~ FROM THE HELM ~
It's been several years now since my husband gave me one of the nicest Christmas presents I have ever received: the Power Squadron Safe Boating Course. I took the course and passed it, and my life has never been the same since. It's impossible now not to be aware of the safety requirements in any given situation on the water; it's also imperative to respond to calls for help from fellow boaters. We are painfully aware that next time it could be us.
On a positive note, we are now connected with a huge group of other mariners like ourselves, and have the option of taking some advanced courses. (It's my personal goal to get my Master's Ticket one day - good thing I'm not in any hurry.)
The CPS boating course is certified by the Canadian Coast Guard as meeting the requirements for the Boating Safety Course Standard. Successful completion of the exam will qualify for the Operator Competency card, required of all operators of power driven vessels by September 15, 2009 and by those 16 and under RIGHT NOW. (On September 15, 2002, mandatory certification requirements also came into effect for operators of pleasure craft less than 4 meters in length -- in other words, you can still be at the helm of your 40' sailboat without a license, but the minute you get into your dinghy, you better have one).
Local Power Squadrons (there are several here on the Island) are 'chapters' of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, a national voluntary organization. In addition to being "graduates" of the boating course (it's a prerequisite to joining), members all share a common love of, and respect for, life on the water. We meet monthly for Member's Nights to listen to guest speakers and to have a coffee together. Members receive a monthly newsletter, up to the gunwales in useful boating information. We also enjoy two or three other special occasions annually, like the annual Christmas Party and Summer Picnic. Cruises and district events round out the year.
But the bottom line is that we all learned navigation skills in this forum. CPS has earned high regard across Canada by all levels of government and other regulatory bodies. The basic Boating course is an excellent introduction to coastal waters for recreational boaters, and graduates are encouraged to continue practicing their skills in the classroom, helping to teach others.
Nearly everybody new to Vancouver Island comes here because of the coastal lifestyle, often including boating. If you see a boat in your future, contact the Power Squadron. Sign up for one of the courses listed on page , and perhaps I'll be there to "welcome you aboard" at our next Member's Night.
As CPS says in its promotional literature, "The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons will teach Safe Boating to 10,000 Canadians next year. Shouldn't one of them be you?"
… until next month, blue skies, fair winds, happy cruising — and a very happy Holiday Season — to you all!