NNAS Bronze and Silver Navigation Courses

National Navigation Award Scheme Bronze and Silver Courses

• Master the fundamentals of map reading and outdoor navigation
• Achieve nationally recognised certifications
• Appropriate for all ages and skill levels)

The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a personal performance program designed for individuals of all ages to enhance their navigation skills and boost their confidence in exploring the outdoors. The Navigator Awards cater to outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of their activity, age, or fitness level, granting them the freedom to discover the paths, trails, hills, and mountains of the British countryside. By advancing through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, participants can transition from being a complete novice in map reading and compass use to becoming a proficient navigator.

BRONZE COURSES

The Bronze National Navigation Award is a hands-on practical certification designed for individuals without prior navigation experience, regardless of whether they are new to outdoor activities or have previously relied on guides, guidebooks, or well-defined routes.

This award serves as a foundation for many Duke of Edinburgh students, scouts, guides, and cadet groups seeking to enhance their outdoor skills. Accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, the NNAS Bronze award grants 2 SCQF credit points upon completion.

The Bronze National Navigation Award curriculum focuses on teaching navigation in rural areas using paths, tracks, and other linear features, with basic map reading and compass skills integrated into the program.

Syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award

• Navigate using a variety of maps and scales
• Use 4 and 6 figure grid references with worded descriptions to define the position of a map feature and to locate a feature on the ground
• Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms
• Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises
• Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map
• Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy
• Use an orientated map to confirm the direction of travel
• Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot
• Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g.100m
• Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills
• Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features
• Be aware of the use of mobile phone location apps as a back up to map and compass and in emergencies
• Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities, the Countryside Code and sustainability
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures

SILVER COURSES

The Silver National Navigation Award builds upon the navigation skills learned in the Bronze level. It includes techniques for navigating to features and locations beyond established paths and tracks, as well as precise compass usage. Moreover, it instructs on choosing the appropriate navigational methods for traversing open terrain.

Courses for the Silver National Navigation Award are conducted in environments with access to open country, involving segments where participants navigate off established paths and tracks.

The NNAS Silver Navigator Award is recognized by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 5, and completion earns 2 SCQF credit points.

Silver National Navigation Award syllabus below:

• Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze Award in the context of Silver Award navigation strategies
• Relate small hills, small valleys, prominent re-entrants and prominent spurs to their corresponding map contours. Use prominent hills, ridges, spurs and valleys as a means of navigation in good visibility
• Use landforms and point features to orientate the map and as collecting and catching features
• Use a compass to: Accurately follow a bearing; aim off; check the direction of handrails and other linear features
• Deviate briefly from a compass bearing to avoid obstacles or difficult terrain and accurately regain the original line
• Use back bearings to check route following accuracy
• Measure distance on the ground in varied, open terrain using timing and pacing and make practical allowances for any discrepancies
• Simplify legs using coarse navigation, attack points and fine navigation
• Recognise dangerous or difficult terrain on map and ground
• Plan and implement navigational strategies based on the above skills
• Maintain route finding accuracy in poor visibility or darkness
• Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques
• Understand how personal fitness and nature of terrain affect route choice both at the planning stage and on the ground
• Understand the potential consequences of fatigue and physical discomfort in demanding terrain and/or extreme weather conditions
• Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid items for walking in open country in all weather conditions
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Countryside Code, current access legislation and the environmental impact of walkers on the countryside
• Understand the responsibilities of walkers towards other countryside interests such as farming, forestry and conservation
• Understand how outdoor activities impact on the environment and how that impact can be minimised and sustainable use promoted

Who's Emma?

In short ... I'm a fully qualified and insured Mountain Leader and NNAS Bronze/Silver course provider. In my spare time, I'm a Search Technician with my local search and rescue team yorksar.co.uk. Since 2015, I have been working with the guides and clients of Spanish Highs, Sierra Nevada in Spain. Now offering my mountain knowledge and trips throughout the UK and Ireland.