Skip to content (Press Enter)
Union Wharf courses

Union Wharf courses

Preparation for your narrowboat trip

  • Day Boat course
  • Holiday Boat course
  • Boat hire
  • Contact us
  • 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
  • Home
  • Courses

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

All about the skipper

Welcome!

We are delighted that you have chosen to take your holiday on the Grand Union Canal and will do all that we can to ensure you return feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

This Preparation Course will help you handle the boat and navigate the waterways with confidence. You will find more detail about your specific boat in the Induction Manual which you will find on your boat.

The skipper, who must be over 18, is a designated member of your group who also takes responsibility for reading the Induction Manual and receive any training on the day. You are responsible for general safety and for ensuring that the boat is returned on time, in a clean and tidy condition by 9.30am on the day you check out.

While out on the water, you are also responsible for ensuring that the speed limit is adhered to at all times and that your crew behaves respectfully towards other waterways users.

The skipper signs the Acceptance Certificate before leaving Union Wharf, to say that you are happy to take responsibility for the safe return of the boat and passengers.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

 

With our very best wishes

All of us at Union Wharf Narrowboats

 

 

Arrival
Next

Copyright ©2026 Union Wharf courses. University Zone | Developed By Rara Theme. Powered by WordPress.