On The Water Training - With Cedar Coast Marine

On The Water Training - Presented in partnership with Cedar Coast Marine. 

This has been a big request by our students in the past to provide hands on boat operation.  To encourage maximum hands-on training we are limiting this training to 4 students in the class. This is of high value to anyone considering a career as a marine guide in BC, Antarctica or the Arctic, although the training also applies to many of our vessel-based jobs in other sectors of the marine industry.

Your instructors will guide you through the practical applications of the SVOP curriculum: fast and slow vessel handling, safety procedures, navigation, and marine emergencies. You'll work with real equipment in real conditions, building the key muscle memory and situational awareness required for competent and safe vessel operation.

This is hands-on, active learning. Come prepared to engage, ask questions, and challenge yourself.

COURSE OVERVIEW
This practical, hands-on training course complements Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) certification by applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Students will gain confidence operating small commercial vessels while developing essential seamanship, navigation, and emergency handling skills.

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

• Safety & Pre-Departure (1 hour) Course orientation, PFD inspection, emergency procedures, Zodiac-specific safety, vessel walkthrough, daily checklist, weather/tide interpretation, float plan submission, and radio check.
• Basic Vessel Handling (1.5 hours) Helm controls, low-speed maneuvering, turning radius, pivot point, dock departure/approach, station keeping, and anchoring basics in calm, protected waters.
• Navigation & Situational Awareness (1.5 hours) Practical digital navigation, buoy and marker interpretation, COLREGS compliance (give-way, stand-on, safe speed), lookout techniques, and hazard identification.
• Applied Seamanship (1 hour) Line handling and essential knots (bowline, cleat hitch, fender tie), towing basics, beaching/launching from shore, and weight balance/passenger management.
• Docking & Close-Quarters Maneuvering (1 hour) Approaching dock with/against wind and current, pivot turns, reversing into position, securing with spring lines, and fueling procedure.
• Debrief & Feedback (0.5 hours) Group discussion, instructor review of individual performance, Q&A, next steps (ROC-M, MED A3, additional hours), and industry contact information

MATERIALS PROVIDED
●Laminated float plan and checklist template
●Local chart segment for hands-on navigation
●Quick reference card for COLREGS
●Course completion certificate (proof of hands-on training)

COURSE GOALS

✓Reinforce SVOP concepts with real-world practice
✓Build confidence operating a small commercial vessel
✓Develop essential seamanship, navigation, and emergency handling skills

• Completed SVOP course or holds a Pleasure Craft Operators Card
• Minimum age of 16