceless lessons that...

Shooting Sports Challenge

Welcome to the Shooting Sports Challenge television show that's part of our America’s Conservation & Hunting Heritage Series airing nationally on 5 digital networks...

Into Boating Safety: How Life Jackets Save You

In this Into the Outdoors episode, we’re jumping into the science and importance of PFDs, or personal floatation devices – you know, your life jacket! Wearing a PFD can...

Making Your First Catch

Okay, so there's several great ways to enjoy and share the aquatic education and fishing savvy in this show. First, you can kick back with family or friends to watch...

Into Boating Safety: Exploring Vessels

Join us in this episode of Into the Outdoors episode, we learn about vessels! What are they? How can they be safely operated? Being out on the water is a great way to...

Reconnecting Rivers & Invasive Species

Maybe it's only natural that us humans rarely think about how our actions today might impact others or the environment 100 years later. That was especially true back in...

Trailing Ice Age Mysteries

How many glaciers advanced across the landscape and retreated back? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information...

Game Bird Quest

Pheasant hunting is in our heritage, and is an outdoor recreation that many people include in their lifestyles today. Huh, so what’s the big deal? Why are people so...

Into Boating Safety: Advanced Boating Technology

In this Into the Outdoors episode, we’re meeting up with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to learn more about different boating technologies that could save your...

Thank you, Partners!