Inland Waterways Helsmens Course

One / Two Day Courses
We are able to offer either the one or two day courses on the Grand Union Canal. Using the exclusively designed canalboats by Concoform Marine, you are able to enjoy the day in the comfort of these luxury boats. [Prices]

Ladies / Men only courses
Sometimes it can be disconcerting to have members of the opposite gender on the same course as yourself, this is why we offer ladies only courses so that students can feel at ease while learning & practicing their boat handling skills (Please note the instructors maybe ladies). [Prices]

Exclusive Corporate / Group Courses
This style of close contact is perfect for small teams or companies as an alternative company incentive day out or teambuilding programme. An exclusive programme can be designed to incorporate different team activities or to fulfill an incentive. Our caterer is also able to meet the boat with a picnic for an additional cost if your team would like to enjoy mooring on the towpath for a picnic in the countryside. Call for a bespoke quote tailored to suit your requirements. [Prices]

Exclusive Couples Course
You may prefer a course for just yourselves, for example a husband & wife or partners team, there will then be no other students on board. [Prices]

Gift Certificates
If you are looking for any of the above course options we are able to provide you with a Gift Certificate for you to pass over at the celebration, good for Christmas, Birthdays and Anniversaries.

*For the above courses to ensure maximum individual instruction each course is limited to three students. This course is designed to be either a one or two day course to reach the required standard.

Syllabus:

Deck Work:
- Common nautical terms
- Handling warps and fenders
- Throwing and heaving line or coiled rope
- Knots: clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, bowline and boatmans hitch
- Securing to bollards, rings, cleats and mooring stakes
Helmsmanship and Boat Handling
- Loading and weight distribution
- Steering in a canal or river
- Control of speed
- Interaction and canal effect
- Turning & Mooring
- Recovery of man overboard
- Anchoring
Personal Safety
- Identification of risks, including cold shock
- Use of Life Jackets and buoyancy aids
- Avoidance of personal injury, including crushing of limbs when fending off and special risks to Children
Boat Safety
- Fire Hazards, particularly gas & petrol
- Use of Fire extinguishers
- Watertight integrity
- Refloating after grounding
Engines
- Routine periodic checks
- Engine Care, checks to be carried out before starting and while running
Locks
- Operation of locks
- Tending lines in locks

- General understanding of maintenance levels
Bridges and tunnels
- General understanding of operation of bridges and tunnels
Care of the environment
- Pollution avoidance
- Consideration for other water users.
- Avoiding damage to boats, banks, flora and fauna