Tooley’s is a RYA recognised training centre. Follow this link to the Royal Yachting Association to find out more.
The RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate is a one to two day course. It is possible to complete it in one day if, you have some experience, but this would need Validation. Courses are run by trainers accredited by the RYA.
Helmsman Course
The Inland Waterways Helmsman Course is tailor-made to meet individual needs – from the experienced boater who wants to fine tune boating skills, to the absolute beginner who may be thinking of hiring or buying a boat. Learn how to enter a lock and handle your ropes safely. Gain knowledge and an understanding of safe and professional techniques, from how to recover a crew member safely from a potentially life-threatening situation to using safety equipment.
Objectives
By the end of this course you will:-
- be able to carry out daily routine checks
- understand how to use your safety equipment
- know the ‘rules of the road’
- be able to work together as a team
- know how to operate different locks and handle ropes
- navigate a boat on the rivers and canals safely
- gain the RYA nationally recognised Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate.
For those with little or no previous boating knowledge, an additional day of training may be required. This will be charged at an hourly rate, the total time dependent upon the individual concerned.
Unless one-to-one tuition is specifically requested, courses are run with a minimum of two participants. There is a surcharge for one-to-one tuition to cover the cost of employing a Rope person for the day. Use of the narrow boat and day boat may be limited at certain times of the year.
Cost & Duration:
Inland Waterways Helmsman Course:– 2 days – £350 inc VAT per person.
Validation Course:– 1 day – £210 per person. We assume that you are used to handling a boat and also know some on the theory . You will be assessed and by the end of the day you will need to show that you are competent with the syllabus – else you will need to take an extra day’s course.
Crew Course – £210 per person per day. For friends or partners to learn how to become competent crew – run at the same time as the Helmsman course but with no boat handling.
The price per person based on two people doing the course – if you are by yourself then we will try to match you up with someone else.
Book today via Ticket Source
If you want more information please contact Tooley’s Boatyard, Banbury by phone: 01295 272917 or Email:
*Prices quoted are from 1st June 2026. Earlier places are at a lower price. See TicketSource for details.