Running your boat TRAINING
In recent times there have been many newcomers to our waterways, rightly attracted to the lifestyle, the tranquillity and tradition of the canals – but with limited experience afl oat. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of the RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman’s Course. e course, introduced in 1995 by the Royal Yachting Association, is the only nationally recognised training course in inland waterway skills. It comprises up to three days of practical ‘hands on’ tuition. ere is little theory and no examination at the end! e aim is to teach the techniques of better and safer boating through a greater understanding of the principles involved. e course is offered nationwide by a number of RYA-recognised training centres, situated both on canals and rivers. Training centres and the instructors they employ have to be approved by the RYA and properly insured. ere is a limit of three students to one instructor.
GETTING STARTED So what are you going to learn? First, your instructor will take you through a safety briefi ng. You will be reminded to wear the correct clothing, particularly non-slip shoes; the need to hold on as you move around the boat (“one hand for you, one hand for the ship”); how to get on and off the boat safely; and the need to keep within the profi le of the boat because of low bridges and tunnels. Even simple things such as how to stand correctly when steering are important. en on to the boat. On the canals this will often be a 40ft-50ft long narrowboat, with a cruiser stern so the instructor can accompany you. Here, you will be taught what checks need to be carried out on the engine, gearbox
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Photo: Canalboat Training
and weed hatch prior to starting the boat. With your crew loosening the ropes and casting off, you will be off along the canal!
ON THE MOVE
During this time, you will learn how to pull away from the bank correctly and to come alongside as well. e use of ropes, both for mooring and boat handling, will be explained. Essential skills to learn include the art of turning in a winding hole (pronounced as in windy weather, not winding as in turning a handle), and the diffi cult job of reversing. You will do all these activities for yourself: the instructor does not demonstrate, but rather, talks you through each manoeuvre. is way, you feel what it’s like fi rst hand.
You and your fellow students will take it in turns to be skipper; when you are not, you are the crew, so you get fi rst-hand experience of those tasks as well. On a narrow canal, you will learn how to pass through narrow bridges, and the techniques of passing other moored and moving boats as well. You will also learn how to avoid going aground too often. Of course, most canals and rivers have locks, and there will be ample opportunity to practice navigating through the locks, and operating the paddles and gates correctly. ere are so many ways to operate locks, and many different types around the waterways; the course explains safe operation, with plenty of time to discuss the options and
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