If you want to preview some of the subjects of study or wish to give yourself a head start, you can review the following literature. Do not purchase these books if you do not already own them, they will be provided for you during training. These books can be obtained through your local library if you wish to check them out:

• American Practical Navigator(Bowditch), Volume I, Defense Mapping Agency/Topographic Center
• Navigation Rules - International-Inland*, (USCG), COMDTINST M166672.2B, August 1990
• Farwell's Rules of the Nautical Road*, Naval Institute Press
• Knight's Modern Seamanship, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
• American Merchant Seaman's Manual, Cornell Maritime Press

NOTE: Use only 1990 (or newer) editions of Navigation Rules (72 COLREGS). Other texts by a variety of authors are available.

As you review these references do not attempt to memorize or learn the material contained therein, as much of what is presented is not part of the NOAA BOTC program, but all is useful to the maritime profession. Focus your effort on becoming familiar with the language, terms, and concepts.