New to motorboating

[rojjydojjy]

Hi to everyone I am new to this forum and would like some advice please.I have decided with my wife and son and his girlfriend to up sticks and travel.to the Med via the French canals. I am considering a James Silver motorboat approx 40ft.I have had some navigational training and motor boat handling when in the Royal Navy reserves some 15 years ago but havent done much since.What can anyone advise on preparation as I shall be enrolling on a RYA course plus radio and radar courses.Can anyone tell me of there first Channel crossing etc.I would be most grateful for any advice.Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Nautorius]

Hello and welcome.

Firstly you need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence). This is a two day practical course and mainly about manouvering in a Marina...well worth it. Secondly you will need a CEVNI endorsement to go through the french canals. This is a test on inland waterways and easy with a bit of study.

To get accross channel safely consider an RYA dayskipper theory as it teaches you the basics of navigation and route planning. Takes 12/13 weeks at night school or 5 days with a wizz bang trainer!

Not a difficult trip but, as always, planning and forethought key!

Cheers

paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[PlanB]

We were new to boating, too, and did our RYA Day Skipper practical when we first got the boat, followed by the theory over the following winter. Two years later, when planning our departure for the Med, we hired an instructor for our first channel crossing, to hand hold, confirm we knew what we were doing and just generally give us advice and confidence. It was worth every penny and we are now safely in the Med but came round the outside rather than through the canals. Bluegrass on this forum did the canals route.