Derbyshire Canal Boat Tuition Courses - Helmsman Course
£290 per person
Helmsman’s Course is held over two days, at a total cost of £290 per person to include the Inland Waterways Handbook and RYA certificate.
This course is designed for those wanting to cruise the UK's and Europe's network of lakes, rivers and canals. It deals specifically with the requirements of the inland boater, whether they be a narrow boat owner or cruiser enthusiast. It assumes no prior knowledge and so is ideal for the first timer, yet the more seasoned boater will learn plenty of tricks of the trade and tips to make their boating safer and more enjoyable.
Boating on the canal is fun and relaxing but even better and safer when you have more experience and confidence. Experienced boaters could also benefit from more in-depth practice of the training. There is no exam as the certification is based on assessments throughout the course that is carried out onboard our 47-foot narrow boat CORNERSTONE.
For operational and safety reasons we can only take a maximum of 3 students and a minimum of 2, so lone applicants may be taught alongside another student. When confirmation of booking is complete students will be sent The RYA Inland Waterways Handbook for some required pre course reading. Upon successful completion of the course students will be required to provide a passport size photo to enable their Helmsman Certificate to be issued.
This course has minimum theory teaching but plenty of practical work out on the water including working the locks and bank whilst mooring, comfortable nonslip shoes are a requirement, (no sandals or flip flops).
Wear appropriate clothing for the time of year and bring wet weather gear. Just in case bring a hat and sunscreen. Its mandatory to wear lifejackets, these lifejackets will be provided.
Helmsman Course Syllabus:
Personal safety & avoidance of personal injury
Risks involved with ending up in the water
Special risks to children
Correctly fit a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and the difference between the two
Engine checks
Pre start checks, Checks to be made periodically and while running
Common boating terms
Handling ropes and fenders
Throwing a heaving line and a coiled rope
Tie a Clove hitch, Round turn and two half hitches, and a Bowline
Secure to Bollards, Rings, Cleats and mooring stakes
Boat Handling
Mooring and unmooring
Weight distribution, interaction and bank effect, Pivot points and anchoring
Steer and control the boat, Turn the boat around
Man overboard
How to operate a lock and Tend lines in a lock
Maintenance of water levels within the lock
Bridge operations and use of Tunnels
Collision Avoidance
Rules of the Road
By laws, National regulations
Publications to be carried
Boat Safety
Fire Extinguishers and their use
Watertight integrity
Fire Hazards including fuel and gas
Risks of C0 poisoning
Re-floating the boat after grounding
Care of the Environment
Pollution Avoidance
Avoid Damage to Banks, Boats, Flora and Fauna
Consideration for other Water Users
If you need more information or would like to discuss your requirements please contact us:
