All multiple choice examinations at CPS-ECP are currently open book examinations with the exception of the PCOC Examination and the Maritime Radio Examination.
We are all volunteers in CPS-ECP but some of our volunteers go far beyond what is taken for normal. These people often become an integral part of the Squadron or District and contribute a great deal to the well-being of CPS-ECP.
All multiple choice exams in CPS-ECP are now open book exams with a 1 hour 30 minutes time limit. Marking keys are normally distributed with the exams when the Squadron Educational Officer orders the course material.
The 2016-2020 CPS-ECP Strategic Plan was approved a year ago by the Board of Directors at their meeting in Vancouver, BC. This Plan belongs to all Members of CPS-ECP…. Squadrons, Districts and National.
Read more: Volunteer Assistance Needed To Reach The Goals...
Following the Conference in Vancouver last fall, the Executive Committee made a commitment to the members of CPS-ECP to make much needed improvements to our Information Technology Platform.
The first two order periods for the ICOM VHF DSC Simulator were a huge success. Not only were there 40 units ordered across the country, there were several enquiries after the last order period closed.
For 2017 there were a total of 31 events planned, 2 were cancelled and three more added for a total of 32 events. All of the events but one have taken place. The earliest was on April 1st and the last on October 14th.
Radar for Boaters has been developed to use The Radar Book, by Vancouver Island author Kevin Monahan, in conjunction with CPS-ECP developed slides and materials. A comprehensive Addendum to the book is provided covering the newly available technologies.
The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) is committed to recognizing individuals and groups who strive to make Canada’s waterways a safer place for everyone to enjoy, live, work and play. The Canadian Safe Boating Awards, “CASBA’s”, are presented annually with the dinner gala considered a flagship event of the council.
This summer we ran our annual Fly the CPS-ECP Flag and Win photo contest and received many entries. Participants submitted selfies while proudly flying the CPS-ECP Flag and wearing their lifejackets.
Thornbury on Georgian Bay
Jennifer Harker
To borrow a line from Monty Python, “and now, for something completely different”.
Normally, our boating adventures are spent weaving our way amongst the picturesque backdrop of the 30,000 Islands of eastern Georgian Bay aboard our Sea Ray Sundancer 268. This time we’ve traded power for sail as friends welcome us aboard their 38-foot Irwin for the Canada Day long weekend.
We’ve set our sights on a decidedly different destination for this journey, charting a course for Thornbury. This small town, located in the southern reaches of Nottawasaga Bay, is an oft-overlooked area of Georgian Bay - but it shouldn’t be. Although we’ve explored this shoreline on countless road trips, this will be our first visit from the waterside.
Read more about the Thornbury on Georgian Bay...
The Ins and Outs of Working on a Superyacht
By Marianne Scott
An estimated 10,000 yachts measuring 100 feet or more are afloat on the world’s oceans. They congregate in places like Monaco, St. Tropez, Fort Lauderdale, Antibes, and Antigua. Some yachts are used for private luxury cruising - Oman Sultan Qaboos, for example, shares Al Said, his 508-foot yacht, only with his 65 guests (and 140-member crew). Other big yachts offer opulent charters serving paying guests. Many yachts move between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean following the seasons.
Read more about the Superyachts...
Cruisers Yachts Cantius 46
The Cantius 46 is the latest evolution of Cruisers Yachts’ Cantius line – now there are five models from 42 to 60 feet. The new Cantius 46 is a great example of “easy boating” the way Volvo Penta imagined it and how Cruisers Yachts has executed it. The idea is that you just come on board, unlock the glass doors, fire it up, cast off, and enjoy - alone, with a spouse, or with a huge group.
Since the first Cantius model was introduced, Cruisers Yachts has continued to refine the concept for ever-greater convenience, more clever and innovative features, and also greater performance.
Read more about the Cantius 46...
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
By, Zuzana Prochazka
The revolution continues – with a twist
The Jeanneau 410 is the eighth generation of the Sun Odyssey line, but even with that long history and umpteen years of tweaks and iterations, what the French builder has done in the latest revamp will make you say, “Wait, what?”
Last year, Jeanneau turned the sailboat deck layout on its ear with the introduction of their Sun Odyssey 490 and 440, and the concept of the ‘walk-around deck’.
Read More about the Odyssey 410...
Ask Andrew: Electrical Installations – Part 2: fuses and breakers
Andrew McDonald
Last time we looked at making proper electrical connections – the tools, supplies and methods needed to make connections between components and wiring.
When planning out electrical work, one of the more common questions that I address is on the set-up, installation and sizing of breakers and fuses.
Fuses and breakers are collectively called ‘overcurrent protection’ – and these come in many different shapes, styles and sizes. Their purpose is the same: to prevent a situation where a larger than intended electrical current is running through the circuit, which puts the circuit at risk of overheating, fire and damage to equipment.
Read More about Electrical Installations Basics...
Canadian Yachting 2019 Gear Guide
Watch for a tsunami of innovative new boating products in the chandlery this year, as accessory manufacturers battle for your attention and dollars.
This past decade has been a real up-and-down ride for the companies who make boating equipment. When the recession hit in 2008/2009, new product development for most manufacturers ground to a sharp halt as they focused on more pressing issues, like simply keeping the lights on. It took a few years for the economy to stabilize and for the first handful of new items to begin slowly trickling out to market. For guys like me who make a living writing about new boating gear, those were pretty lean years, let me tell you.
Read more about this years' Gear Guide....
AGM VS Flooded Batteries - What you need to know
You most likely operate your vessel with batteries that are rechargeable. Rechargeable batteries account for nearly half of worldwide battery sales. Within the rechargeable battery category, there are many different types of chemistries that are used. The most proven type of chemistry is the lead acid chemistry.
Wet cell or “flooded” batteries and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are both considered lead batteries and contain an electrolyte solution which causes a chemical reaction and produces electrons. These batteries are recharged when put in contact with a reverse current. But, given the way they are designed, they each have their own pros and cons and these variations should be considered before use.
Read more about AGM and flooded batteries...