It's a beautiful summer day, a few puffy white clouds over the mountains, the inflow wind kicking up wavelets, perfect for some quality time afloat.
Just out of the harbour the engine falters, sputters and dies into silence. Suddenly the day is transformed into a need for action for the safety of the boat and its occupants.
This is the scene I came on while setting out on a recent training cruise with adult students. An eight-metre pleasure craft was drifting in Shoal Channel, rocking in the swells, while the occupants urgently waved at us. While we stood by to ensure they did not drift into the rocky shore, I made a VHF radio call on their behalf, which produced assistance by the C-Tow vessel from Gibsons within a few minutes. With the situation under control we continued our cruise.
So what actions could these boaters have taken to safeguard themselves?
While the pleasure craft operator card (PCOC) tests a minimum level of knowledge, it falls far short of what is needed to handle an emergency or avoid the situation altogether. In addition to PCOC, this fall there will be courses by the Sunshine Coast Power & Sail Squadron in boating essentials for safe operation and navigation, and for VHF radio operator licence. Watch for details coming soon in Coast Reporter.
Meanwhile, there are two more months of excellent boating weather ahead and afloat instructors are ready to share their expertise with some hands on training. Look for certification by the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) or International Sail & Power Association (ISPA). These instructors are the only persons recognised by Transport Canada within the Canada Shipping Act to provide training on pleasure craft, and to become certified they have gone through intensive development of seamanship and instructional skills.
It's a great way to enjoy a day on the water in someone else's well equipped boat at moderate cost while getting some hands on training with capable supervision and a wealth of experience to share. This opportunity is available right now!
