Learn with confidence
RYA Dinghy & Power, BCU Kayak & Canoe
Royal Yachting Association
The Dockland Scout Project (DSP) is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised teaching establishment, staffed by fully qualified instructors following the RYA syllabus. Recognition indicates that the DSP meets the strict RYA criteria for quality of boats, equipment, safety and of course tuition - we are inspected annually and continue to pass with honour. RYA standards are not only recognised in the UK but overseas by members of the International Sailing Schools Association. All our RYA courses can be run in the Docks or out on the much busier tidal River Thames.
Course duration, accommodation & food
The courses listed as Residential start at 20.00 on Friday and conclude at approximately 17.00 on Sunday.
Non Residential courses start at 0900 on Saturday and finish at 1700 on Sundays and do not include accommodation or meals.
RYA Assessments
Special instruction sessions and assessments can be arranged in most of the craft available at DSP. This will involve additional assessment fee and cost for items such as logbooks, certificates, badges, etc.
Dinghy Sailing Courses
The winds in the docks are for all, from the beginner to the potential instructor. We operate a large fleet of modern dinghies comprising 4 - RS Visions, 3 - Feva's and 6 - Tera's, 6 - Optimists and 2 - Laser Stratos's. The following three courses are part of the RYA National Dinghy Scheme which is a progressive Scheme. (Click link below picture)
Keelboat Courses
The Project are able to run these courses on either the Docks or more usually on the tidal River Thames. We operate two 25ft long Drascombe Gigs, "Betty Court" and "Chatham", which are ideal for the course and for expeditions. Both boats are on custom built road trailers and can be supplied with oars, engine and covers should you wish to run the course at another venue or hire them after you have qualified.
Powerboat Courses
The RYA's National Powerboat Scheme is for those wanting to drive small open powerboats such as RHIBs (rigid hulled inflatable boats), sports boats and small launches. These boats are generally powered by an outboard or inboard engine, do not normally have accommodation on board, and so are not intended for extended cruises. They may be used for short coastal or inland trips, fishing, and safety cover for other watersports, waterskiing or as a support boat for diving.
The Project is very fortunate to have a large fleet of powercraft to allow us to offer a very varied course structure.
We have 4 inboard displacement boats.
- Two of the boats are 18ft long, "Nic-Nac" is tiller steered, the other, "Odd-Job" has a wheel, these are powered by an 18hp and 27hp Yanmar engines respectivley.
- The third boat, "Mr Wells" is 27ft long, tiller steered and is powered by a 18hp Yanmar engine.
- The fourth boat is a 31ft long Mitchell Sea Angler, called "Blue Ice" and this is powered by 180hp Yanmar engine as fitted out for extended operations in the Thames Estuary and further afield.
For planing boats we operate 6 boats;
- 2 RHIB's,"One Ton" at 5.7metres and fitted with a 100hp Mariner the other is "Rona-B" a 4.5metre Humber boat with a 30hp Mariner engine
- "Shipwright" a 13ft long Dell Quay Dory with a Mariner 30hp engine.
- 3 smaller "Plastic" boats. "Taxi" a Mac-Attack from New Zealand with 15hp and wheel steered. "Barbie" CAP400 with a 25hp Mariner and again wheel steered, the last boat is "Tango"a Jeaneau 12 with a tiller steered 15hp engine. All outboards used on these boats are 4 stroke engines.
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British Canoe Union
Canoeing and kayaking is an exciting, adventurous and recreational activity, much of which derives from the environment around you. The unique and calm waters of the West India and Millwall Docks provide these opportunities in a safe environment for beginners and for those with more skills.
The Dockland Scout Project (DSP) canoeing instruction team are all members of the British Canoe Union (BCU) coaching scheme. The training available is comprehensive, catering from the complete beginner BCU 1 star through to potential level 3 coach. The majority of our sizeable canoe fleet are kayaks, but we also have many open canadian canoes.
The courses available
BCU 1 and 2 star courses
BCU 3 star and higher
Other courses can be arranged if there is sufficient demand to make a course viable. please give us a call and ask.
Course duration, accommodation & food
Many of our courses start at 20.00 on friday and conclude at approximately 17.00 on Saturday or Sunday.
The cost of all residentail courses includes provision of overnight accommodation aboard the HQ TS "Lord Amory" and catering. Depending on the course a short excursion to a nearby indoor activity centre, for capsize practice, may be included in the course package.
Non Residential courses start at 0900 on Saturday and finish at 1700 on Sundays and do not include accommodation or meals.
BCU Assessments
Special instruction sessions and assessments can be arranged in most of the craft available at DSP. this will involve an additional assessment fee and cost for items such as certificates and badges, etc.
Safety on the water & boating equipment
The Scout Association POR Rule 42 applies at DSP. the waters within the West India Docks are classified as B1. A safety boat, with a qualified coxswain and crew, is on the water during all water activity sessions.
DSP, in common with most scout groups, districts and counties, does not need a license under the Adventure Activities Regulations 1996. Our water activity craft and safety equipment are regularly checked and maintained to meet the appropriate safety standards.
The use of own boats and/or safety equipment is possible - you must check with us at the time of booking.
Those with special needs
The majority of water activities offered can be made available to those with special needs - please seek our advice at the time of booking.
