Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd.
10191 Third St V8L 3B7 Sidney, BC, Canada

On the water yesterday delivering a 58' Ocean Alexander motor Yacht from Ladysmith to Nanaimo for haul out and survey. Also conducting a sea trial. Beautiful day on the water, sunny sky and light winds.

On the water yesterday with the owner from Texas aboard a 42' wooden power vessel. Single engine and no thrusters. Spent the day teaching and coaching boat handling. Owner is feeling much more confidant now.

On the water yesterday morning for 4 hours aboard a Camano 28 with the owner. Docking exercises and review of the Aids to Navigation System.

Schedule 2019 Transport Canada Education -

It is the long weekend coming up and many of you may take to the water. Having a float plan filed with a relative or neighbour is vital to ensure that rescue agencies are notified if you are overdue on your return. Discover Boating has a pre-departure checklist at https://www.discoverboating.ca//maintenance/departure.aspx... Stay safe on the water!

Anyone operating a fixed or portable marine radio in a pleasure boat is required by law http://www.cruising.bc.ca/vhf.htm to have a Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime). Note: Operating a VHF radio without an operator's certificate may result in a fine. The Maritime Radio Operator course may be completed by self-study. You would then get together with an examiner, complete a review and take the exam.

Returned yesterday from a week with a couple from Edmonton. They chartered a Meridian 411, 46' and hired me to teach the Basic Powerboat Standard http://www.cruising.bc.ca/basic-powerboat.html. Sidney Spit, Poets Cove, short stop in Ganges enroute to Montague Harbour, Chemainus, lunch stop at Musgrave Landing and over night at Genoa Bay. Excellent dinner at the Cafe. Next day to Victoria Inner Harbour. I had a day break while they visited with their family and we brought the boat back to Sidney yesterday. Final marks on the theory exam, he had 96% and she had 96.8%. They are planning to purchase in the future and want to try a number of vessels before they buy.

Spent Sunday skippering a 86' Queenship so the owner could relax and entertain his guests. Monday teaching boat handling skills http://www.cruising.bc.ca/private-instruction.html to three fellows on Lake Cowichan.

Busy with private instruction http://www.cruising.bc.ca/private-instruction.html with new boat owners. Out yesterday in Saanich Inlet onboard a 22 Sea Ray. Previously working with owners aboard 59' and 65' Marquis motor yachts. Also teaching aboard a 36' Hunter sailboat with a lady who has docking down to a science.

Spent last Wednesday through Sunday teaching "Hands On Skills Training" at the Vancouver Boat Show. Getting people on the helm of a small powerboat. Great time despite two days of rain.

9 MED A3 http://westcoastpowerboathandling.com/meda3.html students and 6 SVOP http://westcoastpowerboathandling.com/svop.html students certified last week in Surrey.

Just returned from teaching two MED A3 and SVOP http://westcoastpowerboathandling.com/svop.html courses in Powell River.

Just completed a Basic Cruising Instructor Clinic yesterday with three candidates. They will all be very good instructors.

Returned today from a Basic Cruising http://www.cruising.bc.ca/basic-cruising.html course aboard a Beneteau 351 with a family. Mom and Dad are now certified. Beautiful weather!