Boating Courses |
The Calgary
Squadron offers classroom instruction of introductory to advanced levels courses that will appeal to all boaters. Scroll through the overview of each course provided below or follow the course outline link for more detail. We now offer online registration for most courses.
The 2008-2009 class schedule table lists dates, times and registration links. Use the Sept 2008 through May 2009 at-a-glance calendar format for quick reference and planning.
Courses are offered when sufficient students are enrolled. Contact Steve Dubec at 240-9327 or email boatinged@cpscalgary.com if you are interested in taking one of these courses. |
BoatPro/Pleasure Craft Operator Cart (PCOC)
The Canadian Coast Guard approved boating handbook: Boat Pro and its seminar provide you with the opportunity to prepare for your Please Craft Operator Card (PCOC) exam
Please arrange to pickup course materials at least two weeks in advance of seminar and exam. The 2-hour seminar will be followed by the PCOC exam.
Different sessions are scheduled - register for either November 29, 2008 or March 14, or May 9, 2009, in Calgary.
A PCOC course will be held November 15 in Strathmore, AB
Date: Saturday, Nov 15, 2008 in Strathmore, AB
9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Location: Strathmore High School, Strathmore AB
Date: Saturday, Nov 29, 2008 OR Saturday, March 14, and May 9, 2009
9:00 am to 1:00 pm (arrive at 8:45 am)
Location: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5 Ave SW, Calgary
register online for November 15, 2008 session (Strathmore)
register online for November 29, 2008 session (Calgary)
register online for March 14, 2009 session
(Calgary)
register online for May 09, 2009 session (Calgary) |
No Prerequisite
Cost: $60 ( Calgary ) and $65 in Strathmore
includes course materials and exam and 1 year Associate CPS Membership to students who achieve the 75% passing grade. See www.cps-ecp.ca for details
Course outline |
Boating Course/Basic Boating and Safe Navigation
Canadian Power and Sail Squadron's premier course for the recreational boater. Whether you are interested in powerboats, sailing vessels, canoes or kayaks, this course is for you. It contains expanded, detailed boating-safety information, the challenge of plotting and navigation skills and provides the opportunity to interact with other boaters.
Includes PCOC Exam
Jan-April 2009 course
Minimum 15 students
Date: Thursdays, Jan 8-April 9, 2009
7:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Rosscarrock School
1406 - 40th Street SW, Calgary
register online |
No Prerequisite
Cost: $275 or $225** for additional family members living at same address
includes course materials, course notes, reference materials, course plotter, homework book, educational CD, training chart, divider kit and exams.
** cost includes homework book, training chart, divider kit and exams (additional family members share all other course materials, reference materials and course plotter).
Also includes 1 year Full CPS Membership to students who achieve the 75% passing grade. See www.cps-ecp.ca for details
Course outline |
Seamanship (formerly called Piloting)
The Seamanship Course extends the navigation and vessel-handling techniques introduced in the Boating Course. The course presents the three aspects of piloting. 1. Navigation and Plotting Skills: interpretation of charts and chart symbols; the DR plot; bearings; Fixes and running Fixes; determination of course to steer in a current, and determining distance off. 2. Seamanship Skills: understanding the hazards of weather, wind, waves, currents, tides and tidal currents, and how to deal with them. 3. Boat Capabilities and Performance: hull speed, stability, rudders and propellers.
Date: Wednesdays, January 7 to March 25, 2009
7:00 to 10:00 pm (arrive at 6:45 pm)
12 Evenings - Last class and final exam is on March 25.
Location: Gemini Corp, 839-5 Ave SW, Calgary
register online |
Prerequisites: Boating Course (Basic Boating & Safe Navigation) & CPS Membership
Cost: Member $130
Course Outline |
Advanced Piloting
This course expands on elements of "The Boating Course" and "Piloting." 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.
Advanced Piloting Course is not being offered at this time
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Prerequisites: Basic Boating & Safe Navigation, Piloting, CPS Membership
Cost: Member $130
Course Outline |
Celestial Navigation
Learn to navigate by the stars, sun and moon
Start Date: To be announced
Duration:
Location: |
Prerequisites: Basic Boating & Safe Navigation, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, CPS Membership
Cost: Member
Course Outline |
VHF Maritime Radio
Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) & DSC
The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures as well as everyday operating techniques to you and your family.
In Module 1, you will be taught the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases.
Module 2 covers 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.
Course offered in December, 2008, February and April, 2009. Class size limited to 15 students
Date: 7:00 pm Thursdays, December 2 and 9, 2008.
Exam administered on December 9.
Date: 7:00 pm Thursdays, February 10 and 17, 2009. Exam administered on February 17.
Date: 7:00 pm Tuesdays, April 14 and 21, 2009.
Exam administered on April 21.
Location for all sessions: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Ave SW, Calgary
Arrive at 6:45 pm
register online December 2008 Session
register online February 2009 Session
register online April 2009 Session |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member $65
Non-member $75
Course Outline |
GPS/Navigating with GPS
This course teaches how to navigate safely and efficiently to any destination. Great for all recreational users
Date: Saturdays, March 21, 28, April 4, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm (arrive at 8:45 am)
Duration: 3 sessions
Location: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary
register online |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member $100
Non-member $120
Course Outline |
Fundamentals of Weather
This course covers many aspects of the formation and behavior of the weather around us. Meteorology (the study of weather) is quite technical in nature. In contrast, “Fundamentals of Weather” is presented in a straightforward manner eliminating much of the jargon
Date: Mondays, February 23 to April 13, 2009. 7:00 - 10:00 pm(arrive at 6:45 pm). Minimum 5 students.
Location:Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary
register online |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member $110
Non-member $130
Course Outline |
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.
Develop skills in offshore sailing and advance planning including the use of weather services and interpreting data.
Start Date: To be announced
Duration:
Location: |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member
Non-member
Course Outline |
Marine Maintenance
From spark plugs to bottom paint, the Marine Maintenance course covers all the basics for DIY boaters.
Topics include:
hull, general maintenance, electrical system, marine engines, gasoline fuel systems, ignition, lubrication, outboards, seasonal maintenace, heads, stoves, painting tips and more.
Date: 7:00 pm Wednesdays October 22 to December 10, 2008. (arrive at 6:45 pm)
Location: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary
register online |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member $120
Non-member $140
Course Outline |
Electronic Charting
This course takes over where Navigating with GPS leaves off. It builds upon the information you have learned and teaches the more advanced features of electronic charting (EC). You learn about the different kinds of EC, how they were developed, their advantages and disadvantages, how to use them in a practical manner. You learn about connecting your GPS to a laptop, desktop, PDA or tablet computer. There is information about the use of navigational programs for computers. You get practical knowledge about EC by utilizing a great program that is included on the accompanying CD.
Date: Saturdays, April 18-May 2, 2009
9:00 am to noon (arrive at 8:45 am)
Location: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary
register online |
Recommended Prerequisites: Navigating with GPS, Boating Course
Cost: Member $100
Non-member $120
Course Outline
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RADAR for Pleasurecraft
This course covers the different types of RADAR equipment, including their capabilities and limitations. Understand the available features and how they apply to your needs. Learn to navigate using RADAR, and to determine where you are. Course materials include the RADAR for Pleasurecraft text book, and a CD (PC only) containing a RADAR simulator so that you may practice many of RADAR's features.
Date: Thursdays, Feb 21 & 28 and Mar 7, 2009
9:00 - 12:00 noon (arrive at 8:45 pm)
Location:Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary
register online |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member $100
Non-member $120
Course Outline |
Extended Cruising
To roam upon the seas has long been a dream of many adventurous sailors. To make port successfully after a long sea voyage using your own boat and skills is a great accomplishment.
Offshore sailors must be able to fill all 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.
Date: Thursdays, Jan 15 to April 2
7:00 to 10:00 pm (arrive by 6:45 pm)
Location: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary
register online |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member $120
Non-member $140
Course Outline |
Seamanship Sail
The Seamanship Sail Course provides the knowledge required to operate a sailboat safely in most conditions. Building upon the skills gained in Piloting, this course will acquaint the beginner sailor with day-sailing in protected waters, and allow experienced sailors to sharpen their skills.
Topics include: spars & rigging, sails, theory of sail action, balance under sail, under way, sail trim, piloting under sail, crusing under sail, racing, fire extinguishers
Start Date: To be announced
Duration
Location |
No Prerequisite
Cost: Member
Non-member
Course Outline |
Instructor Development
This course teaches effective communication skills, covering various methods of presenting information to others, effective use of audiovisual aids, etc.
Offered at no cost to anyone who is currently a CPS course instructor, anyone thinking of instructing a CPS course or any CPS member wishing to improve their presentation skills.
Date: Saturday Nov. 22/08 to Sunday Nov. 23/08 ; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday ( arrive 08:45 am please)
Contact Steve Dubec at 240-9327 or email boatinged@cpscalgary.com if you are interested in enrolling.
Location: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary.
register online |
Prerequisites: CPS membership
Cost: None
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Officer Training
Offered free of charge for new Bridge members
Officer Training will follow Instructor Development Course.
Date: Sunday Nov. 23/08 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm ( arrive 12:45 pm please )
Contact Steve Dubec at 240-9327 or email boatinged@cpscalgary.com if you are interested in enrolling.
Location: Gemini Corp, 839 - 5th Avenue SW, Calgary.
register online |
Prerequisites: CPS membership
Cost: None |
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