CPS-ECP has Everything You Need to Know about Boating

Many boaters welcome the season by cruising Okanagan Lake or spending time at seasonal cottages with a family boat. Either way, boating is a fun pastime in the region whether it’s enjoyed individually or with a group.

To ensure everyone’s safety on the water, The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS-ECP) offers a variety of courses that entail everything enthusiasts need to know about boating. Driving a boat is no different than driving a car and in both cases, safety always comes first. The CPS-ECP makes sure that all of its members pass at least one course in order to properly operate a boat, thus reducing the risk of accidents and other mishaps that can potentially occur on the water.

Its most popular course is Boating Basics, which covers topics to help obtain the mandatory Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) and focuses on basic boating knowledge including navigation and safety skills. Following the completion of the course, a card is issued providing proof of operator competency.

The CPS-ECP also recommends broadening basic knowledge by enrolling in its Beyond Boating Basics course, which covers the essentials of marine navigation. Or, consider the Maritime Radio course that provides lessons on how to properly operate an onboard VHF. Topics include emergency radio procedures and choosing the necessary frequencies to digital selective calling and global maritime distress.  It’s required by the law to be certified and operate a maritime radio.

Remember, the more knowledge you have, the more enjoyable boating becomes.

The CPS-ECP has a variety of districts and squadrons that offer courses in different areas of Canada and online classes are available to prepare for the PCOC exam. To learn more about the CPS-ECP and its courses visit www.boatingcourses.ca/ under courses and seminars.

– Article courtesy of CPS-ECP