Celebrating 
Dutch Barge Experience Days
Questions:
Do I want a new-build barge or a vintage?
How easy is it to buy a Barge in Europe?
How can I get it safely back to England?
Do I need to bring it back myself?
What qualifications should a Skipper have to bring my boat back for me?
Should I accompany him?
How much will it cost?
Where can I moor it in England?
Can I live onboard?
What is an ICC, a CEVNI test or a PP?
What about Insurance?
What qualifications do I need in order to handle my own craft at home and in Europe?
How easy is it to navigate the inland waterways of England and Europe?
Can I leave my boat in Europe whilst I am not on board?
What implications will the English Boat Safety Scheme have on a Barge bought in Europe?
So many questions! Don't despair. We have the answers. We can help!
Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School, has acquired the 17metre Luxe Motor Dutch Barge 'Le Coq'. The Barge, built in 1927, purchased in Holland, has been brought over to England by sea and is now based on the beautiful River Thames at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, home of Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School. The Dutch Barge has undergone complete refurbishment and is currently used to run practical Royal Yachting Association boat handling tuition courses, towards both the Inland Waters Helmsman's Certificate course and the International Certificate of Competence (inland with CEVNI, coastal with navigation knowledge). We have become aware that there are many people who have limited or no experience of boats but who are extremely interested in the concept of buying a Dutch Barge, either to live on in England, to live on in Europe or to use as a holiday home. In a lot of cases these people just don't really know how to go about it, or where to go for help and assistance.
In order to help we have instigated our 'Dutch Barge Experience Days'. We can take up to four people per day (and reserve the right to do so) and you will be able to try your hand at steering our barge and crewing (whilst under instruction). The day will also give you the opportunity to discuss the many questions you may have, in addition to those at the top of the screen. Our instructor will advise, answer your questions, dot the i's, cross the t's and generally tell you loads of things that you didn't even realize you needed to know! Above all you will know what it takes to become a safe and confident boater. At the end of the day you will have a much clearer idea of whether or not your dream should become a reality - without the outlay of thousands of pounds.
Alternatively, why not take two days and expand the boat handling aspect and gain your Inland Waters Helmsman's Certificate which can be used towards the I. C. C. (International Certificate of Competence), coastal or inland (with CEVNI or navigation knowledge).
If you already have some experience and just need a qualification please see our details for :
International Certificate of Competence
RYA Inland Waters Helmsman's Certificate course
CEVNI Test
If you are just interested in a boat handling practical course please see our details for :
RYA Inland Waters Helmsman's Certificate course
Other courses that will prove invaluable to the Barge owner are the :
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course
RYA Marine DSC radio SRC course
RYA First Aid course
If you contemplate using your Barge at sea then we would recommend the :
RYA Day Skipper shore based navigation course.
RYA/MCA Sea Survival for Small Craft course
All these courses are available at Bisham Abbey Sailing & Navigation School.
Boat Safety Scheme inspections also available.
