CHARTER HOTELBOAT WILLOW

Tel:  07702 242100 (orange)    or   Tel:  07846 200705 (three)






























 
 TRAINING & CONSULTANCY COURSE SYLLABUS:
The under noted list merely provides an insight into the training and consultancy aspects dealt with during our courses which we try to tailor to the individual client's personal requirements. As a guide, consultancy topics might include: advantages and disadvantages of particular space/water heating systems; boat layouts; guidance on buying a boat; and discussion of numerous other aspects of setting up a narrowboat and 'liveaboard lifestyle'. 

During the main cruising season we may operate a limited number of  'trainee crew cruises' (normally of a minimum of 3 days duration), along side our holiday cruising activities.  During the main cruising season we no longer operate formal training and consultancy courses. 

However we do hold training and consultancy courses from October through to March. These formal courses are normally of 2 day duration (often over a weekend period), although some prefer to come for the full 3 days. We can, on request, hold a midweek course if weekends are unsuitable. The boat handling aspects of the course are fairly advanced, and form only part of the main 'consultancy' nature of these courses.

  • Theory of Boat Handling:
    Effects     of narrowboat displacement within a channel (narrow/wide - shallow/deep canals);
     Displacement effect on other vessels;
    The 'mechanics' of steering a narrowboat;
    Introduction to good rudder skills;
    Understanding the 'paddlewheel' effect of the propeller;
    Using the advantages of 'paddlewheel';
    Countering the disadvantages of 'paddlewheel';
    Winding (turning).
    Courtesy to other users and environment.
     

  • Practical Demonstration of Advanced Narrowboating Skills:
     Casting off;

    • Efficient progression down canal (correct line);
    Correct use of speed;
     Effect of wind;
    Avoidance of, and action on, going aground;
     Perception of, and dealing with, obstacles (bridges, entering locks etc);
     Stopping the boat efficiently in mid channel;  
     Steering the boat in reverse;
    Close- quarters boat handling;
    Winding (turning boat in it's own length);
     Safe drop-off/pick-up of crew;
    Mooring up;
     

  • Locks - Practice & Theory:
     Safe and efficient use of narrow/broad/river/staircase locks.
     Discussion of traditional single handed operation methods.
     

  • Rope work:
     The effective and safe use of ropes;


    • Recommended knotting techniques;
    Mooring up with ropes.
     

  • Checks & Monitoring:
     Checks and monitoring of Electrical system;
     Engine & mountings;


    • Stern Tube.
     

  • General Safety Issues:
    Safety issues are included, subject by subject, throughout the syllabus, but this section highlights the identification and avoidance of the risks of falling overboard or suffering crush injuries.
     

  • Consultancy Issues:
     Consultancy topics will deal (in depth) with moorings, licensing, boat systems, and general liveaboard issues.  It is subject matter we try to tailor specifically to the needs of the individual client(s). This description may seem brief, but consultancy issues take up a large proportion of the course timetable.  In the meantime don't miss the 'taster' we give via the link to boat systems.  

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