Courses and training
As both a Royal Yachting Association and British Canoeing approved training centre we can offer accredited courses for narrowboats, kayaking, canoeing, powerboats and aquatic first aid.
IBC is a not-for-profit charity and uses any revenue from RYA and BC courses to fund the youth club for 9-19 year olds. By booking with us you are helping to keep the youth club open - thank you.
RYA Inland Waterways Helms course
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This course is for anyone wanting to cruise the UK’s inland waterways or Europe’s extensive network of lakes, rivers and canals (a CEVNI theory course is also required in Europe), and can be converted into an ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
It deals specifically with the requirements of the inland boater, whether they be a 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 hands-on course with minimal theory, and is not only an opportunity to learn new skills but it’s also a fun day out enjoying being afloat!
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This is a two day course and is taught on our fully RYA spec boat at a 3:1 student to instructor ratio. Minimum age is 16.
Please note this is NOT a coastal course.
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Cost:
£340 per participant
(group discounts available)
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FAQs
Where is Islington Boat Club?
Our address is 16-34 Graham Street, London, N1 8JX. Have a look at the map too.
What facilities do you have at the club?
We have changing rooms, toilets and showers. We also have a barge and/or project room that can be used for lunches and hot drinks in bad weather.
There is a gas burner for hot drinks and a chemical toilet on board the narrowboat.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
You are very welcome to bring lunch with you or there are several cafes, McDonalds, Co-op nearby.
Can we bring a friend on a course?
If you are travelling a distance and are bringing a friend there is plenty for them to see and do in the area. They can join us for lunch but on on the course itself.
Where can we go?
We can head west towards Camden or East towards Broadway Market and Victoria Park.
Inland Waterways Crew course
This is an entry level course and is ideal for introducing friends or family members to crewing a vessel on the inland waterways, and for giving them an understanding of how they can assist the helm.
Your instructor will cover all the basics of being a useful crew member, including personal safety; communication on board; throwing a mooring line; some basic boat handling; helping in locking operations; how to be a good look out; what to do in an emergency and looking after the environment.
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Cost:
£150 per participant
(group discounts available)
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Diesel Engine Maintenance course
This is a one day course taught with a low ratio of students to one instructor (usually 6:1).
Participants on the course will receive full RYA diesel engine maintenance qualifications and an RYA diesel engine maintenance handbook.
The course runs mostly on Sundays but we can arrange weekdays for group bookings.
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Course topics include:
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the principles of diesel engine operation
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the systems and parts of the engine
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fault finding
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rectification of common problems
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bleeding the fuel system
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changing the impeller
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routine maintenance
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winter lay up procedures
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Cost:
£120 per participant
(group discounts available)
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Narrowboat trips
A slow and relaxing cruise along the Regents Canal is a delightful way to spend a day or early evening. Our 35ft fully renovated narrowboat, Peggotty Tom, has a toilet on board and facilities for making tea and coffee and of course you can bring your own food.
Peggotty Tom has a wide stretch of windows for an all-round view and protection from rain and cold – making her ideal for year round trips.
We can also do half day trips lasting three hours with no stopping. Maximum passengers 10.
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Where we go
Head for Camden Market and have a buffet lunch or cream tea aboard during the journey, stop for some shopping and return to the basin and enjoy a hot chocolate and marshmallows on the return journey. We can also head towards Hackney and Broadway market. Please ask when booking.
Fully trained RYA skipper included to take the helm – you are welcome to take a turn at skippering under the guidance of your skipper; also to help at the various locks along the way. Your day can be lazy or interactive, whichever suits you!
Children are welcome with a suitable number of adults. Please mention when booking.
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Cost
Half day hire for £200 or full day hire for £350
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