How to Dock a Boat – Video
Docking a boat can be intimidating especially when there’s people on the dock to “judge” your docking ability! Find a quiet dock and practice, practice, practice. We hope the following video is helpful – thanks for watching!
Datum Marine Services Ltd offers a Captain’s Bootcamp in Tofino, it combines the SVOP with practical on-the-water training, including docking. We also offer regular SVOP courses (with the SDVBS (MEDA3) and ROCM courses) in Vancouver (Richmond), Victoria (Saanich), Nanaimo, Campbell River and sometimes Tofino.
Changes to SVOP – not until 2025
Delays for the New “SVOP”
Delays with regulatory process means that the new SVO certification will not be available until Spring 2025 (at the earliest).
Transport Canada has proposed some changes to the Small Vessel Operator training regime (currently the SVOP certificate). The validity of SVO certifications may be extended to operators of larger vessels (up to 12 meters long). Nothing is finalized yet, but here’s what we know so far:
1. Any changes to the SVOP course will not come into effect until 2025 (or later!)
2. Existing SVOP certificates will still be valid, but holders may have to take additional courses if they want to operate larger vessels (more than 5GT, less than 12m)
3. The SVOP course will probably be a few hours longer
Transport Canada is changing from a Gross Tonnage measurement for boats to a length measurement. This is a much easier measurement, as it just involves measure the length of your boat! The current SVOP is good for vessels up to 5 GT, which is generally about 9 meters long, the new SVOP will be good for vessels up to 12 meters long. We hope these changes will mean a “new and improved” SVOP for bigger boats.
Welcome to our new website and booking system
December 2021 – we launched our new website and booking system.
Our booking system may look a bit different from what you are used to. We are using Zaui software https://www.zaui.com/.
Please let us know if you spot any mistakes or are having problems making a booking! Thank-you.
Changes to SVOP – not until 2025
Changes to SVOP
Transport Canada has proposed some changes to the Small Vessel Operator training regime (currently the SVOP certificate). The validity of SVO certifications may be extended to operators of larger vessels (up to 12 meters long). Nothing is finalized yet, but here’s what we know so far:
1. Any changes to the SVOP course will not come into effect until Spring 2025 (or later!)
2. Existing SVOP certificates will still be valid, but holders may have to take additional courses if they want to operate larger vessels (more than 5GT, less than 12m)
3. The SVOP course will probably be a few hours longer
Transport Canada is changing from a Gross Tonnage measurement for boats to a length measurement. This is a much easier measurement, as it just involves measure the length of your boat! The current SVOP is good for vessels up to 5 GT, which is generally about 9 meters long, the new SVOP will be good for vessels up to 12 meters long. We hope these changes will mean a “new and improved” SVOP for bigger boats.
