Whatever your on-water need, there’s a CPS-ECP course for you
Feb 24, 2022
Boating 1 PCOC Boating Basics – All operators of motorized pleasure craft are required to show operator competency and the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is the most common proof. This course provides all you need to know to prepare for the Transport Canada PCOC test. It is presented in an easy to follow format that is both informative and entertaining.
Boating 2 Beyond Boating Basics – This is an introduction to the art of navigation, anchoring, lines, ropes and knots, and what to expect when the boat is moving under power. Optional topics include towing, trailering and checklists for layup and launch.
Boating 3 – The third course in the series further explores navigation as you learn to plot and label on paper charts as well as what the skipper should do when underway, handling a boat under sail, and environmental responsibilities and electrical hazards. Optional topics include tides, currents, canals, locks and collision regulations.
Boating 1, 2 and 3 are available in various combinations.
Boating 4 – This course builds your confidence on the water when dealing with safety and emergency situations. Other course aspects include relative bearings, knots and splicing, medical emergencies, and coping with adverse weather.
Boating 5 Near Shore Marine Navigation Level 2 – Expand your knowledge for planning cruises using a variety of electronic devices to chart a course and plan your course under tidal, current and windy conditions. The course covers GPS, radar, chart plotters, sonar, autopilots and more.
Maritime Radio – All you need to know about how to operate a VHF radio in preparation for challenging the required writ-ten and oral test to get your Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) (ROC(M).
Other courses include Boating 6 and Boating 7, Offshore Marine Navigation, levels 1 and 2, Electronic Marine Navigation, Radar For Boaters, Boat and Engine Maintenance, Environment and Weather, and Extended Cruising and Sailing. Meanwhile, available seminars include Celestial Navigation In A Nutshell, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Protect-ing Our Waterways and Environment, Weather For Boaters, Tropical Weather for Winter Boaters, Tides and Currents, and Paddling and Board Sports.
Most courses and seminars can now be taken online. Register for courses at www.BoatingCourses.ca or contact your local squadron directly. To get local squadron contact information, go to the national web site at www.cps-ecp.ca, click on Contact and then click on Squadron Locations.
By John Gullick, AP, Manager of Special Programs
