
RYA Helms Courses Burton Waters Marina
Helms Course
Beginner to Intermediate – Personal & Commercial
This course provides essential skills for handling a cruiser, narrowboat, or barge, making it ideal for both new and experienced boaters. It focuses on slow-speed marina handling, mooring, rope work, lock operation, and key theory elements to build confidence and competence on the water.
The course runs over two days with up to three participants per instructor. For those with prior experience, a one-day direct assessment is available. A course book is provided in both hard copy and interactive ebook formats.Iain con be contacted via:
Email: iain@burtonwaters.co.uk
Phone: 01522 567404


On the Water Skills Training
On the water skills training, rope work, lock operation and theory elements all provide confident students who enjoy getting out onto the navigation.
Confidence Building
The skills of close quarter marina handling and mooring on your berth is a necessity. We focus to build confidence in a calm manner so you are able to enjoy the continued learning when you are alone.
Handling and Experience
Handling of a cruiser, narrowboat or barge, providing new and experienced boaters with the skills necessary to successfully skipper a vessel.

Helmsmanship & Boat Handling
- Steering on Rivers & Canals – Understanding interaction and canal effects
- Speed Control – Adjusting speed for conditions and safety
- Turning – Effective maneuvering techniques
- Mooring & Unmooring – Best practices for safe docking
- Man Overboard – Procedures for recovery
- Anchoring – Secure anchoring techniques
Deckwork
- Common Nautical Terms – Essential vocabulary
- Warps & Fenders – Use and positioning
- Throwing a Line – Proper technique
- Knots & Securing – Essential knots for boating
Engines
- Engine Care & Routine Checks – Maintenance for reliability
Bridges & Tunnels
- Operation of Bridges – Safe navigation procedures
- Tunnel Procedures – Safety and operational guidelines
Personal Safety
- Risk Identification – Recognizing hazards
- Cold Shock – Understanding and mitigating risks
- Lifejackets & Buoyancy Aids – Proper usage
- Crush Injury & Fending Off – Safe boat handling techniques
- Risks to Children – Precautions for young passengers
- Man Overboard Procedures – Effective response methods
Locks
- Maintenance of Levels – Understanding lock systems
- Operation & Etiquette – Proper procedures and courtesy
- Tending Lines in Locks – Safe line management
Care of the Environment
- Avoiding Damage – Protecting waterways
- Pollution Prevention – Responsible boating practices
- Consideration for Others – Respecting fellow boaters
Regulations & Compliance
- Collision Avoidance – IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) for power and sail
- Bylaws & Local Regulations – Navigating legal requirements
- Required Publications – Essential documents for compliance
Photo Gallery
