Learn the ropes before your first holiday afloat

Like to try hiring a boat but not sure about the skills required? Now you can combine a recognised RYA training course with a short break aboard a highly appointed holiday narrowboat.

Staffordshire based Birmingham & Midland Marine Services specialise in inland waterways training, marine access and rescue services, and have teamed up with JD Boat Services of Gailey, near Stafford. Aimed at those new to the canal network and considering a summer holiday afloat, the scheme combines RYA Inland Waters Helmsman Certificate training and a stay aboard a highly appointed holiday narrowboat, allowing potential hirers to “Learn the ropes before your holiday afloat.”

Canal trainingThis joint venture aims to offer a new concept in Short Holiday Training Breaks which allows up to three of the party of hirers to attain the Royal Yachting Association Inland Waters Helmsman Certificate (IWHC) whilst their friends and family enjoy a short break afloat. Although Mids Marine already offered the RYA’s IWHC course, this was aimed at experienced commercial operators requiring one day assessment or two day training and assessment courses for novices, and took place on a purpose built work boat. Having partnered with JD Boat Services Gailey Ltd, part of the ABC Leisure Group, there are three training options that holidaying clients can choose from;

  1. Two day standard training courses, training for three people, various well-appointed holiday vessels available, (up to eight berths) providing a floating holiday for the Family who are welcome to stay aboard during the course.
  2. Have the trainer join you on the first day or two of your summer holiday from Gailey; from morning until late afternoon to “show you the ropes”. Ideal for complete novices or those hirers who may be a little nervous or rusty!
  3. Short Breaks, through pretty Staffordshire villages on the idyllic Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal with your trainer joining you on your first morning, from ten until four of your first, full day afloat and until mid-afternoon of your second full day. You then have the vessel to yourself and your group for the rest of your holiday. Three students may partake in the training whilst any other guests of yours, joining you on the water may sit back, relax and enjoy the voyage!

Training is undertaken with a 3:1 Student / Instructor ratio due to space restrictions at the helm. Trainees benefit from a discounted hire fee on their next week or two week long holiday from Gailey.

Details of the Training Breaks and other available training can be found on the Birmingham and Midland Marine Services website.

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