Do you understand tides and currents well enough to stay out of trouble?

Avoid costly mistakes with this 2-hour online course — and learn how tides affect your navigation. Go with the flow — or risk going aground.

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Boating in Tidal Waters

For your safety, your crew’s, and your boat’s, it’s essential to understand tides and currents before heading into tidal waters. Failing to plan properly can leave you grounded—or worse, snapping your mast under a bridge or utility line. This mini-course offers a solid introduction to tidal navigation, helping you avoid costly, stressful mistakes. You’ll:

  • Understand how tides and currents currents actually work
  • Read tide charts and plan around timing
  • Adjust your route for water depth and rise/fall levels
  • Avoid grounding, low bridge clearance, and current misreads
  • Plan safer, smoother trips in tidal zones
Perfect for: Boaters heading into coastal waters or tidal rivers.

Duration: 2-4 hour  
Price: $44.95
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Easy-to-use online platform.

Short videos

to walk you through key skills.

Visual diagrams

to help you understand what to do.

Knowledge checks

to reinforce your learning.

100% online, self-paced. Instructor Q&A included.
Completion certification at the end.

CANBOAT EXPERTISE

Why Learn with Us? Because we don’t just teach boating — we live it.

CanBoat is run by passionate volunteer instructors from across Canada, bringing local knowledge and real experience to every course. From lakes to coasts, we know your waters — and how to help you navigate them with confidence.

  • Practical, real-life boating skills
  • Trusted across Canada
  • Learn at your pace, from anywhere
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Your safety, your confidence, your boat — that’s what we care about.

THREE EASY STEPS

How the Online Mini-Course Works?

1️⃣ Select Your Area ––Get instructor support tailored to your region and local boating conditions.
2️⃣ Create Your Account – Sign up in minutes.
3️⃣ Make Your Payment – Start learning.

 

Access your course anytime. Ask questions, get expert answers, and earn your certification when you’re done.

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need any boating experience to take these courses?

Not at all. These mini-courses are made for new or nervous boaters — no prior knowledge needed. Each topic is explained in plain language with real-world examples you’ll actually use.

2. Are these courses certified?

While the mini-courses are not mandatory certifications like the PCOC, they’re created by certified CanBoat instructors and follow best practices for safe boating. You’ll receive a completion badge for each course — and more importantly, real confidence on the water.

3. How long do I have access to the courses?

You get full access for a full year. Learn at your own pace, come back anytime, and refresh your skills whenever you need.

4. Can I ask questions during the course?

Yes! You can send questions directly to one of our experienced instructors. Whether you’re stuck on a knot or not sure about right-of-way rules, we’re here to help.

5. What’s the difference between these mini-courses and the PCOC?

The PCOC is your legal boating licence in Canada — it covers basic rules and safety. These mini-courses go deeper into specific boating skills like docking, anchoring, and navigating tides. They’re designed to make you feel confident doing the things that matter most on the water.

6. Can I download the course material to use offline?

Yes! You can save or print a PDF version of each mini-course. It’s perfect to bring on the boat in case you’re out of signal range or want a quick refresher on the water.

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Why It Matters?

Misjudging tides can lead to serious — and expensive — problems.

This course gives you the real-world knowledge to boat confidently in tidal rivers and coastal waters — and avoid surprises that ruin your day.

Ready to dock with confidence?

Get the Mini-Course Now