Location: Calcutt Boats, Stockton, Warwickshire
Duration: 2 days (Approx. 09:00 – 17:00)
Certification: RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Licence (no expiry date)

Minimum Age: 12yrs – all under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.                                                            
Price: £350 per person (min of 2 students, max of 3) Single students welcome £400. £250 15yrs and under.

Why Take This Course:

Whether you are an experienced boater wanting to fine tune your skills or a complete beginner thinking of hiring or buying a boat, the Inland Waterways Helmsman Course has been developed for everyone wanting to cruise the UK’s inland network of lakes, rivers and canals.

Inland boating is relaxing and fun, even more so when you gain the skills and confidence the course will give you. Plus, there is no exam pressure as the certification is based on a strong practical foundation with assessment throughout the course.

The RYA Helmsman certification is aimed at commercial operators and leisure users alike and provides ‘insurance company standard’ training for private boaters. For those of you also needing to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) the RYA Helmsman licence will meet the requirements for the ICC practical for inland waterways on the continent.

And … if you need somewhere to stay during your course why not stay aboard and get the full boating experience. Our 54ft training boat Sorrel 4 is fully equipped and licenced as a holiday canal boat also, so you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, it all comes in at a special training package price. So, check out the details then give us a call    https://training.calcuttboats.com/holiday-training-package/

Our Holiday Training Package offers a set 4-night package, aimed at those of you who are training focussed; however, we are also able to build the course into a longer holiday also. So please give us a call and we will be happy to help.

You may also combine your Inland Helm course with the RYA Inland Crew Course RYA Crew Course   the ideal family training package.

What You’ll Learn:

Over the course of two days, you’ll gain essential hands-on experience and safety knowledge for confidently handling a boat on canals, rivers, and other inland waterways.

During the course, you will learn:

Core Skills:

• Boat Handling: How to steer, stop, and turn under various conditions, including slow-speed manoeuvring, reversing and dealing with wind and current/waterflow.
• Mooring Techniques: Securely mooring alongside wharf’s, pontoons, and banks, as well as using mooring lines and fenders properly.
• Locks and Bridges: Safe and efficient techniques for operating locks and understanding different types of bridges and how to navigate them.
• Winding – turning your boat around.
• Crew communication and responsibilities.
• Basic Navigation: Understanding buoyage, signs, signals, and the “rules of the road” on inland waterways.
• Engine Checks: Basic pre-start engine maintenance and troubleshooting to keep your boat running safely.

Safety:

• Collision Avoidance: Learning safe speeds, emergency stops, sound signals, and best practices to prevent accidents.
• 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 Helmsman Licence, valid indefinitely. This meets the requirements for:

• RYA Instructors
• Commercial Endorsements
• Most marine industry roles
• Boat owners and skippers (inland)
• ICC practical skills endorsement
• Volunteers or staff for community or charity boats, canal trusts or hire companies

 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 our online booking calendar or get in touch:

training@calcuttboats.com
01926 813757

Booking & Info:

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