Pleasure craft operators throughout the Parksville Qualicum region are invited to prepare themselves for the coming boating season with a little help from the Nanoose chapter of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron beginning this month.
The Nanoose CPSS, a not-for-profit, volunteer organization, is kicking off its winter boating education program with three training courses in the coming months.
Beyond the Pleasure Craft Operator Card and Introduction to Navigation, courses will cover all the basic skills and knowledge you should have before venturing into the sometimes-hazardous local waters. Both courses begin Thursday, Jan. 21.
The advanced Seamanship course teaches operators how to cope with emergency situations, including fire, medical and adverse weather. Other aspects of the course include dead reckoning, relative bearings, compass deviation, weather, wind, waves and currents, knots and splicing, and more. The course begins Jan. 26.
Finally, the CPSS will offer a Maritime Radio course to provide training on emergency radio procedures and everyday operating techniques and hands-on use of the marine VHF radio. Those who successfully complete the course will be issued a Restricted Operator's Certificate (M) with a DSC endorsement, which allows for legal operation of a marine VHF radio. The course begins April 14. For details and contact information, visit www.nanoosecps.ca. Space may be limited; prompt enrolment is recommended. — NEWS Staff