Powerboat Courses

West Coast Powerboat Handling provides instruction in the proper and safe method of handling powerboats, day and night, anywhere in Canada or the world.

West Coast Powerboat Handling is unique due to the fact Jimmy Watt developed the SAFER Crewboat Operator course in 1994 for the Forest Industry.    

In 1998, Transport Canada started discussion regarding Operator Proficiency for Small Non-pleasure Vessel Operators.  Jimmy was summoned to Ottawa by Transport Canada, Marine Safety where he presented his course material to Transport Canada, laying down the foundation for the SVOP course. 

No other school can match the experience of West Coast Powerboat Handling in teaching aboard Small Non-pleasure Vessels.

Our Instructors are Transport Canada Marine Safety approved. Our Powerboat Courses can be tailored to your specific needs.  On your vessel(s) or ours, at your location or at our Training facility, when you need us.  One Instructor lives in North Vancouver and the other lives in Sidney, Vancouver Island.

Our clients include Search and Rescue Organizations, Forestry and Logging Companies, Pipeline Companies, Water Taxis, Whale Watching, Sport Fishing, Government Agencies, Research Organizations and many others.

If it is a Powerboat, propeller or jet driven, Tidal or Non-Tidal waters, in clear or restricted visibility, give us a call.

Since October 1996, we have instructed more than 3,650 Operators, from Norman Wells, in the Canadian Northwest Territories, to Patagonia Argentia, and from Quatsino Sound, British Columbia to Hamilton, Ontario.