Nanaimo skippers know it isn’t always smooth sailing out there.
That’s why the Nanaimo Power and Sail Squadron wants to pass along knowledge to any and all boaters in the area.
The local non-profit group, part of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, is offering a 12-week course starting this month.
Bill Weller, past commander of the Nanaimo squadron, said he doesn’t think a pleasure craft operators’ licence is enough to keep boaters safe.
“They don’t go into such things as weather, charting, tides and currents,” he said. “There are places that you don’t want to be when the tide is in a rough state. It can be dangerous; it can be deadly.”
Weller already had decades of boating experience when he took the power and sail squadron course for the first time and said it was still beneficial.
The bulk of the instruction will be indoors at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 256, but there will be some safety and navigation exercises on the water.
Cost is $245, then $100 for each additional family member. The group will meet Thursday nights starting Jan. 10.
To register or for more information about the program, e-mail bill.weller@viu.ca or call 250-390-1883 or 250-758-1041.