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Preparation for your narrowboat trip

  • Day Boat course
  • Holiday Boat course
  • Boat hire
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  • Boat hire
  • Contact us
  • Boat hire
  • Contact us
Union Wharf courses

Union Wharf courses

Preparation for your narrowboat trip

  • Day Boat course
  • Holiday Boat course
  • Boat hire
  • Contact us
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Holiday Boat Preparation Course

Curriculum

  • 7 Sections
  • 24 Lessons
  • Lifetime
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
  • The skipper's responsibilities
    2
    • 1.1
      All about the skipper
    • 1.2
      Arrival
  • Boat handling
    This section explains how to control your narrowboat.
    7
    • 2.1
      The throttle gearbox and setting off
    • 2.2
      Steering, speed limits and driving on the right hand side
    • 2.3
      Getting stuck on shallow ground
    • 2.4
      How to clear the propeller from debris
    • 2.5
      Turning round
    • 2.6
      Mooring up the easy way
    • 2.7
      Tying up
  • Safety
    5
    • 3.1
      Drinking and cruising
    • 3.2
      Avoiding fire risks
    • 3.3
      People on deck
    • 3.4
      Falling into the canal
    • 3.5
      Daily checks and diesel
  • Internal tour
    Each boat has a different layout but they all have some things in common. Here's what you need to know...
    4
    • 4.1
      Gas and electricity
    • 4.2
      Toilets
    • 4.3
      Water supply
    • 4.4
      Beds and bedding
  • Waterways features
    We have lots more information, photographs and videos of the canal features around Market Harborough, on our main website www.unionwharfharborough.co.uk. This section covers the most important features.
    5
    • 5.1
      Operating the Road Swing Bridge between Market Harborough and Foxton
    • 5.2
      Operating the Foot Swing Bridge just before Foxton Basin
    • 5.3
      Locks
    • 5.4
      Foxton Locks
    • 5.5
      Tunnels
  • Boat return and timing
    1
    • 6.1
      Returning to the marina
  • Quiz
    1
    • 7.1
      Holiday Boat Preparation Quiz
      6 Questions

Falling into the canal

The canal is very shallow and usually waist-height at its centre. If you fall overboard, stand up and make your way to the bank. Do not attempt to get back onto the boat from the water.

Having said that, the propeller is very strong and has the power to pull clothing and limbs underneath. People and pets have died this way.

 

So if anyone falls overboard, from your boat or another boat:

  1. Turn off the engine immediately.
  2. Throw the casualty a life ring and direct them to the bank.
People on deck
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Daily checks and diesel
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