Boat Based Courses – on the Day Information

Great! You’re going to be joining us. Here’s everything you’ll need to know to make your (and our!) experience go smoothly. Please have a good read. Some of it is important!

How to find the marina:

Please use our directions in the link below, or navigate using the What3Words app. Avoid relying on your Sat-Nav for Debdale Marina as it’s in a rural location and there is a high probability that you’ll end up in the wrong place. Trust us on this!

Directions to the marina

Parking:

Please ensure you park in the allocated parking area. You will receive an introductory email near the start of your course date which will give (amongst other information) specific parking instructions. A map of the parking areas is also at the bottom of this webpage.

Meeting up / Registration (Debdale):

Please make your way to the NBSC classroom. Your instructor will meet you here for registration between 8:30 to 8:45. We to make our way to the boat for a 9:00 start.  The kettle will be on!

Meeting up / Registration (North Kilworth):

Your instructor will either meet you buy the gate, or onboard our training boat. Our instructors always send you an introductory email with the specific information near your course date. We aim to be onboard for a 9:00 start.  The kettle will be on!

What time does the course start (and end)?

We aim to start the course no later than 9:00 and we will endeavour to return to base around 5:00 to 5:30. However, we can’t make any guarantees as it will depend on the events of the day. Please do not organise travel arrangements assuming we will return on the dot.

Clothing – What you need to bring

We can control the boat but we can’t control the weather. Please ensure that you have suitable clothing for all likely weather conditions. We will conduct the course irrespective of the weather, unless it is deemed unsafe to do so.

Waterproofs are a must. You can guarantee that if you don’t bring them it will rain. Another point to remember is that they don’t work if they are in your car and you are on the boat! Gloves are also very useful, not just for keeping your hands warm,  but for protection while handling ropes or working locks. Make sure that they are waterproof if possible. Likewise, waterproof trousers are good to have. Soggy trouser legs  from rain running off your jacket is never good!

Sensible shoes are a strict requirement. If  your shoes are not deemed suitable, then unfortunately we cannot allow you to join the course. They should be non-slip, lace up shoes or boots. You will be on and off the boat all day, working both on the towpath and around locks, therefore flip flops, sandals and high heels are not suitable.

A hat is always a good idea. It’ll keep your head warm if it’s cold, dry if it’s wet, and stop sunburn in the unlikely event of a heat wave – although we do get those these days!

There is plenty of room onboard for bags, so don’t worry about how much stuff you bring with you.

We will provide lifejackets – and wearing one is mandatory whilst on deck or working on the bank.

Food and Drinks – What you need to bring

Please bring your own lunch. There are no local facilities where you can buy food, so be prepared!

We’ll provide (endless) tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is filtered drinking water onboard.

You need to bring a passport sized photograph (RYA Helmsman Course only)

This is required for your RYA Helmsman’s certificate which will be given to you after you successfully complete the course.  It doesn’t need to be an ‘official’ photograph, just a reasonably good passport style printed image.

Medical

Please ensure that you make us aware of any medical conditions which may be of relevance while you are on the course. Remember to bring any medication you require with you. If you are uncertain about your ability to manage any of the activities on the course, or have any special needs, please speak to us before you arrive.

A quick summary of the important stuff

• Please park in the correct parking area
• You must have sensible footwear
• You need to bring your own lunch
• Sensible clothing is a must
• Please remember any medications
• Bring a passport photo (RYA Helmsman Course only)

Places to stay, drink and eat

If you are travelling to our area and want to stay locally, we’ve put together a list of local B&Bs and hotels. You can view these here Where to Stay  Likewise here are some of our favourite places to eat and drink in the area Where to Eat & Drink.  Obviously there are plenty of other places for food and accommodation, most of which can be found on Tripadvisor or Airbnb.

And just in case you can’t remember!

Did you book your course a while back and can’t exactly remember what you signed-up for?! You can see all the course details by following these links:

Narrowboat Experience Day

RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Course 

Anything else?

That should cover everything, but if there’s anything more you need to know please just get in touch. We look forward to welcoming you on board.