See us featured in the December 06 issue of Motor Boats Monthly Magazine (HERE).

Here at Willow Wren Training we specialise in courses for the Inland Waterway boater. Within this site you will find details of all the courses that we provide.

Our RYA recognised training school was established in 1994 as a branch of Willow Wren Cruising Holidays. Since then we have introduced many thousands of people, both seasoned boaters and novices alike, to the skills of better and safer boating.

Our training centre is situated by the water at Rugby Wharf on the narrow Oxford canal, a category A waterway with locks, bridges and even a tunnel close by.

Our classrooms have modern teaching aids, reception area and central heating. Our Diesel Engine classroom has two working engines, one of which is fully running.

Our training boats are 'coded' and approved by the Royal Yachting Association, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the Environment Agency and British Waterways.

Our trainers have between them nearly 70 years relevant waterway experience.
School principal Andrew Newman has been boating since 1969 and involved in training for many years.

In 1990 he was chairman of a group responsible for the development of a national skills training scheme for inland waterway workers which won a coveted National Training Award. In 1993 he became involved in the setting up of the RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman's course and wrote the IWHC course handbook. He is one of the National Instructor Trainers for the Inland Scheme and is a Tier II Boatmaster as well as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management, so you can see from all this that training is a subject he takes very seriously !

Boatmaster trainer Nigel Lihou has over 30 years experience in many waterways roles: firstly at sea in many different vessels, then on inland waterways. Manager at Willow Wren for many years he went on to specialise in class V passenger boats. He is a qualified teacher (certificate in education (FE)) and also an RYA qualified instructor for the Inland Waterway Helmsman's Course, and First Aid course. Additionally he is a Tier I Boatmasters licence holder and an RYA Commercial Coastal Skipper.

The courses we run are;
	Inland Waterways Helmsmans course
	Boatmasters Licence course Tier II
	RYA First Aid Course
	International Certificate of Competence
	R.Y.A. Diesel Maintenance Course
	M.C.A. Fire Safety Course
	M.C.A. Personal Survival in water

Click on the one that you want to see more information about.

You can print out a copy of our Course Registration Form to complete and send to us.

Also check our Booking Conditions before booking.

Back to our Homepage

This course was devised by our Principal, Andy Newman, and developed by the R.Y.A. and British Waterways in response to demand from an ever-growing and more safety-conscious boating public. Andy also wrote the handbook.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), established in 1875, is the nationally recognised Lead Body for all boating and navigation courses. British Waterways, who run our national waterways network, have a long-standing commitment to training and safety matters.

As the name implies, this course deals specifically with the requirements of the INLAND BOATER whether they be narrow boat owner or cruiser enthusiast. It assumes no prior knowledge and so is ideal for the 'first timer', yet the more seasoned boater will learn plenty of 'tricks of the trade' and tips to make their boating safer and more enjoyable! It is a practical 'hands on' course with a minimum of theory and is not only an opportunity to learn new skills, but also a fun day out!

The course is normally one day's duration and is based at our training school in Rugby, on the Oxford Canal. It can be extended to two days using two centres. See our "Special 2 Day Course" details. Additionally, we can provide the normal one day course on your own boat - a very popular choice ! We come to you wherever your boat is moored. Fees for this are based on two persons.

Back to the top of the page

As more people take to boating on our Inland Waterways, there is a growing need for higher skill levels to cope with the greater demands that busier and more diverse waterways place on the modern navigator At Willow Wren Training we recognise this and have developed a new two day, two centre course to deliver both "Canal" and "River" skills training. Not only is it an excellent opportunity to gain new navigation skills but also a unique two day break in the countryside !

Back to the top of the page

A special course developed by Willow Wren for those who wish to obtain the new Boatmasters Licence Tier II. The rules governing the award of a Boatmasters licence changed on 1st January 2007. There are now two 'tiers'. Tier I & Tier II. Tier I is a national BML which has a modular format with a central skills module and then others covering different types of boat and use (There is now a requirement for a BML for a cargo master or a tug master as well as a passenger master). This tier allows operations on cat A, B, C and D waters and also to sea. It also allows the holder to operate boats in other EU countries. There is now also a need for qualifications for those with a small workboat (under 24 metres) or tug and passenger vessels under 12 persons.

Tier II is a 'local' licence and has fewer requirements. It follows much the same lines as the previous BML Grade 3 and is for Category A or B waters and does not allow use in the EU.

It is this tier that we offer. The syllabus for Tier II BML is given below. In addition to the basic course there is a requirement to undertake Ancillary Safety Training in First Aid, Personal Survival/Water Safety and Fire Safety. We run all of these courses
For details see below.

For prices see our registration form.
This additional training needs to be completed before your Boatmasters Licence can be issued.

The course also includes the MCA exam fee of £163.00 but does NOT include the cost of the Medical Report (ML5 certificate) which you will need to obtain from your doctor.

Once you have registered for this course we will deal with all the official forms and applications for testing on your behalf.

Further information on the new Boatmasters licence is available from the MCA website www.mca.gov.uk Click 'guidance and regulations' then click 'inland waterways' then click the flag logo. Then access 'M notice 2995'.

This course, originally called ‘Small Craft First Aid’, has been up graded recently and now covers a greater subject area.

Accidents and illness can happen at any time. This may be on your own boat or you could be required to render assistance to another boater in trouble. One of the joys of Inland Waterways is their isolation, but when a medical emergency occurs this can be an additional handicap! Time is critical when trying to save someone's life and the administration of basic First Aid can be crucial in keeping the patient going until professional help arrives.

The course will teach you how to deal with most common situations such as fractures and dislocations, choking, bleeding, head injuries, burns and shock. In addition it also covers ‘boat’ related emergencies such as cold water shock and hypothermia, ‘near death’ drowning and sea sickness.

You will learn the ‘ABC’ of resuscitation and how to turn a patient into the ‘recovery position’ and the use of the Laerdal Mask. We cover use of the ‘Mediwrap’ blanket and deal with the First Aid Kit and its contents.

Whilst we can’t turn you into Doctors in the one day we will make sure that you know how to administer First Aid so that you will be more confident about your ability to cope in an emergency situation.

Back to the top of the page

These assessments are for those who wish to cruise abroad on Coastal or Inland waterways.

Unlike in the U.K. it is necessary to have a Licence to helm a boat on the Continent. Whilst it is possible to take a “boat driving test” in the country you wish to visit this is a daunting task and additionally, the test is set in the native language!

The I.C.C. certificate is accepted as an international permit to helm within Europe. For coastal waters you need to obtain an I.C.C. (Section A) with a coastal assessment on regulations, pilotage and chartwork (Section C) but for Inland waterways you need an Inland I.C.C. (Section A) and to have passed the C.E.V.N.I. test (Section B) which goes with it. The I.C.C. is issued by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and is valid for five years. There are various qualifications and certificates of competence which, if held are acceptable as evidence of competence for the issue of an I.C.C. If you have one of these you need simply to apply to the RYA, sending a copy of your certificate and it will be issued free to members or £29.00 if not. If you don’t hold a suitable qualification, then you will need to undertake this assessment.

Safety
1. Use of safety equipment including buoyancy aids, fire extinguishers and life belt.
2. Preparation of boat for use and precautions to be taken before leaving. Including pre-start checks, weedhatch check, fuel, trim and stability of vessel.

Understanding of C.E.V.N.I. regulations

PRACTICAL test
Regulations
1. Start.
Safety briefing
Pre-start checks
Weed hatch checks
Start engine
2. Depart from mooring.
Pushing off.
Use of springs where necessary.
Communication with crew.
Stowage of lines.

Back to the top of the page

This course has been developed by the R.Y.A. in response to demand from you, the boater, to take the mystery out of that noisy but essential lump of metal under the rear deck!

Our DIESEL ENGINE course deals SPECIFICALLY with the requirements of the INLAND BOATER. So whether you are a narrow boat owner or cruiser enthusiast, as long as your boat has an INBOARD Diesel engine then this is the course for you!

There is no requirement for any prior knowledge of engines, and although we cannot teach you how to strip and rebuild your engine in the one day, we will make sure that you know what all the bits are called, what they look like, where they are situated and how to check and change them to prevent troublesome breakdowns and carry out your own routine maintenance!

Cost
Click to see prices.

Number of candidates per course
Maximum 6 per course.

Engines used
LISTER air-cooled twin cylinder and BUKH water-cooled twin cylinder housed in purpose built workshop. The Lister is a fully plumbed in and running unit.

Course Notes
Comprehensive course handbook included in cost. Available on the day.

Qualification
Successful candidates will receive the R Y A diesel engine course completion certificate

The four stroke cycle
The Induction stroke
The Compression stroke
The Power stroke
The Exhaust stroke
Turbocharging
lntercooling/Aftercooling.

The fuel system
The Basic system
The Tank
Fuel pre-filter (water separating system)
Fuel lift pump
The Engine fine filter
Injection pump
Injectors
Bleeding the system.

The cooling system
Raw water cooling
Freshwater cooling, 'swim tank' or 'keel cooling'
Temperature control
The thermostat
The raw water impeller pump.

Engine electrical Systems
The basic system, 'split charging' systems
Battery capacity and care
Drive belts
The alternator.

Check list
Basic spares and tools
Importance of winterisation/servicing

Engine lubrication
Transmission lubrication
Winterisation and servicing
Service schedule
Winterisation

Faultfinding
Fault finding chart.

M.C.A Fire Safety Course

This course has been developed by Willow Wren Training to satisfy the latest rules of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Ancillary Safety Training Scheme, which is a new requirement for Boat masters Licence Tier 2. This course is the second of three – the other two are Elementary First Aid and Personal Water Safety. We are an authorised training provider for the MCA.
Although initially developed to provide training for Boat master candidates, this course will also be very useful to all boat owners who have ever wondered what it would be like to experience fire aboard their vessel and how to tackle it.
We are not aiming to make pro. Fire fighters of you in the short time available, but on completion of the course you will be more knowledgeable about fire fighting techniques and will also be able to undertake your own Fire Risk Assessment.

Duration – Half – day non residential courses held weekdays in the winter season. Held in conjunction with our Personal Water Safety course on the same day. Lunch, tea & coffee provided.

Cost – See prices list on registration form.

Number of candidates per course
Maximum 6 per course.

Syllabus – See below.

Aim of Course – The aim of this course is to give an insight into the dangers of fire, and to give guidance in the correct use of fire extinguishers to satisfy the requirements of the MCA. All delegates will have increased fire safety awareness. By training your crews in this way you will reduce the risks to your boat from fire.

Qualification – Successful candidates will receive the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Fire Safety Certificate.

The “Triangle of Combustion” explained. Heat, fuel & Oxygen.

Fire hazards and inflammable materials. How a fire feeds itself and spreads out.

Sources of fire – Types of ignition likely to be onboard. Engine area, Galley area & Saloon area.

Engine area – Over heating engines, fuel leaks etc.,., Fuel cut off valves, automatic extinguishers, use of fire extinguishing aperture and the need for closing down the engine space.

Galley area – Cookers & risks of gas leaks. Fire blanket use & position.

Saloon area – Safety with wood and solid fuel stoves. Diesel heaters. Gas heater risks.

Fire classification – Type A for ash, B for burning liquids, C for electrical and D for gases.

Types of extinguishers – Dry powder, foam, water, Co2, fire blanket, and their label colours. Correct positioning. Need to fight the fire whilst escaping.

Awareness of types and uses of fixed fire fighting installations on larger passenger vessels – (automatic fire extinguishers)

How to avoid fire occurring – Fire and gas alarms. Smoke and heat detectors. “Hush able” alarms. Crew vigilance whilst underway.

How to raise the alarm F.I.R.E. Find, inform, restrict, extinguish.

How to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment

Correct location and number of fire extinguishers – to comply with the Boat Safety Scheme rules and the rules of the MCA for Passenger vessels.

Fire service video showing practical demonstrations of using different types of fire extinguishers on controlled fires of type A, B & C.

M.C.A Personal Water Safety course

This course has been developed by Willow Wren Training to satisfy the latest rules of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Ancillary Safety Training Scheme, which is a new requirement for Boat masters Licence Tier 2. This course is the third of three – the other two are Elementary First Aid and Fire safety. We are an authorised training provider for the MCA.
Although initially developed to provide training for Boat master candidates, this course will also be very useful to all boat owners who have ever wondered what the risks to both themselves and their crew are when afloat and how to minimise them. The training will enable you to be in a position to knowledgeably brief your crew to make them more aware of personal risk and to ensure that you are more aware.
This is not an “in depth” Health & Safety” course. That is not possible in the time available but on completion you will be more knowledgeable about the risks of injury to you and your crew and therefore a more competent skipper.

Cost – See price list on registration form.

Number of candidates per course
Maximum 6 per course.

Syllabus – See below.

Aim of Course – The aim of this course is to give an increased awareness of the dangers that lurk out there on our waterways for you and your crew, and how to take steps to minimise them.

Qualification – Successful candidates will receive the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Personal Water Safety Certificate.

Do Not Take Risks – and never underestimate the power of the river.
Be aware of the potential health risks associated with wa==ter- based recreational activities.

Learn how to cope if an accident should occur –
How to help someone in difficulty in the water.
Learn how to administer first aid.
Learn how to deal with Hypothermia.

The Health & safety at work act.1974
Employer’s duties
Employee’s duties.

Accident to Persons –
Emergency first aid action plan.
Chart for first aid action.

1. Bookings
Bookings will only be accepted when made upon the official booking form and accompanied by the specified payment.

2. Cancellation
BY YOU: Should you have to cancel your course booking please let us know immediately. We will make every effort to fill the vacancy. If we are successful we will refund your fees less a £25 administration fee. If we cannot re-book the vacancy the fee is forfeit. If you wish to transfer to another date, a further course fee will be payable.
BY US: If we are forced to cancel any course for any reason, then we will refund ALL of your money OR credit the full amount paid by you to the next available course on which you will have a GUARANTEED place.

3. Personal Injury
We cannot accept any liability for personal injury sustained whilst on the course, howsoever caused, whether aboard our boats or on our premises or in our vehicles.

4. Loss or Damage
We cannot accept any liability for loss of, or damage to, any article or personal property belonging to you or any member of your party occasioned whilst on the course, aboard our boats, on our premises or in our vehicles.

5. Accuracy
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our publicity material, we cannot accept any liability for any inaccuracies that may exist.

6. Boats Used
We reserve the right to use substitute craft should our training boats be unavailable for any reason.

7. Fitness
By signing this form you certify that you are physically fit to undertake this training course. If you are in any doubt about your abilities or fitness you should consult your physician or medical adviser.