Update to the CPS-ECP Introductory Navigation (B2 and B3) Courses
The Education Department recently approved a plan to update the introductory navigation courses commonly referred to as B2 and B3. The plan calls for an update of both the course content and new names to better reflect the content of the courses.
July 12, 2023
The Education Department recently approved a plan to update the introductory navigation courses commonly referred to as B2 and B3. The plan calls for an update of both the course content and new names to better reflect the content of the courses.
These courses were last updated in 2016, at which time a single course, Boating Essentials, was divided into two courses, to respond to the perceived need of shorter courses and to create a course focused on the training needs of inland boaters. However, many Squadrons, both inland and coastal, continued to offer the B2 and B3 courses in a combined 10 – 12 lesson format as it was recognized by Squadrons’ that most topics in the combined format were essential for boater safety training.
The new plan calls for the courses to be recombined so it can be offered as a single course or in a two-part format to respond to the need for shorter courses at the same time sending the message to boaters that both parts of the course are essential training.
The other major change is that the electronic navigation content will be significantly upgraded, including practice cruises using chartplotters and tablet or phone-based apps. The upgraded content will include a revised section on operator and crew responsibilities to better reflect the need for this type of training.
The updated course, Basic Navigation & Boat Handling, is being piloted in an online format starting in the fall of 2023, with classroom versions with new course manuals scheduled for early 2024. However, classroom and simulcast versions of the course can be offered using the upgraded online format in the fall of 2023. This online/classroom delivery approach has already been successfully tested by some Squadrons.
Register for an upcoming course at www.boatingcourses.ca.
