November 5, 2019

(Photo: Kerstin Wahl, NWTT)

From just about any spot in Fort Simpson, you can see water steadily flowing by. The community, flanked by the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers, is also known as the gateway to Nahanni National Park and recognized for its world-class waterways.  

The tourism opportunities in such a location are endless, and residents from Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River and Wrigley took advantage of boat safety training in the community to ensure they’re prepared as those opportunities come knocking.

Twenty-eight people signed up for two Small Vessel Operator Proficiency training courses, which took place October 7 - 18 and October 21 - November 1.  The course was offered by the Marine Training Centre and organized by Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation.

“Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation looks forward to working with the Marine Training Centre to bring this training to our region free of charge,” says Madison Pilling, the Community Tourism Coordinator with the Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation. “The potential to help local business and our membership access training like this is very exciting. One of the goals of the council is: meaningful ways to put food on the table, and this course is a step towards that. This training promotes individual development, capacity building and tourism industry growth.”  

The course does a deep dive into four main topics:

• Marine Emergency Duties: responding to emergency situations and boating disasters
• Marine Basic First Aid: learn how to interveneve in life-threatening emergencies including: unconsciousness, choking, rescue breathing, CPR and deadly bleeding.
• Small Vessel Operator Proficiency: this Transport Canada certification is for operating a small commercial boat less than 12m and less than 5 tonnes for passenger and cargo boats, such as crew boats, work boats, sport-fishing, whale-watching, tugs, and less than 15 Gross Tonnes for commercial fishing boats up to 25 miles from shore. 
• Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate: The ROC license is a Canadian Federal government issued card that allows you to operate a marine VHF radio

“We’re encouraging anyone who spends time on the water to take advantage of this training. According to our 2014 Visitor Exit Survey, safety was ranked second highest of 24 priorities. We know it’s important to our guests and to our residents, and this training is one of the ways that we can ensure everyone has an incredible experience without concern for safety,” says Stephanie Hardisty, Manager, Tourism and Parks with Industry, Tourism and Investment’s Dehcho Office.

The Marine Training Centre offers Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Training free of charge in communities across the Northwest Territories. If you are interested in learning more please contact: training@nfmtc.ca