Contact us for information on when the next course will be offered

This course provides in depth boat operation and safety training as the next step  after the boating card.  The BOATING COURSE starts January 16^th and is especially needed as boaters experience twofootitis and as eyes are set on further harbours.

In Spring, Marine Radio Courses will be offered.  You must have this radio licence to operate a VHF radio on the water.

For more information call: John at 342-1315 OR Andy at 773-9527

Want to know why you should take the course? Read on:

“Why should I take a safe boating course?”

Would you start driving a car before taking a course or driving lessons? No, and for good reason. But the answer to the same question about operating a boat, whether a power boat, personal watercraft or sailboat, is often very different. Most people believe that operating a boat is easier than operating a car.  Perhaps not!

Let’s think about this comparison. On the written driver test you must identify road signs. The same is true for travel on the water.  More than sixty different signs, markers, lights and flags are noted in Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide. Do you know them all?

Add to that the question of which side of the boat you keep the markers on.  If you are correct, you are fine.  Make a mistake, and you are in danger.  Unlike the road, it isn’t always the same.  It changes depending on the direction of the water flow and you have to know how to determine that.

Let’s go even further. You are required to carry up-to-date charts, the water version of road maps, on board. To use them you also need a magnetic compass and an understanding of chart symbols, pages of them. In fact there is a whole book dedicated to charts, their symbols and how to read them.

Now let’s look at the operation of the vessel itself. Power boats, personal watercraft, sailboats and paddle boats all perform differently, just like cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles.

When you turn the steering wheel on a boat, the back end of the boat moves first, not like the front end of a car. When you take your foot off the gas in a car you can still turn left or right. Not always true in a boat. In some cases, without power to drive forward motion, the boat or personal water craft will not turn at all. Cars have brakes, boats don’t. Boats rely on reverse thrust or friction to slow the boat down.

Most cars already contain all the required safety equipment, built in. The same is not true of boats.

Different types and sizes of boats require different safety equipment on board, in good repair and accessible. You need to know what that equipment is and how to maintain it. For the most part seatbelts are the same, but lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are not. Today PFDs are purpose-designed for different on-the-water activities and you need to know how to choose the right one for what you do, and how to maintain it.

If you have a problem in a car, you can get out and walk for help.

Last but not least, let’s consider weather. In a car you have to consider adverse weather like heavy wind or rain, but generally you are protected and can finish your journey. The same is not true on the water. Slight changes in the weather can call a halt to a day on the water. Even too much sunshine can have adverse effects and you need to know when to recognize that and what to do about it.

Are you beginning to get the picture? We still haven’t mentioned Cold Water Shock from falling in, or the dangers of carbon monoxide.

The body of knowledge needed to pass the test for your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) now has 257 key learning points.  They cover only the most basic level of knowledge.

A deeper understanding of boating safety is essential, to enjoy a safe boating experience for you and your family and guests. If the Boat Show has you considering two-foot-itis (a bigger boat) and setting your sights on more distant harbours, you need more education to keep safe on the water.

Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons (CPS) offer a range of classroom courses and seminars that cover everything from basic boat safety; handling and navigation up to advanced navigation, offshore cruising, local and global weather, marine electronics, marine maintenance, distress signalling and much more.

Classroom courses are offered in Parry Sound during the winter and early spring months so you can enjoy year-long boating experiences, learn a great deal, and make friends who share your passion for boating.  The Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron volunteers have been teaching boaters of the Sound for more than half a century.

Knowledge can give you the confidence to enjoy your boating experience and it can give others confidence in your ability as a safe boat operator.

The Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons Boating Course provides in-depth boat operation and safety training as the next step after the boating card.  It starts January 16^th in Parry Sound.

In spring, Marine Radio Courses will be offered by the Parry Sound Squadron.  By law, you must have the radio licence to operate a VHF radio on the water.