Canal Boat Training Courses

Alvechurch can offer in conjunction with Tillerfolk training an intensive one-day course or a residential two-day course, both of which are based on practical learning aboard one of our quality hire boats.

Please Click Here to open our printable booking form.

Why do I need a RYA Inland waterways training Course?

It is true the basic skills of canal-boating are very quickly learned - the first  timer can set off confident that our handover team have given them all the help and instruction they will need to have a truly enjoyable holiday. But there are those, perhaps with a duty of care to their crew, who will feel more comfortable and confident in the knowledge that they have studied for the inland waterways certificate.

Equally the course is suited to those experienced boaters who would like to obtain the internationally recognised qualification from the Royal Yachting Association. For those whose aim is to cruise on the continental waterways this course forms the practical element of the international certificate of competence. Successful completion of a written test on the "CEVNI" regulations allows application for this document. Further details are available on request.

About the course

The skills of the working boatmen may have taken a life-time to acquire but our practical courses will teach you many tricks of the trade in just one or two days. The Royal Yachting Association's Inland Waterways Helmsmen's Certificate covers all aspects of canal and river navigation including boat handling, the passage of locks and tunnels as well as general safety afloat.

Instruction begins at 10am when you meet up at Alvechurch with your Tillerfolk training instructor Bob Strachan. There is a maximum of 3 people per course so you can be sure of individual attention. Tuition and assessment will normally be completed by 5.00pm 

The two day course will offer the opportunity to spend a night aboard the boat. The course fee includes accommodation (based on sharing twin cabins) and light refreshments, but not main meals. These will be taken at canal-side hostelries.

Your Instructor.
Your instructor Bob Strachan was born on the "Stourbridge Sixteen" and has over 50 years of canal experience. Holder of the RYA instructors certificate, A Boatmasters Licence and International Certificate of Competence, he is both qualified and happy to be able to pass on his skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. 

What will it cost?
A one day intensive course will cost £95
A two day residential course will cost £180 based on sharing a twin cabin.
(If single occupancy is preferred we will make a supplementary charge of £50)

How to book
To enrol on one of our courses, first telephone our booking office on 0845 126 4098 for the latest information on course dates and availability.
We will then make a provisional reservation over the telephone. You should then let us have a completed booking form and deposit within 7 days (£30 for the one day course and £50 for the residential course). We will confirm your reservation within 14 days. The final balance should be paid 8 weeks before the course date.
Please note. 
Once we receive your booking a contract exists and you will be liable for the course fees even if you are unable to attend. We recommend you take advantage of our cancellation protection plan (full details are contained within our current Waterway holiday brochure), which for a fee of £6 or £9 paid at the time of making the booking, we will give in certain circumstances, protection against this liability. 

Terms & Conditions
These are set out in the "conditions of hire" in the current Uk Boat Hire brochure with the following additions:

1. The training vessel may depart at 10:00am. Arrivals after this time may be unable to join the vessel. The student shall have no claim on the company by reason of such.
2. A damage waiver is not required. Students should note the limits of our insurance and take appropriate action.
3. The company reserves the right to restrict or vary the location of cruising if unusual or hazardous conditions prevail or because of water shortage and the student shall have no claim on the company and in particular no right of cancellation by reason of any such restriction or delay. If through circumstances not under the control of the Company (e.g. damage, mechanical breakdown etc.) the boat or a suitable alternative is not available the Company will refund monies paid in full and the hirer shall have no further claim on the company. 

Please Click Here to open our printable booking form.