Our course is adaptable to suit beginners through to seasoned boaters. We have testimonials from all levels of applicants providing real feed-back on what benefits the course has provided. Whilst there is no reduction in ultimate level of tuition we realise that the entry level of students ranges widely from absolute beginners to seasoned hirers, or even owners, who simply want to develop their skills. We match the course content to the entry level experience. 

Very few people require an 'internationally recognised certicate' and most actually only want to improve their ability to handle a boat. Our aim is to do exactly that - improve your handling of a narrowboat. We do however provide a proof of attendance certificate and comments regarding your improvements made during the course. The course can be one day, two day or more with the subsequent follow-on days being offered at a much reduced rate. This is our way of encouraging an extended training package to ensure you leave with a much better ability in boat handling. 

On completion of the course you will leave with a safety briefing leaflet, which you can use for your own trips with visitors, a certificate of proof of attendance, which will also have positive comments on your progress during the course and a copy of our book 'Narrowboating Solo - with a crew' a unique take on a system of narrowboat handling - for all. 

Aims of the course.

1. To introduce participants to the wonderful world of inland waterway cruising. The course will be enjoyable, instructive and ultimately, beneficial to all participants.

2. To instruct participants in the principles of safe and friendly boating. Over a one or two day course the students will be continuously coached and assessed on techniques detailed in the course syllabus. There is no written exam and all assessment is by ‘hands on’ operation on our 57ft narrowboat or, by arrangement, your own boat. Those with no previous experience may benefit from the two day schedule whereas those with prior knowledge may only require a one day condensed programme.

3. To present all participants with an attendance certificate showing topics covered and instructors observations and comments on completion of the course.

Duration

Participants with previous experience may be able to complete a condensed course in one day whereas newcomers will benefit from a two day course which will allow time to provide more handling experience on the more difficult techniques. The centre will offer advice on the most suitable course duration for you.

Location.

The course can be conducted on our 57ft narrowboat or on your own boat. Our boat is based in Burton-on-Trent on the Trent & Mersey Canal. From there the course can adopt the lower 'wide' canal system through to Shardlow or may utilise the single width canal through tio Fradley. The boat is suitable for over-night accommodation on two day courses.

Registration.

Simply telephone, email or write to us to discuss dates and suitable course. Up to 3 people maximum can be accommodated in a class. A slight surcharge will be applied to a single person course.

Crew Course.

This course is aimed at those who wish to be safely involved with the boat handling but specifically not skippering the boat. A crew member will understand safety procedures and equipment, rope and knot techniques, understand how a lock works, know the basic rules of the waterways and be able to start, stop and steer the boat in an emergency. The Crew Course is meant to be attached to a Steerer Course - maybe a family - who all want to be involved safely with the boat. It is not really suitable as a individual course as the crew and skipper should be tutored together and develop systems that work for them as a team

Cost.

Steerers Course

£120 per person for a one day course (as part of a group)

£180 per person for a one day course (for a single person class)

£210 for two people for a one day course (booked together)

£270 for three people for a one day course (booked together)

Where two days are considered beneficial, we charge £100 for the second day per person.

Where overnight accommodation is requested on our narrowboat a charge of £35 per person will be added to the above. (cereals and a continental breakfast will be provided).

On all courses hot and cold drinks will be provided together with biscuits and pastries. Lunches will not be provided but a suitable venue will be reached where food can be purchased.

Crew Course for additional members to Steerers course

£ 50 per person for a one day course (as part of a group)