December 16, 2020
Want to Learn Celestial Navigation? Online Courses Start this Winter
This is the second of a two-course program of Offshore Navigation program for the recreational boater. It introduces the navigator to route planning for going offshore, may the voyage be long or short. While overshadowed by the new electronic systems, the art and science of celestial navigation is still a valuable asset to the offshore boaters.
December 16, 2020
Staying Home This Winter? Take a CPS-ECP Online Course!
Boating is just like any other skill that requires enough experience to feel confident on the water. The more knowledge you acquire, the more enjoyable it is for you and everyone else
December 16, 2020
2020 – That Was the Year That Was!
I’ve just been reading my 2019 Christmas message. Never, ever, at this time last year would any of us have foreseen what was awaiting us as 2020 started. I talked about changing direction but did not imagine that it would happen like it has.
December 2, 2020
Access your CPS-ECP member benefits
CPS-ECP members this is a reminder to ALWAYS log into the members area of www.cps-ecp.ca website in order to access current Member Benefits Sponsors and/or Suppliers and to confirm their discount code.
December 2, 2020
Environmental update
The environmental session from our October 23rd 2020 AGM was recorded and can be watched at this link. The session features an introduction by Jack Adams, Chair of the Environmental Committee and content by Jackie Hildering in which she outlines how to safely share the waters with our giant neighbours: whales.
December 2, 2020
Just Ask John – Hot Off The Press
Transport Canada announces proposed changes to the Pleasure Craft Licensing (PCL) Program and the Lets Talk Transportation consultation web site which will remain open for comments until January 15, 2021.
November 17, 2020
Take our Online Boating 2 and 3 Courses this Winter!
The PCOC makes sure you have immediate navigation and safety skills but it’s just the beginning of what you should know when you get on a boat. In the second of our Boating Series, you are introduced to the art of navigation, anchoring, ropes, lines and knots – not to mention what to expect when the boat is moving under power.
November 17, 2020
Man Overboard!
Prevention is the best solution to avert man-overboard (MOB) accidents before they happen. Take every precaution to avoid such a situation. A passenger or crew member can tumble overboard at any time and under any conditions. If someone must go on deck in any but the most calm weather, wear a safety harness attached to a proper jack line or suitable strong point on the boat.
November 17, 2020
FREE WEBINAR – Tides and Currents
Anyone who does all or most of their boating on our oceans, must have an intimate knowledge of the natural cycles of the tides, and the sometimes dangerous currents they can generate.
November 4, 2020
Transport Canada Survey on PFD/Lifejacket Usage
To assist Transport Canada’s education and outreach efforts to enhance safety for recreational boaters, work is underway to further examine motivations and policy instruments to increase the wearing of PFDs/lifejackets on board pleasure craft.
November 4, 2020
Board of Directors Applications Due March 1
Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS-ECP) is accepting applications for Director positions from you the members of CPS-ECP.
November 4, 2020
Letter from the Chief Commander: a review of the 2020 virtual AGM and Conference
This year is the first time since our beginnings in 1938 that CPS-ECP has held its National Conference and AGM with all our members participating virtually from the comfort and safety of their homes. I know we would have liked to have visited Windsor, but it was not meant to be.
October 21, 2020
Let’s get connected!
If you have an internet connection, we’d like to hear from you. Like and follow CPS-ECP social media pages and invite your friends and other members to do the same!
October 21, 2020
SmartFind G8 AIS EPIRB
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a safety device carried by a vessel to alert search and rescue services and allow them to quickly locate you in the event of an emergency. When activated it transmits a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency which is monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system.
October 21, 2020
Submission Call – Send us your articles!
The Port Hole has been, and remains, very effective in getting the word out nationally on CPS-ECP programs and, by extension, members’ involvement in those initiatives. This is a wonderful opportunity that relatively few organizations can boast of.
October 8, 2020
Registration to the CPS-ECP Vision 2020 Conference has been extended!
Members need to register to the AGM in advance to vote. The deadline has been extended to October 16th.
October 7, 2020
FREE November 11th: Tropical Weather for the Winter Boater
Many boaters like to spend all or part of their winters sailing in tropical waters, and no doubt wonder what sort of weather they might encounter. The meteorology behind winter weather in the Tropical Zone is very much different from that which we experience here in the mid-latitudes.
October 7, 2020
Transport Canada Survey on PFD/Lifejacket Usage
To assist Transport Canada’s education and outreach efforts to enhance safety for recreational boaters, work is underway to further examine motivations and policy instruments to increase the wearing of PFDs/lifejackets on board pleasure craft.
October 7, 2020
The Return of Giants
There is a new resource available from our friends at the Marine Education and Research Society who are represented on the CPS-ECP Environment Committee.
September 22, 2020
Online Boating 2 and 3 Courses Start This September
The PCOC makes sure you have immediate navigation and safety skills but it’s just the beginning of what you should know when you get on a boat. In the second of our Boating Series, you are introduced to the art of navigation, anchoring, ropes, lines and knots – not to mention what to expect when the boat is moving under power.
September 22, 2020
Celestial Navigation in a Nutshell Webinar – October 14th
This seminar on this traditional and reliable offshore navigation method, was written by a skilled navigator, for the boater who wants to do some serious offshore cruising, maybe even challenge a transoceanic crossing, and needs a Plan B to back up his electronic navigation equipment.
September 22, 2020
You Are the Eyes and Ears of the CASBAS!
We depend on YOU to make us aware of the goings on across Canada that warrant special recognition in the fields of recreational boating safety and environmental stewardship.
September 22, 2020
Vision 2020 Virtual National Conference
Are your ready to attend the VISION 2020 National AGM Virtually?? Have you put your name on the list to receive registration information? Do you have your Vision 2020 Shirt?
September 9, 2020
Updated “Boat Blue” guide from the Marine Education & Research Society
The Marine Education & Research Society has uploaded a new & improved version of the “Boat Blue” guide to Marine Mammal & Boater Safety. It now includes links to videos!
September 9, 2020
Member Benefit – Aqua Map Mobile App
Aqua Map is a mobile app available for iOS and Android developed by GEC srl for GPS boating navigation. This application provides the user with an amazingly clear Nautical Chart with lightning fast scrolling and realistic symbols and colors. Aqua Map makes available its functionalities in a very simple and intuitive way.
September 9, 2020
Vision 2020 Virtually Impossible To Ignore
As you probably know by now, the Windsor Annual Conference and AGM are gone ‘’Virtual’’. The squadrons of the Western Ontario District welcome you to the greatest opportunity ever afforded every member of CPS-ECP…
August 25, 2020
Dual Colour Lights Add Energy-Efficient Style
To minimize the number of fixtures needed onboard, as well as their accompanying wiring runs, some lights have transitioned to dual color output models. Hella marine offers such a solution with its durable yet elegant round EuroLED 75 Dual Color Down Lights.
August 25, 2020
Just Ask John: Are PFDs or lifejackets mandatory while on board and underway?
Is it mandatory that people wear their Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or lifejackets while on board their vessels and underway?
August 25, 2020
Submission Call
The Port Hole has been, and remains, very effective in getting the word out nationally on CPS-ECP programs and, by extension, members’ involvement in those initiatives. This is a wonderful opportunity that relatively few organizations can boast of.
August 25, 2020
FREE WEBINAR! AIS For Recreational Boaters
AIS or Automatic Identification System, is a wonderful collision avoidance aid for those who do their boating in areas with a moderate to high volume of heavy shipping traffic. The intent of the webinar is to help the prospective buyer decide which is the best unit for his/her needs.
August 7, 2020
The Port Hole Photo Contest
Do you want to see your work featured on The Port Hole’s cover? Do you want your images to become part of the CPS-ECP image bank for future covers and social media posts while having the chance to win some prizes?
August 7, 2020
From Victoria, BC, to St. John’s, NL, you’ll enjoy a friendly, affordable, comfortable night’s stay with Choice Hotels Canada
At Choice Hotels®, we know how important your trips are to you. Because they’re important to us, too.
August 7, 2020
Bert terHart returns home from his epic journey around the world!
There really is no place like home. Bert terHart certainly knows that, having returned July 18 to Victoria, BC to a rousing welcome following his historic solo voyage around the world – the first North American to sail the route using only celestial navigation.
July 21, 2020
The Port Hole Photo Contest
Do you want to see your work featured on The Port Hole’s cover? Do you want your images to become part of the CPS-ECP image bank for future covers and social media posts while having the chance to win some prizes?
July 21, 2020
Weather for Boaters – additional session July 29
There’s nothing can quickly ruin a pleasant cruise on a sunny afternoon than getting caught in a sudden, unexpected storm. This show of Mother Nature’s powers can be frightening at the very least, and fatal in its worst form.
July 21, 2020
Where to Go Boating
I often get asked from CPS-ECP members and non-members: Where is s good place to go boating in my area?
July 21, 2020
Chart Reading for Beginners Webinar
The is an excellent teaser for the boater who has his/her PCOC, but would like to learn more navigation and seamanship skills, and would like to get a glimpse of what sort of information and courses are available.
July 21, 2020
Chart Reading for Beginners
The is an excellent teaser for the boater who has his/her PCOC, but would like to learn more navigation and seamanship skills, and would like to get a glimpse of what sort of information and courses are available.
July 21, 2020
CPS – ECP adds webinars beginning next week
There’s nothing can quickly ruin a pleasant cruise on a sunny afternoon than getting caught in a sudden, unexpected storm. This show of Mother Nature’s powers can be frightening at the very least, and fatal in its worst form.