The Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron will be presenting three important boating course in the Winter and Spring of 2013. These include:
Boating Essentials
Seamanship
Restricted Operator & DSC Marine Radio
Information is available on this site, or through this link. Contact Andy Devos at (705) 773-9527 or training@parrysoundsquadron.ca for more information
Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron and Sail Parry Sound successfully launched their jointly sponsored float in the Parry Sound Santa Claus parade this past Saturday. Thanks to the participation of a few dedicated members the float featured an Optimus class sailboat rigged with lights in the bed of a pickup truck. This was followed by a 21′ Scout dressed in garland and lights, carrying a crew of all ‘nice’ kids, and possibly ‘naughty’ supervising adults. All were properly equipped with life vests. The foot patrol of men and dog, similarly equipped with life vests, handed out safe boating course leaflets and mints.
You had to be there to have fully enjoyed it. Interested? We look forward to your participation next year. Here are a few photos from the parade. Happy holidays and safe boating. For information about upcoming boating courses please head to http://www.parrysoundboating.com.
We were out yesterday and spent some time with Anne and Andy Devos (your Training Officer) at his rendezvous just north of Regatta Bay. There is still time to drop by and say hello. When we dropped by there were about six boats rafted up to the Lady Anne D, or anchored nearby with their dinghies tied up.
The weather is just perfect and the hospitality aboard the Lady Anne D is even better.
Parry Sound Power and Sail NEEDS YOU. (WORKED FOR UNCLE SAM).
As part of our commitment to safe boating, Power Squadron provides Courtesy Checks at docks and marinas across Canada. Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron would like to start a program here. This involves auditing a boat and providing guidance on equipment and actions that would contribute to safer boating.
We need members like you, who can take a short course (four hours) and then spend one day this spring at a marina checking boats.
You would not be a police officer – there is no law involved. These checks are given in a helpful manner and are voluntary on the part of the boater.
It should be a fun way to spend a spring day, meet other boaters, and see a different part of our lake land.
Interested? Call John Mason at 705-342-1315 or email to training@parrysoundsquadron.ca
Please note the revised dates for the Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron’s offering of the CPS Marine Radio Course. The course will be given the evenings of April 23rd and 30th. On successful completion of the course you will be licensed to operate a marine VHF radio.
The cost of the course is $75 for the public and $60 for Parry Sound Squadron members. Get your membership renewal in now to qualify for the member discount.
If you are planning on being on the big water anywhere in the Great Lakes it’s a good idea to have a VHF radio, and a license to use it. You need a Marine Radio License to use a VHF radio, even if you are using a hand held radio on a kayak.
Successful completion of the course will not only provide you with the information to effectively use your VHF radio, it will provide you with the license to use it.
For boaters in an emergency, a VHF radio can be more valuable than a cell phone. While *16 can reach the Coast Guard, there are parts of Georgian Bay where one cannot get a cell phone signal. More importantly, when you make an emergency call on channel 16 on a VHF radio, boaters close to you can hear and respond immediately. Help from the Canadian Coast Guard or a local township fire department can take much longer to reach you and generally cannot provide immediate help.
The course will consist of two sessions on April 23rd and 30th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Attendance at both sessions is necessary to receive your VHF license.
Book now to ensure a seat. To register and for more information call John Mason at 705-342-1315.
Here is a little more information about this Canadian Power and Sail Squadron course:
To operate a maritime radio, you need the certificate. It’s the law! The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures, and everyday operating techniques.
You will learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS). All mariners, including recreational boaters, will want to take advantage of the many features and capabilities of this innovative form “automatic” radio.
Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your ROC(M) – a Canadian Federal government issued certificate that allows you to operate a marine VHF radio.
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 16th 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? Continue reading
Parry Sound Boating 