SYLLABUS

As well as covering the syllabus will, we will cover any topics of particular interest to participants

Deckwork
Helmsmanship and Boat Handling
Personal Safety
Boat Safety
Engines
Locks
Bridges and Tunnels
Collision Avoidance
Care of Environment
Deckwork

• · Terminology· Handling ropes· Throwing a coiled rope,·  Knots: Common Knots, Canalman’s Hitch·  Securing to bollards, rings and cleats and mooring stakes,·  Anchor work.

Helmsmanship and Boat Handling

· Loading and weight distribution· Steering in a river or canal· Control of speed· Inter-action and canal effect· Turning· Berthing and unberthing alongside and between buoys/piles· Recovery of man overboard.Reversing· Anchoring

Personal Safety

· Identification of risks, including cold shock.· Use of lifejackets and buoyancy aids.· Avoidance of personal injury, including crushing of limbs when fending off.· Special risks to children

Boat Safety

· Fire Hazards, particularly gas and petrol.Carbon Monoxide Hazards· Use of fire extinguishers.· Watertight integrity· Refloating after grounding

Engines

· Engine care. Checks to be carried out before starting and while running.· Routine periodic checks.

Locks

· General understanding of maintenance of levels.· Safe Operation of locks.· Tending lines in locks.Working without  ropesSingle- handing safely

Bridges and Tunnels

· General understanding of operation of bridges and use of tunnels.

Collision Avoidance

· Steering and sailing rules of IRPCS.· Bye-laws and local regulations, including traffic signals, signs and priorities.· Awareness of other national and local regulations.· Publications to be carried..

Care of Environment

· Avoiding damage to boats, banks, flora and fauna.· Pollution avoidance.· Consideration for other water users.

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