January PSS Boating Course

[Adler]

I'm looking at taking the Boating Essentials course from the Power Squadron to improve navigating/weather reading/current appreciation etc. It looks like the Brentwood Squadron and Victoria Squadron are both offering the course (it appears that the JDF squadron, which is closest to home for me, isn't running one, although I've e-mailed to confirm). I'm on the Westshore, so neither site is that much closer than the other.

Anyone have any suggestions as to which I should choose? Does the Victoria course focus more on Victoria waters (where I am more likely to fish, along with Sooke) versus Sidney waters, even if only in examples? Or anyone else from the forum thinking of taking either course, giving us a chance to meet?

 

[SpringVelocity]

no its general they cover same material through squadrons...just pick ones that's closer... I took cowichan and I cant say it was general to area...

 

[Kisinana]

I taught Navigation for the Powell River Squadron and the charts are the same sent to all the local regions. Where the difference may come in is if you have a local instructor they may have knowledge of the local area to pass on as to things you may not discover from just the course itself. There is definitely a benefit from taking the course, as it will make you more aware of your surroundings, reading the weather, and trip planning that will become second nature as you use it.

 

[Franko Manini]

I just completed the BE course through the JDF squadron. The course was good, but it did not cover weather or currents at all. There is some material in the books, but it is extremely thin in these areas. I've got the materials from the course if you want to take a look. Don't get me wrong, it is a good course to have if for nothing else than it will usually save you $100 on your annual boat insurance.


Franko

MILF (Man, I Love Fishing)

 

[Adler]

Thanks all for the thoughts, too bad I apparently missed the recent course by JDF, but I'll pick one of the others. I'm going to take it regardless, there are other things I want to learn (still relatively new to boating), but thanks for the offer Franko.

Cheers!

 

[SpringVelocity]

I just completed the BE course through the JDF squadron. The course was good, but it did not cover weather or currents at all. There is some material in the books, but it is extremely thin in these areas. I've got the materials from the course if you want to take a look. Don't get me wrong, it is a good course to have if for nothing else than it will usually save you $100 on your annual boat insurance.


Franko

MILF (Man, I Love Fishing)

Weather fundamentals is a totally different stand alone course.... It does cover a bit on first one, but the first course is just fundamentals...It covers more current effect etc. on the advanced classes... on Seamanship and piloting....