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Introduction   In association with a Royal Yachting Association Recognised Training Centre, we are able to offer a one day boat-handling course leading to the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate.

Vessel   The course can be taken on the owner's vessel, or the training centre narrowboat on the rural North Oxford Canal near Rugby.

Candidate/Instructor ratio   Up to three adults may attend each course; it's more fun with friends and cheaper too!

Handbook   The course handbook, priced at £8.70, is included in the fee and is yours to keep, being provided for each person, when enrolling.

Aim   To give students confidence to helm a vessel safely on Inland Waterways. Although no prior knowledge is assumed, experienced boaters can gain from it too. We did!

Instructor   Tuition is provided by Andrew, a freelance RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Instructor and MCA Boatmaster III.

Syllabus    The comprehensive syllabus includes:

• Deckwork  
• Helmsmanship & Boat-handling
• Personal Safety
• Boat Safety
• Engines
• Locks
• Bridges & Tunnels
• Collision avoidance
• Care of the environment

Course fees  The course fee includes all tuition, the Inland Waterways Handbook and Helmsman Certificate. For owners' craft tuition, fees may vary according to the instructor's travelling distance to the agreed venue, although the following may be used as guide prices:

• 1 participant     £130.00
• 2 participants   £110.00 per person
• 3 participants   £100.00 per person

  A very special gift   Giving the course as a gift is a popular way to mark a birthday or other occasion and we will always try to fit in with the celebrations, with regard to dates, times and location.   

  Area of work   Though based in the Midlands, I'm happy to travel anywhere. Recently, courses have been held at:

  • Whilton Marina, on the Grand Union Canal.
  • St Pancras Cruising Club, on the Regent's Canal, in London.
  • Cumberland Basin, on the Regent's Canal, in London.
  • Raynsway Marina, on the River Soar, in Leicestershire
  • Gnosall, on the Shropshire Union Canal.
  • Blackwater Meadow Marina, on the Llangollen Canal.
  • Alvecote Marina, on the Coventry Canal.
  • Birmingham Canal Navigations.
  • Upton-on-Severn, on the River Severn.
  • Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, home of Clifton Cruisers, on the North Oxford Canal.
  • The Limekilns, Hinkley, on the Ashby Canal.
  • Trinity Marinas, Hinkley, on the Ashby Canal.
  • Ashwood Marina, on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

   

   

   Explaining daily engine checks, on Nb Meybe.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Ropework - an alternative use for a clove hitch.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

  Locking down at Hillmorton - home in time for tea and medals. 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Customers' comments: 

  "I just wanted to thank you for your excellent training yesterday. I really appreciated your ability to share your extensive knowledge and experience, your clear explanations, your ability to focus and get the job done, and your patience, clarity and calmness. I do really think I've regained my confidence, and at least now I have a greater understanding of how to manage my boat. I only wish I had done your course a few years ago when I bought my boat. Your course should be a requirement for all novices. Many thanks." R.S. London

   

  "We enjoyed the day very much, thanks for your patience and professionalism and of course the lovely cake. I feel much more confident and ready for our holiday." R. & K. R., Gloucestershire

  "Well what can I say, we had a brilliant time..... We have had a great time, very informative and well, I'm useless with words, excellent, I think is a good one. Julie feels much more confident at steering, I'm much more confident... and we both feel we have a better understanding of what's a 'no no' and what's a 'yes yes'. your instruction was perfect and the food too good to be true. Thanks again for a great day out and also for clearing the 'weeds?' from the prop." G. & J. D., West Midlands

  Contact   To find out more about the syllabus, available course dates, course fees, or to receive an enrolment form, please use the contact page.

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