Inland waterways helmsman course.

I find 4 course providers within 50 miles of Heathrow (inc. Bisham).

I'm struggling to understand the benefit of the course (unless to get the chit for hiring abroad) instead of getting an old-hand to go through theory aspects, answer questions, and then out with you and show you the ropes (so to speak) - so I wait to be corrected

Must be a few on here willing to help for a couple of drinks?

The course references : Safety, helmsmanship, locks and tunnels, collision avoidance, an introduction to engine maintenance
 
boatone said:
Have you joined Bray Cruising Club yet? There is now an ATYC sponsored scheme you could look into which is broadly similar to the RYA scheme and, I believe, has their approval.
Click to expand...

We have yes, but I don't think it's started yet. All we really need is someone to go out with us for a day and practise manouvers or anything else they feel we should know.

The time we have had on the boat so far has gone really well with the odd hiccup, but it's not knowing if we are doing it right or just bungling along and lucky... :D

The inland waterways book is helpful, but it's putting it into practise that we need guidance on.

With twin engines it would be nice to learn mooring properly before it gets too busy as we won't have 50ft to gently guide into place in the summer... hahaha...:D
 
Just speed read your post re mooring - see; lot's of advice already!

Re your reference to 3" headroom under a bridge. When approaching a bridge with limited headroom tell everyone on board. You don't want someone coming up from below and suffering a head-knock (or a lot worse!!; some here may remember "The Trout" bridge incident maybe 15 years ago)

Twin engines; I was taught to think of the boat as a office-drawer unit on 4 castors and to liken the boat movement based on the push-pull of the castors; worked for me.
 
Give the commodore (Darren) a call, I'm sure he'll be able to find someone in the club to help you. Clubhouse maintenance is coming up, there will be plenty of people around - doing other things of course, but to be honest most of it is completed on the Saturday, leaving Sunday free.

Good luck
 
Brayman said:
Give the commodore (Darren) a call, I'm sure he'll be able to find someone in the club to help you. Clubhouse maintenance is coming up, there will be plenty of people around - doing other things of course, but to be honest most of it is completed on the Saturday, leaving Sunday free.

Good luck
Click to expand...

Thanks very much. :D
 
I know the boat (Jellicle Moon) and the couple, who are both highly qualified instructors, really well. They are often seen working from Longridge in the Summer. Generally they go up through Marlow (which is as scary as any lock on The Thames) and back. Really nice people, every time I have seen them with learners onboard they have been very good with them. The learners that I have witnessed have also been visibly enjoying the experience.
I would never hesitate to recommend Bisham Abbey, but these guys are also really good!
 
Brayman said:
Give the commodore (Darren) a call, I'm sure he'll be able to find someone in the club to help you. Clubhouse maintenance is coming up, there will be plenty of people around - doing other things of course, but to be honest most of it is completed on the Saturday, leaving Sunday free.

Good luck
Click to expand...

Happy to give you a few pointers as I have a boat with twin outdrives. Send me a PM or and email via the Committee page on the BCC website (Andy Hogg) and we'll sort something out for the maintenance weekend.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top