Boating Course

The boating course is offered to those who have boating experience but don't feel confident enough to drive a 28' cruiser. The course format combines learning with a fun filled day of boating and picnic on the Rideau. Bring your food and drinks, sun tan and a bathing suit. Two students, one acting as captain the other acting as crew, are trained by the Captain during a weekday. The day involves cruising, docking, passing through the locks, anchoring, fishing, swimming and food management. The course price is a day rental plus the captain, the course fee, the transportation, the service charge and fuel supplement. At the end of the course a student who has pre-existing boating experience should have enough confidence to drive and manage a cruiser for extended vacations.  Persons without any previous boating experience will need more than a one day course to qualify for vacation rental. The subject matter covered by the course is:

Safety 

This covers pre launch safety checks performed before launching the boat from the trailer. Any items that don't pass the check must be fixed before the boat can be launched. Once the boat is in the water, operation plus  fuel and people safety is covered.

Launch

This is the procedure to launch the boat from the trailer. Training for the launch procedure may not be necessary if the student will not get involved with boats on trailers in the future.

Docking

Docking procedures are one of the most important aspects to learn on a big boat. Big boats differ substantially than small ones because their body and canvas are sensitive to the wind making them like a boat with a sail that is out of  control. Docking will be practiced to perfection by both Captain and crew.

Leaving the Dock

Leaving the dock is a procedure that involves both captain and crew working together to get the boat to head out for the cruise. It involves untying the boat and picking up the crew and heading out depending on the wind direction.

Rules of the Road

Boats have driving rules in the water channels similar to driving rules for cars in the street. These rules will be covered and trained for on the water.

Planing

Express cruisers have hull designs that enable them to ride on top of the water when enough speed is applied. The procedure of going from displacement to plane will be practiced.

Person overboard

Persons may accidentally fall overboard into the water. The procedure to retrieve a person will be explained.

Anchoring

The procedure of anchoring for a safe stay will be practiced for the different roles of  the Captain and Crew.

Food:

Coolers, fridge, micro wave, toaster, coffee maker, BBQ,  marine toilet and waste disposal management and usage will be explained.

Leaving Anchor

When one wants to leave after a stay on anchor there are steps to follow to get off anchor. These steps will be practiced by Captain and crew.

Loading on Trailer

Once done boating the boat may be loaded on its trailer to return to its land storage. The procedure will be practiced at the end of the course if the student expects to be involved with boats on trailers in the future.