Port Dalhousie Power and Sail Squadron
Course Descriptions

The reccommended path is to first  complete The Boating Course.  The other courses  that follow  The Boating Course in order are; Seamanship, Advanced Piloting, Junior Navigator, Senior Navigator.  All courses build on knowledge acquired in the previous course.

Elective Courses mostly can be taken in any order except for Fundametals of Weather which leads to Global Weather.  Elective Courses tend to be shorter.

 Our teaching season usually runs from September to April.  The Boating Course is usally offered twice, in the fall and in the winter.  Boating Basics is offered on demand from May to September.  The others are offered as demand warrants and instructors are available.

For more information contact the Training Officer at T.O@portdalhousiecps.com



Introductory Courses
Boating Basics
Prerequisite: none

All operators of motorized pleasure craft are required to show proof of operator competency.

To get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), you need to write a test approved by Transport Canada. This handbook helps you and your family prepare for that test.  All you need to know for your test is presented in an easy to read format that is both informative and entertaining. You can be confident in knowing that this study guide meets all the standards established by Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.

Once comfortable with the study material, you may write the PCOC exam. As an extra benefit, if you pass the exam offered by Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons, your Card is recognized by BOTH Transport Canada and The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (USA).
The Boating Course

Prerequisite: none

Whether you are interested in powerboats, sailing vessels or kayaks, this course is for you! Enjoy boating activities year round by taking The Boating Course.Whether you are interested in powerboats, sailing vessels or kayaks, this course is for you! Enjoy boating activities year round by taking The Boating Course.

The Boating Course provides in depth boat operation and safety training. As well, you will experience the challenge of plotting and navigation.

Successful completion of the examination will allow you the opportunity to join Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons PS as a Regular member and to receive the benefits of membership. By passing the exam, you will also receive your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
Maritime Radio
This complete package with CD, and the new Digital Selective Calling, will prepare you for the Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) with DSC Endorsement exam.

To operate a maritime radio, you need the certificate. It's the law! The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures, and everyday operating techniques.

Learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS). All mariners, including recreational boaters, will want to take advantage of the many features and capabilities of this innovative form “automatic” radio.

Secure your lifeline. Be sure that you and your family take the Maritime Radio course.
Advanced Courses


Seamanship

Recommended Prerequisite: The Boating Course

The Seamanship Course builds on techniques introduced in the Boating Course.  Seamanship uses traditional navigation, GPS fixes, Way Points, along with the introduction of Deviation, in the three homework cruises, and the examination take home cruises.  This course offers: interpretation of charts, the DR plot, bearings, fixes, running fixes, Collision Regulations, and plotting and labeling in True and Magnetic.  Seamanship explains the hazards of weather, wind, waves, tides, and tidal currents and how to deal with them.  When unforeseen circumstances arise such as man-overboard or medical emergencies, the seamanship course helps the student to acquire the skills to deal with life-threatening situations.
Advance Piloting

Recommended Prerequisite: Piloting or Seamanship

A necessary course in advanced coastal navigation for short duration trips out of sight of land, the Advanced Piloting course will give you greater accuracy in positioning and plotting exercises, as well as adherence to standardized labeling. Your chartwork skills will be developed to standards recognized in the maritime industry.

You will be taken out of the realm of conning and visual plotting to coastal cruising out of sight of land, navigating in tidal waters, dealing with current, standing clear of danger, and determining position by visual observation or with the use of electronic devices.

Develop a back-up system to your electronic navigation tools and advance your piloting skills by taking this exciting course.
Junior Navigator
Recommended Prerequisite: Advanced Piloting

Junior Navigator is the first of a two-part program of study in offshore (open coast) navigation. It is designed as a practical, how-to course using GPS for offshore navigation with sun sight taking using a sextant as a backup technique. The more advanced techniques for other celestial bodies and sights are for study in the subsequent Navigation Course.

JN subject matter includes: basic concepts of celestial navigation; how to use the mariner's sextant to take sights of the sun; the importance and techniques of accurate time determination; use of the Nautical Almanac: how to reduce sights to establish lines of position (LOPs); and the use of GPS, special charts, plotting sheets and other navigational data for offshore positioning and passage planning.
Navigator
Recommended Prerequisite: Junior Navigator

Navigator is the second part of the study of offshore navigation. It further develops the student's skills and understanding of celestial theory. The student is introduced to additional sight reducation techniques for bodies other than the sun. The student develops greater skill and precision in sight taking, positioning and the orderly methods of carrying on the day's work of a navigator at sea.

Of particular interest and importance is the included navigation software that is explained and used for planning and navigating in the offshore environment. Offshore navigation using minimal data and/or equipment, such as when on a disabled vessel or lifeboat, is also covered.
Elective Courses
Fundamentals of Weather
This course covers many aspects of the formation and behavior of the weather around us. Meteorology is quite technical in nature, whereas Fundamentals of Weather is presented in a clear, straightforward manner that eliminates much of the jargon.
 Fundamentals of Weather

The study of weather is both fascinating and satisfying. The skills you will develop from this course will serve you for a lifetime. With practice, you will be able to make short term forecasts - challenge the professionals as to who better predicts the weather in your local area.

With Fundamentals of Weather, you will forecast the weather beyond 'red sky at night'.
Global Weather
Global Weather expands on concepts introduced in the Fundamentals of Weather.

In this course you will study topics like El Niño, summer monsoons, or lake effect snows. Work with measurements such as air pressure, temperature, dew point and wind direction/speed to sharpen your forecasting skills.

Appreciate the inner workings of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) and chinooks. Develop skills in offshore sailing and advance planning including the use of weather services and interpreting data.

Study the weather in all its moods.
Boat and Engine Maintenance
The enjoyment of boating includes both the pleasure of using the boat and the satisfaction of properly maintaining it. To many boaters, working on their boat is part of the fun, to say nothing of the savings in costs. All boats need maintenance to correct for the gradual deterioration from wear and tear, and exposure to the elements. A boater should be on the alert for signs of vessel degradation, and make repairs while the problem is minor.

From spark plugs to bottom paint, the Marine Maintenance course covers all the basics for DIY boaters.
Sailing
The Sailing Course provides the knowledge required to operate a sailboat safely. Building upon the skills gained in Seamanship, this course will acquaint the beginner with day-sailing in protected waters, and sharpen the skills of more experienced sailors.

Emphasis is placed on how a sailboat works and the special terminology associated with sailboats, sailing, and practical seamanship. There is no chart work or navigation. The particular problems of piloting under sail, and making progress to windward are discussed.
Extended Cruising
To roam upon the seas has long been a dream of many adventurous sailors. In today’s fast paced life, the sea remains one of the few places where one can explore our planet while making a personal journey as well.

To make port successfully after a long sea voyage using your own boat and skills is a great accomplishment, especially as offshore sailors must be able to fill the roles of helmsperson, navigator, plumber, meteorologist, shipwright, radio operator, cook, doctor, sailmaker, mechanic and diplomat.

The Extended Cruising course helps establish the skills required for you to seek distant shores.