(LONG BEACH --- Nov. 9) --- The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is set to begin a Weekend Navigator class Dec. 3 in Los Alamitos.

"Most people depend blindly on GPS," said USCG Aux. instructor Doug Conwell, who's scheduled to teach the class, "and, if you haven't kept your position on a paper chart, you're lost (if the GPS fails)."

The nine-week course will teach how to plot courses, use latitude and longitude on a chart, take compass bearings, on-chart measuring, and other skills. There will be a break for the holidays.

The two-hour class starting at 7 p.m. will be at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 11600 Los Alamitos Blvd.

The class is free, but the textbook costs $45. Also, students must have dividers and parallel rules, which can be bought at a retail store or from the U.S.C.G. Aux. for $12 each.

For further information, call Conwell at (562) 304-3497; or email him at saltydoug77@gmail.com