Location: Calcutt Boats, Stockton, Warwickshire
Duration: 1-2 days depending on course format (Approx. 09:00 – 17:00)
Certification: RYA Inland Waterways crew certificate (no expiry date)

Minimum Age: 12yrs – all under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.                                                            
Price: £95 per person.

Why Take This Course:

The RYA Inland Waterways Crew Course is designed for those who want to develop essential skills and safety knowledge for crewing on inland waterways craft. Whether you’re supporting a skipper, preparing for family boating holidays, or simply starting your journey into life on the water, this course provides a strong foundation.

This course is a practical introduction to crewing techniques on narrowboats, barges, and riverboats. No previous experience is necessary — it is ideal for complete beginners as well as those who wish to formalise and improve their knowledge.

The RYA crew course is generally combined with the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman course and ideal for one of our family hire boat holiday/training packages.

What You’ll Learn:

The course takes place afloat, covering practical aspects of being a crew member.

Core Skills:

• Safe embarkation and disembarkation
• Basic rope work: knots and line handling
• Lock operation procedures
• Man overboard recovery basics
• Handling fenders and mooring lines
• Crew and helm communication
• Emergency procedures
• Safety awareness and equipment handling
• Basic boat handling
• How to use a canal map book

Safety:

• Emergency Procedures: What to do in case of engine failure, grounding, or man overboard situations.
• Personal Safety: Lifejacket use, boarding techniques, and general safety around water and boats.

 Environmental Awareness:

• Care for the Waterways: How to navigate responsibly, protecting wildlife and the waterways environment.
• Etiquette and Courtesy: Understanding good practice and traditions of inland boating to share the waterways considerately.

Certification:

Successful participants receive the RYA Inland Waterways Crew Certificate, valid indefinitely.

Course Details:

• Class Size: Small groups for hands-on training (3 max)
• Prerequisite: No previous experience needed
• Instructor: RYA-certified Inland Waterways instructor
• Included: Inland Waterways Handbook, certificate, tea/coffee
• What to Bring: Notebook, packed lunch, and comfy clothes
• Free Parking

Venue:

All courses are held at Calcutt Boats, right on the Grand Union Canal. Our training room overlooks the marina and you’ll benefit from unique waterside training environment.

Address:
Calcutt Boats
Tomlow Road,
Stockton,
Southam,
CV47 8HX

Upcoming Dates:

We run this course regularly throughout the year.
To check availability or book your place, please check get in touch:

training@calcuttboats.com
01926 813757

Booking & Info:

Ready to get started?
Visit our Booking Page or contact us with any questions.