Skip to content

Improved safe boating courses start this month

The Sunshine Coast Power & Sail Squadron is announcing that its new training courses, starting later this month will run on Saturdays instead of weekday evenings, as in the past. This means that courses can be completed in a shorter time.

The Sunshine Coast Power & Sail Squadron is announcing that its new training courses, starting later this month will run on Saturdays instead of weekday evenings, as in the past.

This means that courses can be completed in a shorter time. It is also hoped that Saturday classes will permit training to be more accessible for those working and having family responsibilities. As well, arrangements have been made to use a classroom at the easy to reach Roberts Creek Elementary School.

Starting on Saturday, Jan. 18 will be boat and engine maintenance, followed by boating basics in February for the pleasure craft operator Card (PCOC), and boating essentials in March, successful completion of which includes full membership in the squadron.

In April, the squadron will be offering for the first time an option for an on-the-water, hands-on practical seamanship component for graduates to apply their knowledge learned earlier in the classroom. In addition, the always-popular Maritime radio course for VHF Certificate is planned for Chatelech Secondary School in Sechelt in late March.

Commander Jack Adams and his team of volunteer trainers have worked hard to come up with these new initiatives. He thanks these dedicated instructors, for having volunteered much personal time to share their decades of boating experience. Together, they believe these changes from past procedures will make continuous learning more accessible to Coast boaters, preparing the way for another season of safe, pleasurable recreation on local waters.

Because of lead times required to receive course materials, the squadron is requesting students register online at www.cps-ecp.ca/sunshinecoast with payment for their course at least two weeks before classes start. Call 604-740-8124 or email [email protected] for details.

- Submitted