The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (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. This course also has a number of optional topics that will be taught depending on your interests; these include towing, trailering and a check list for layup and launch.
Details: Course material is available online 24/7. This is a cohort-based format with a specific start and end date. You will take this course with a specific group of fellow students. There will be an online meeting one evening per week to answer questions that students may have. You may also have one on one meetings with a local tutor to cover topics that are difficult to teach online.
Suggested Prerequisite: Boating 1 – Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
The third course in our series explores navigation further as you learn how to plot and label on paper charts. It will also cover what the skipper should be doing before setting out and when under way, handling a boat under sail as well as your environmental responsibilities and electrical hazards. This course also has a number of optional topics that will be taught depending on your interests; these include tides and currents, canals and locks, and collision regulations.
Details: Students will receive printed copies of the course material either by mail or by picking them up at a specific location. Instruction will take place using an online meeting one day per week (2-3 hrs.). This course begins and ends on a specific date. The final examination will be at a location near you or in some cases the examination may be online.
Suggested Prerequisite: Boating 2 – Beyond Boating Basics
This is an online combination of the B2 and B3 Courses. The Oakville Power and Sail Squadron is offering this combined course for those seeking to improve their boating and navigational skills and on the water enjoyment. It is classroom style teaching but online using GoToMeeting. By taking this option you save $70.00 over the cost of taking both courses individually.
Plus, when you join our B2+B3 combo course you get a free plotting kit valued at $25.00. If you have never been a CPS Member before, we also give you a free one-year membership in the Oakville Squadron a $45.00 value.
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. This course also has a number of optional topics that will be taught depending on your interests; these include towing, trailering and a check list for layup and launch.
The third course in our series explores navigation further as you learn how to plot and label on paper charts. It will also cover what the skipper should be doing before setting out and when under way, handling a boat under sail as well as your environmental responsibilities and electrical hazards. This course also has a number of optional topics that will be taught depending on your interests; these include tides and currents, canals and locks, and collision regulations.
Details: Students will receive printed copies of the course material either by mail or by picking them up at a specific location. Instruction will take place using an online meeting one day per week (2-3 hrs.). This course begins and ends on a specific date. The final examination will be at a location near you or in some cases the examination may be online.
Suggested Prerequisite: Boating 1 – Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
This course will increase your confidence by focusing on the manual navigation technique called Dead Reckoning followed by logbook protocols. This is followed by a review of fixed and floating aids and more detailed navigational techniques. Other chapters will increase your knowledge of environmental influences on the marine environment: Tides and Currents, Weather, and Wind and Waves. Still other chapters are devoted to specific procedures to follow when things go from bad to worse: skills for boating handling during adverse weather, managing emergencies, and coordinating rescue efforts with the Coast Guard. Finally, you must demonstrate your proficiency in tying various knots and splices. The exam includes an extensive quiz section and charting/cruise exercise testing your understanding of all topics covered in the course.
Details: Students will receive printed copies of the course material either by mail or by picking them up at a specific location. Instruction will take place using an online meeting one day per week (2-3 hrs.). This course begins and ends on a specific date. The final examination will be at a location near you or in some cases the examination may be online.
Suggested Prerequisite: Boating 3 - Introduction to Navigation or Basic Navigation and Boat Handling - Part 2
Keep the water on the other side of the wall! From spark plugs to bottom paint, this course covers all the basics for “do-it-yourself” boaters. This course will equip you with the knowledge required to prevent onboard problems, carry out specialized tasks and tackle both short-term troubleshooting as well as long-term boat care. It features practical information and handy tips suitable for both new and existing boat owners. The dream of owning, maintaining and using your own boat without great expense can be achieved through the completion of the Boat & Engine Maintenance Course.
Details: Students will receive printed or electronic copies of the course material either by mail or by picking them up at a specific location. Instruction will take place using an online meeting one day per week (2-3 hrs.). This course begins and ends on a specific date. The final examination will be at a location near you or in some cases the examination may be online.
Suggested Prerequisite: None
Learn how to maintain electrical systems in your boat properly and safely. Gain a solid foundation in wiring, direct current systems, and alternating current systems found on recreational vessels. It also covers galvanic and stray current corrosion, lightning protection, interference suppression and electrical troubleshooting. Learn how to maintain electrical systems in your boat properly and safely. Enroll in the Marine Electrical Maintenance Course with your local Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, because PEACE OF MIND IS PRICELESS!
Details: Students will receive printed or electronic copies of the course material either by mail or by picking them up at a specific location. Instruction will take place using an online meeting one day per week (2-3 hrs.). This course begins and ends on a specific date. The final examination will be at a location near you or in some cases the examination may be online.
Suggested Prerequisite: None
The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures and everyday operating techniques. Learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS). All mariners, including recreational boaters, will want to take advantage of the many features and capabilities of this innovative form “automatic” radio. Secure your lifeline. Be sure that you and your family take the Maritime Radio course. This complete package will prepare you for the Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) with DSC Endorsement exam which is included as part of this course. To operate a maritime radio, you need the certificate. It’s the law!
Details: Students will meet in a classroom either 1 evening per week or for an all-day course on the weekend. Printed course material will be distributed to the students. Students will write the examination at the end of the course. If the student passes, they will receive a temporary certificate.
Suggested Prerequisite: None
Find out more about boating safety tips, and videos on essential boating knots and battery maintenance.
All course training is carried out by dedicated volunteers. Our Oakville instructors are experienced sail and power boaters whose passion is to increase safety and confidence on our waterways through education.
A discount of 25% applies to a First Year Membership if requested within 60 days of the student’s marks submitted after completing a CPS-ECP course.
