We are predominantly 'commercial' trainers; Boat crews need licencing and we do this for the Canal & River Trust, commercial operators and contractors / subcontractors working near the waters edge. Sound a bit off putting...? We run leisure courses too and cater for a huge range of people looking for water based inland / open water Helmsman or Water Safety training.
The aim of the course as far as we are concerned is that everyone on the day enjoys it as much as possible; a laid back, relaxed and friendly approach is our style. Rather than ticking boxes and getting huffy we work to the strengths of the candidates and usually find that the knowledge is in the classroom or on the boat already. We just have to draw it out through experiencing the different parts of the syllabus and getting everyone through two days training with a certificate, a big grin on their face and the desire to return for further training!
Day 1 Starting off in the classroom (0915 so plenty of time for breakfast first!) we go through our introductions over coffee and tea, have our safety brief, look at life jackets, the route, the itinerary then head down to 'Eiger', our Workboat. She is a heavily built 38 foot, flat fronted vessel, rather like the floating version of a tipper wagon, rather than a Winnebago motorhome.
Vessel systems, inside and out, basic emergency procedures and drills, rescue drill, deck equipment and a few nautical terms then we're off!
A return leg for two and a half hours on a lock free section of canal (to get the steering / stopping / turning organised) and then we look at locks. Negotiating six locks through beautiful rural Staffordshire into the village of Penkridge where we will leave the boat for the evening.
We are collected from Penkridge, from a very pleasant, real ale serving, canalside country pub (Not immeadiatly you'll be glad to hear!) and brought back to the training centre and your vehicle.
We are not a residential centre / vessel so accommodation should be found locally. Talk to us for details!
Day two reconvenes at 0900 for teas and coffees at the training centre, we drive to the vessel and once we have got the hand of rope work and rescues we commence the climb of six locks back to Gailey Wharf Training Centre for a mid afternoon finish and completion of your paperwork.
We have an option for groups of two or three people to hire one of the holiday boats from JD Boat Services, part of the ABC Leisure Group so you can train on the first two days of your holiday. Great discounts too!
None at all!
every week
Various scheduled two day courses running over weekdays outside school holidays. To book a 'closed course', that is just your own party of three we'll try and work with you for the best dates that fit! Try us?!
