powerboating uk

RYA Powerboat Training

Powerboat.London offers RYA accredited training with Focus Marine – a Recognised Training Centre that offers powerboat, VHF, and First Aid training on the Thames in London. 

(1-to-1 private tuition)

Select course dates below:

Book 3 places and save £96.00 (Discount applied automatically)

Our Standard courses require a minimum of two candidates in order to run. In the event that insufficient candidates book onto a course, we will contact you to arrange a refund or offer you alternative dates (subject to availability). 

Minimum age: 12 years old (candidates under 16 must be accompanied by an adult booking)

Introducing: Youth courses

We welcome candidates aged 12 upwards onto any of our courses, but to provide opportunity for younger candidates to enjoy the best learning experience we’re currently offering the following dates for candidates aged 12-19 years old : 

On youth courses there will be a maximum of three students (all aged 12-19) per boat. Classroom sessions may be delivered in larger groups with candidates of all ages. For group bookings of 3+ candidates we can also look to run youth courses on additional dates, subject to instructor availability.  Contact us  to find out more…

Upon successful completion of the PB2 course, candidates can submit an application to the RYA to obtain their ICC (subject to eligibility).

Focus Marine also offers...

Marine vhf radio, film/tv support, rya level 2 powerboat   syllabus, theory topics.

Clothing and equipment

Types of craft

Propulsion systems

Environment

Launch and recovery

Tides and tidal streams

Watchkeeping

Introduction to charts & symbols

Buoyage systems

GPS/Electronic nav

Pilotage and passage planning

Emergency procedures

Distress signals

Cold water shock

Immersion hypothermia

Disabled craft

Advice for restricted visibility

Fire precautions and fire fighting

Man Overboard procedure

Practical syllabus

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 syllabus is suitable for novices, with  no prior experience  required!

Introductory skills

Boat familiarisation 

Slow speed handling

Holding off

High Speed manoeuvres

High speed turns 

Trim tabs & power trim

Close Quarters

Turning in a confined space

Turning using springs 

Leaving and coming alongside in a range of conditions (wind & tide) 

Mooring and Berthing

Approach and securing to a mooring buoy

Mooring alongside a pontoon

Emergencies

Person Overboard – standard approach

Person Overboard – drift-down method

Recovery of Person Overboard into craft

Use of steering compass 

Execute basic passage plan

International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC)

Upon successful completion of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, candidates may submit an application to the RYA to obtain an International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) for the category of “Power up to 10m” – subject to eligbility (see below). 

The ICC is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries. 

It is issued by the RYA in the United Kingdom to British Nationals and UK Residents (of any nationality), aged 16 or older.

If you are neither a British national nor resident in the UK, check here whether the RYA can issue your ICC  

The RYA currently charge a certificate fee of £50 for issue of the ICC (free for RYA members!), which is valid for 5 years. 

The cost of RYA membership is equivalent to (or in some cases less than) the cost of ICC certification; for non-members, it is worth considering RYA membership at the point of application. 

If you require the inland category to be validated on your ICC (this is required for use of inland waterways – rivers, canal systems and lakes in Europe), you will need to complete a CEVNI theory test. For full details, supporting materials/resources, and test bookings, please visit: www.focusmarine.co.uk/cevni

Vessels up to

Accepted in, covid-19 risk mitigation.

We are constantly reviewing our policies in line with the latest government guidelines. 

Safety and hygiene

Keeping everyone safe on the water is our top priority, and this means running our sessions slightly differently to the way we would usually. 

We operate from Chiswick Pier, located off Corney Reach Way in London W4.

Please check your joining instructions for detailed information about where to join your course.

No – there's no need to bring a lifejacket with you, we provide candidates with lifejackets and we also have a limited stock of wet-weather shell layers (jackets and salopettes). A full list of what you'll need to bring is included in the course joining instructions – do check the weather forecast and ensure you bring appropriate clothing/layers for a full day outside!

Yes – we offer Solo courses, please  contact us to find out more.

You must be aged 12 years or older to attend an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course.

Candidates under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, unless attending a dedicated  Youth Course  –  contact us  for more information.

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) is a certificate which is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries. It was historically known as the International Certificate of Competence. It’s often required for demonstrating competence when bareboat chartering/renting boats abroad (ie. without a professional skipper/crew).

You can apply for an ICC after completing an RYA Level 2 Powerboat course.

The easiest way to apply for your ICC is to apply online via the RYA website

Lunch isn’t provided, but we do provide refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) and we return to the pier each day for a lunch break.

Candidates are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or head out to cafés/shops nearby (within easy walking distance).

Our training venue is located at Chiswick Pier, which is within a private housing estate with on-street parking restrictions in operation at all times (including weekends and bank holidays).

On Pumping Station Road and Corney Road, Hounslow CPZ hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, so anytime outside of these hours you can park on surrounding roads for free.

Pay & Display parking is available at Chiswick House (10 minute walk). There is also limited on-street parking on Riverside Drive during weekdays.

The RYA Level 2 Powerboat course has no pre-requisites, and there’s no need to have undertaken any training prior to attending.

Candidates under 12 years old may attend a Level 1 course, which is aimed at covering the very basics of boat driving for children under supervision.

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What we offer from the RYA

RYA Powerboat Courses

We offer a comprehensive range of RYA powerboat courses in our commercially coded 6-metre rib. The range includes Power Boat level 1, Power Boat Level 2, Intermediate, Advance Power Boat and Tender Operator, as well as the Advanced Certificate of Competence Exam. All based from our Lowestoft training centre at Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club.

RYA Online Courses non-RYA Online Courses

We offer the RYA interactive courses for VHF Marine Radio, PPR, and Safe and Fun. We have partnered with Navathome to offer the RYA Dayskipper, Yachtmaster offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean theory courses via their online delivery system.

RYA Shorebased Courses

We offer a range of RYA Shorebase navigation courses up to Yachtmaster level. We also offer VHF and bespoke radar & electronic navigation programmes. All these courses can be taken at either our base in Foxes Marina Ipswich or our Lowestoft training centre at Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club. 

We are an established training company offering a range of RYA and Maritime training courses for the leisure and commercial users in the UK and Europe. Under the leadership of the owner and principal Ian Patience, and our Powerboat Chief Instructor Sarah Davies we have a dedicated team of instructors to teach all our Powerboat, Shore Based and Own Boat courses.

We operate out of our training centre in Lowestoft at the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club.

We take the upmost pride in providing a professional and personal service to our clients as well as supporting our suppliers who enable us to deliver what we do. The team’s passion and ethos is to find ways to make boating accessible and fun for all, regardless of experience levels.

We ensure that our instructors are teaching ‘Best Practice’ and we have a process whereby we constantly review their sessions to ensure that you get the most productive experience from your time with us. All our instructors teach because they love boating and we work with them to constantly ‘upskill’ their qualifications and experience.

We are also very proud to work with the RYA providing our boats and instructors for their Continuing Professional Development days and events.

Why Choose Us

When you undertake your course with us the price is all-inclusive, no hidden extras.

Remember in life you pretty much get what you pay for. We don’t pretend to be the cheapest, but the course will be on well-maintained first-rate craft and run by instructors guaranteed to teach current best practice. We have excellent facilities in the marinas offering a great all-round experience.

Our approach follows a few simple steps to achieve this:

• Understanding our client’s requirement
• Matching them up with the correct course and solution
• Deliver the Courses ensuring we meet with their expectations
• Support our clients going forward with advice and help when required

What makes us different is that we invest our time to ensure our clients get the best possible service, should it be on our Power Boat or in the classroom.

We firmly believe that one of the things we are most proud of as a company is our ability to combine a friendly and professional approach to our business with the ability to serve such a diverse range of clients.

This is feedback from one course in 2020 “Craig and I have just completed our Day Skipper and Competent Crew courses with Ian on Clearlake, on the River Orwell, Ipswich. Fabulous five days. We were complete beginners, keen to learn a new skill and we couldn’t have chosen better teacher. Ian looked after us like royalty on their beautiful boat, he was patient and skilled at showing us the ropes (or halyards & sheets, lol). Ian is a natural yachtmaster with a wealth of experience and knowledge and absolutely loves his sailing, it was an honour to be taught by him. Highly recommend this company.”

Ian Patience

Owner and training principal.

Ian is a highly dynamic individual who has a passion to pass on his skills and knowledge. Ian has a hands-on approach, excellent organisational and management skills, and a very clear understanding of the teaching and coaching process. His priorities when working are safety and ensuring his clients have an enjoyable time while learning. Returning happy clients have been key to Ian’s success. Ian is part of the RYA Eastern Regional Coaching Team delivering training to instructors and coaches. He has sailed over 80,000 miles in Europe, the Caribbean and the Far East. He has skippered yachts and powerboats up to 86ft ranging from cruising and racing yachts to luxury power boats. He has competed at World Championships in dinghies. In 2019 over an 8 week period he sailed round the UK with clients on board helping raise over £10,000 for Macmillian Cancer Support. What does Ian do in his spare time? When not at sea he can be seen enjoying long walks with his second love Bella his Labrador or racing his third love a 1923 traditional Norfolk Broads gaff rigged cruising yacht. And when winter comes he has recently reestablished his love of skiing.

Sarah Davies

Chief instructor and centre manager.

Sarah is an experienced instructor and centre manager having run and worked in a range of centres. She teaches and coaches in a relaxed, friendly and professional manner, understanding the varied requirements of clients at S&PBT. She is passionate about the importance of excellent seamanship skills, developed from her wide background in boating and she particularly enjoys enabling students to succeed. Sarah is a commercially endorsed RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor, as well as a shorebased Navigation Instructor and Senior Dinghy Instructor and holds her Yachtmaster (Offshore) qualification, with many thousands of miles sailed. From small rowing dinghies on the Norfolk Broads to Warships and pretty much everything in between, she has been involved with boating all her life. She was the National Schools’ (girls!) dinghy champion and has competed at international level in keelboats. A keen offshore sailor with a forces background, she has sailed with and skippered a multitude of adventurous sail training expeditions around Europe. She raced in the RN and Army Dinghy and Offshore Racing Teams and was part of Tracy Edwards’ crew aboard ‘Maiden’ in their ground-breaking all female entry into the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. With service in the RN and as a trained cartographer, she has experience of ship and ocean navigation and, working alongside the UKHO, the promulgation of Navigation Warnings When not teaching she enjoys racing and cruising her classic dinghy and small yacht. She also supports locally run charitable projects that enable and support young people to get afloat and to benefit from the challenges and opportunities boating can offer. She also gets involved in a variety of other outdoor activities in hot pursuit of her family.

Simon Davies

Chief commercial instructor.

Simon is responsible for our commercial clients. He has a broad background in teaching and coaching and is a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore, Advanced PB and Safety Boat Instructor, and a Dinghy Senior Instructor. Simon is also a RYA VHF SRC Assessor and Navigation instructor. His focus is on delivering training in a manner that allows students to develop through experience, recognising that people learn in different ways. He is empathetic and places a strong focus on safe practice. Simon has been boating for around 40 years and has a broad range of experience from being the Principle of a large RYA centre in Europe with 14 yachts and 5 PBs delivering all aspects of the RYA scheme, to racing dinghies and most things in between. He has sailed extensively in the UK East and South coasts, North Sea and Baltic, and has crossed the Atlantic and Bay of Biscay. He has experience of many yacht and motorboats from 76’ downwards. He is a keen recreational sailor and power boater and owns a small yacht cruiser and powerboat with his wife. He also supports charitable events and junior sailing as a volunteer. Simon spent most of his career in the Armed Forces and latterly worked in an international educational IT company before leaving to focus on teaching sailing and power boating full time

Nick Noot-Davies

Senior instructor.

I started boating in 2005 at an outdoor activity centre on the Blackwater Estuary in Tollesbury. I did my RYA dinghy sailing level 2 then decided sailing wasnt for me. It was when they first asked me to crew the safety boats (a Humber RIB, a Porter RIB and a ‘Jaffa’) that my love for powered craft developed. Since I started powerboating I have worked hard to consolidate my experience into qualifications. I am currently an RYA Advanced Commercial Power Boat Instructor (APBI) with Safety Boat certificate , an RYA PWC Instructor and an RYA Shorebased Instructor (VHF SRC, Diesel Engine and Navigation) this allows me to teach PB1 and 2, Safety Boat, Intermediate Powerboat, Advanced Powerboat, Personal Watercraft (Jetski) and VHF SRC courses aswell as the Diesel Engine Maintenance course and the Navigation courses. I have my Advanced Powerboat certitifcate and my Advanced Power Boat CoC qualification with Commercial endorsement and also work commercially for boat trips, safety cover, refresher courses etc from time to time. I am the Assistant Bosun at Nottinghamshire County Sailing Club and ensure their 9 Powerboats are kept in safe running order, performing tube and hull repairs and engine servicing. When I am not on the water I run a website design agency, work as a cloud engineer, as well as spending time with my young family.

Tim Miles-Hayler

Bio coming soon

Operating Areas

Powerboat & theory courses - royal norfolk & suffolk yacht club the mostly eastly rya training centre in the uk.

Based on the North Sea coast at Lowestoft, we have access to 120 miles of navigable inland waterways and the North Sea, this enables us to provide a rich and wide variety of boating areas for all levels of training.

Our training centre is in a perfect position to see the comings and goings of a commercial port. Clients can experience port control lights and the use of the VHF radio.

No matter what the weather may throw at us we have the added benefit if we cannot get out to sea to move in to the dock areas. Our clients spend as much time looking at the various crafts as they do driving the boat. While clients are in the classroom they get to see the large ships leaving and entering the port.

Our centre is located 5 min walk from the train station and easy access from main roads.

Our Powerboat (RIB)

Rebel – Humber Destroyer 6 meter Rib – Designed to exceed expectation the Destroyer series promises you an effortless dry ride due to the performance deep ‘V’ hull design but with safety and comfort in mind.

No matter what the job at hand the Destroyer series will come through any task with flying colours. The most amazing characteristics of these superb looking craft are their ability to ‘grip’ the water enabling sharp responsive high speed turns. Any short attempt to become airborne ends with a soft landing as the perfectly formed deep ‘V’ irons out the shock of re-entry.

Driving our rib brings a smile to everyones face.

Length 6.0 m Beam 2.28 M Draft 1 m Built 2008 Cruising Speed 25kt 2019 115 HP Mercury outboard engine MCA Coded Vessel Cert No R20MV0060002 Coded for 4 but seating for 6

Navigation equipment Garmin Chart Plotter 2019 Icom Radio Fixed 2018 Icom Handheld Radio 2020

Our Classroom

Our Training Room At Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club –

The recently refurbished facility comfortably accommodates 6 clients attending our theory courses.

Most important is an endless supply of good quality coffee, tea and hot chocolate with yummy biscuits.

"Navigating your way to Success"

Our Training Centre:

Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club The Royal Plain, Lowestoft Suffolk, NR33 0AQ

Speak to us:

01493 253004 - training centre, 07775 581912 - course admin.

For Powerboat or Shore based course enquiries please email our Chief Instructor:

[email protected]

For non course enquiries please email our owner and training principal

[email protected]

Registered address: The Old Chapel, Marsh Road, Upton, Norfolk NR13 6BS Company Registered Number 09520284

© 2021 Sail and Powerboat Training ltd

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• Full set of Henry & Lloyd Waterproofs
• Automatic Crew Saver Lifejackets
• Tea, Coffee & Biscuits 
• RYA Start Powerboating Handbook
• Paper & Pens

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

Rya powerboat level 2.

Improve your powerboat driving and handling techniques. If you’re new to powerboating, this practical course will prepare you with the safe driving and handling skills you need to complete short day trips in your powerboat.

About the course

Covering the theory and practical skills needed to become a competent powerboat driver, the course focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, driving at planning speed and collision regulations.

All food and accommodation is included.

Other courses you may also be interested in:

• RYA Powerboat Instructor course
• Powerboat and Personal Watercraft Courses

International Certificate of Competency (ICC )  Application

If you would like to add on your ICC to you booking please inform our advisors at time of booking. There is a direct fee to the RYA for this, for more information please contact us .

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus is taught with a ratio of (3:1) students to instructor and covers the following:

• Launching and recovery
• Boat handling under way (including high speed)
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard
• Displacement craft
• Leaving and returning to pontoons
• Basic navigation
• Collision prevention regulations
• Boat design
• Engines and drives

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification.

Dates and pricing

Register your interest.

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Need help finding the right course for you?

Speak to an advisor on +44 (0)1983 203001 or email us

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Essex Marine Training, RYA Training Provider in Essex, England. RYA Eastern Area. For Powerboating, Navigation, Day Skipper, Yachtmaster, VHF, SRC Radio, Diesel Engine, First Aid, Sea Survival, Radar, Theory and Practical Courses, Classroom, afloat, Powerboats, Ribs, Speedboats, Yachts, Essex, Training, England, Marine, Training, RYA,  

Number One for Training

Powerboating.

Jump to -     Level 1 Level 2 Intermediate Advanced

Taking place in the ideal training area of Brightlingsea, Our courses are taught in either of our Ribcraft RIBs- Rigid Inflatable Boats. 

This will give you the Planing endorsement to your powerboat qualifications.

We can also arrange 'own-boat' tuition, bespoke days, ICC Assessments and Level 2 Direct Assessments. 

Powerboat Level 2

The most popular course, the driving licence of powerboats and the basis if the International Certificate of Competence.

Why?  The purpose of this course is to teach boat handling and seamanship in power boats. The course may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planning and displacement, and the certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type(s) of boat in which the training took place. And its great fun!

Where?              Brightlingsea

How Long?          2 Days

How Old?            12

How Many?          1:3 Max

How Much?         £300

Please note 12-15 year olds will receive the Level 2 Certificate which will be endorsed - "The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult."

RYA Level 1

The start of the RYA Powerboat Scheme. There is no need to complete this course before going for the Level 2, but it can provide a useful starting point for younger powerboaters.

Purpose: 

To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats. The course may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planning and displacement, and the certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type(s) of boat in which the training took place.

How Long?          1 Day

How Old?            8

How Many?         1:3 Max

How Much?         £180

Please note: 8-11 year olds will receive the Level 1 certificate which will be endorsed - "The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult on board the craft."

12-15 year olds will receive the Level 1 certificate which will be endorsed - "The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult."

RYA Intermediate Powerboat

This course covers the practical use of pilotage and passage planning by day on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic navigational techniques.

This course builds on the foundation knowledge of the Level 2 Powerboat Handling course and is suited to those who aim to drive larger more powerful powerboats. During the two days you will cover, cruising at planing speed and more advanced boat handling. It is recommended for anyone considering moving on to the Advanced course.

Assumed knowledge:

Candidates should be competent to the standard of National Powerboat Certificate Level 2 with coastal endorsement. The course may be conducted on a planing or displacement boat.

Knowledge to the level of Day Skipper theory is recommended. It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a first aid certificate and a VHF/SRC operator’s certificate.

Course Content

Planning a day cruise, boat preparation, boat handling, pilotage, passage making, man overboard

How Old?            16

How Much?         £320

RYA Advanced Powerboat (Course)

This course is for leisure and professional boaters wanting to undertake more adventurous trips by day and night.

It includes navigation at planing speed, weather and other aspects of skippering powerboats on more challenging passages in coastal waters.

Anybody undertaking this course must have the practical skills of the Intermediate course and knowledge of navigation to at least the standard of the Coastal Skipper/RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased course.

Preparation for sea, boat handling, passage making and responsibility as skipper, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, use of engines, emergency situations, night cruising

How Long?          2 Days (inc a night ex)

How Old?            17

How Much?         £370

If you are wishing to use this certificate commercially, you will need to undertake the Advanced Powerboat Exam, which is separate to this course. We can arrange this and supply an appropriate vessel. We can discuss this with you when taking the course. Also see below for the Prep and Exam Options

RYA Advanced Powerboat (Course, Prep and Exam)

This course is designed to give you the best chance of passing your Advanced CoC Exam, which will be examined by an RYA Examiner who has not taken part in the course.

The theory days will refresh your existing knowledge of IRPCS, buoyage, navigation and other topics that can be examined. The two day Advanced Powerboat course will get you practically ready for the afloat activities.

Candidates should be competent to the standard of the Intermediate Powerboat Certificate with a thorough knowledge of navigation and chart work to the level of the Coastal Skipper/RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased certificate. It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a first aid certificate and a VHF operator’s certificate.

How Long?          5 Days (inc a night ex, then exam)

How Much?         £999 (This includes the RYA Exam Fee)

RYA Tender Operator

Originally intended for operators responsible for ferrying passengers between Superyachts and the shore, this course is very useful for anyone operating a powerboat day or night with responsibility for carrying passengers.

Designed in conjunction with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) this course is intended to build upon a candidate's basic powerboating knowledge and skills.

Attendees will gain confidence in their ability to manoeuvre a powerboat more smoothly but the real benefit is the emphasis on learning important skills in pilotage, both day and night, and passenger carriage and management.

The course includes plenty of time to practice working with a crew member and operating short-handed.  In navigation terms, the emphasis is on short ship-to-shore transfers by day and at night.

Passenger safety and comfort, daytime pilotage, night time pilotage, emergency situations, associated theory.

How Much?         £350

Why Choose Us?

Experience-

We want you to have a great time and great fun learning with us. It needs to be professional, appropriate, worthwhile and fun for you and we work hard to provide this. 

Instructors- 

We only use a small group of skilled instructors that know their stuff, and want you to enjoy your course.

We aim to provide really good quality, modern training kit- including our training boats!

We have a great training area. Surrounded by beautiful views, in a sheltered harbour on the renowned East Coast. The best of both worlds- shelter in one direction, and open water the other. It has all the facilities for a great course.  

All courses advertised on this page are run by us- Essex Marine Training Ltd, from our base in Brightlingsea, Essex (unless you have specifically arranged Own Boat tuition with us for another location)

Advanced Powerboat – on our boats

Duration: 2 days plus an evening

Time: 9am to 5pm plus an evening

Group Size: 3 per boat

Min Age: From 17

Price: £342 to £360

• This course is aimed at
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Advanced Powerboat – on our boats - General

Course Aim: To teach boat handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigation up to the standards required to drive a planning powerboat safely by day and night in tidal coastal waters with which the candidate is familiar.

Course Duration

2 days. We start at 9 – 10am on day one and will finish about 3 – 4 hours after it gets dark. On day two we start at either 9 or 10am and typically finish between 4 and 5pm.

Instructor – student ratio

3 students to 1 Instructor and boat. We often run 2 – 3 boats per course the benefit being you get to use different boats and benefit from the interaction with other students. You often will find that you learn as much from watching another student execute a manoeuvre as you do from doing it yourself.

Prior experience

The course assumes you can handle a powerboat very well as it is about developing your skills rather than starting them! It also assumes you understand navigation to the level of Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory (although you don’t actually need the qualification). We would always suggest that we have a chat with you about your experience before you book the course to ensure that this is the best course for you

Minimum Age

Why choose Powerboat Training UK for your RYA Advanced Powerboat course?

Our boats ~ with 7.8m and 6.8m Ribcrafts as our main teaching boats we have invested considerably so that you get to use quality kit in great condition. Each RIB is fully equipped for training up to Advanced level and are fitted with Icom and Garmin electronics.

Our location and teaching facilities ~ Poole Harbour is a truly amazing teaching location – so much so that the RNLI and the Royal Marines base their training operations here. Our classrooms are well resourced, professional, clean and tidy.

Likewise our base in Lymington at Aquasafe Powerboat School is at Lymington Yacht Haven which like Cobbs Quay is a large marina with a huge range of craft. Our classrooms are well resourced, clean and professional.

Our Instructors ~ we ensure that our instructors are teaching 100% ‘Best Practice’ and have a process whereby we constantly review their sessions to ensure that you get the most productive experience from your time with us. All teach because they love boating and we work with them to constantly ‘upskill’ their qualifications and experience.

Our history ~ we started the school over ten years ago and have grown a reputation for delivering on our promises. Our clients range from individuals with their own craft to organisations such as Sunseeker, the RNLI and we were awarded the RYA Training contract by Dorset Police for the London 2012 Olympic events in Weymouth.

What is included in the course price? ~ when you undertake your Advanced Course on our boats then the price you pay includes Fuel (often charged as extra at the end of courses by schools), and free use of waterproofs/drysuits (once again often charged as an extra). Price includes VAT too – yet another common extra. From 2014 with the launch of the RYA Advanced Powerboat Handbook you get a free copy of this book written by us for the RYA.

Does the course price represent good value? ~ remember in life you pretty much get what you pay for. We don’t pretend to be the cheapest but the course will be on well maintained first rate craft, and run by instructors guaranteed to teach current best practice. We have great facilities in a large marina offering a great all-round experience. Check out the other relevant pages on this website to see what we mean.

Course prices ~ £360 per head for 1 person, £351 per head for 2 persons, £342 per head for 3 persons.

Some of the offers available when buying this course include…..

Special Offer No1!! Book and pay for your VHF Course at the same time as you book the Advanced course and only pay £75 for the VHF course (including course pack). (Usual cost is £100, you also need to pay the RYA Fee which is £60). You can choose whether to undertake the course in the classroom or online. We run VHF Courses every two weeks so fitting you in will never be an issue – we run these courses  in Poole and Lymington.

Special Offer No2!! We also offer the opportunity to book the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course (online version) for £280 when booked alongside an Advanced Powerboat course. For advanced users this is a great course to ensure that you have all of the background knowledge necessary to undertake longer passages.

Advanced Powerboat – on our boats - The Course

The Advanced powerboat course is aimed at experienced leisure powerboaters and professional users keen, or needing to, to develop their knowledge onto the next level.

It is a challenging course and gives students the chance to develop their capabilities and knowledge in a variety of areas. A key aspect of the course is the planning and execution of two passages – one by day and one by night. Equally, given that attendees are likely to be undertaking longer passages in less good conditions a key feature of the course is developing the capability of the skipper to manage the crew and boat taking decisions in challenging situations.

The quality of the Instructors makes a huge difference to the value you derive from the course. Our Advanced Instructors are hugely experienced and teach these courses throughout the year to a range of leisure, commercial and military users.

NB: If you want to work commercially you will need your Advanced Powerboat Exam – Advanced Powerboat

Your instructor will cover the following topics with you during your course:

• Preparation for sea
• Boat Handling (inc rough water)
• Passage making
• Meteorology
• Rules of the road
• Use of engines
• Emergency situations
• Undertaking searches
• Night cruising

Advanced Powerboat – on our boats - This course is aimed at

The pinnacle of the courses within the RYA powerboat scheme the Advanced Powerboat course suits:

• Experienced leisure users who tend to boat throughout the year keen to develop their understanding of areas such as rough water handling, search patterns and helicopter rescue. The opportunity to develop the capability to navigate at night is always a significant area of interest to attendees.
• Those keen to work commercially will almost certainly want to attend the Advanced Powerboat course before attending their Advanced Powerboat Examination as the course is a way to ensure that they are ‘doing it right’ and in a manner that is likely to prove acceptable to the examiner.
• Existing Powerboat Instructors keen to develop onto become an Advanced Powerboat Instructor will need to undertake the Advanced Course as one of the steps towards becoming an APBI.
• Existing commercial users operating at a level below the Advanced level will often use the advanced courses as a form of ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD). to ensure those skippers continue to develop their skills

We can undertake Advanced Powerboat courses on your own boat subject to the craft being suitable for the course. We are able to run courses throughout the year at any location subject to the approval of the RYA.

Advanced Powerboat – on our boats - Syllabus

Aim: To teach boat handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigation up to the standards required to drive a planing powerboat safely by day and night in tidal coastal waters with which the candidate may be familiar.

Assumed knowledge: Candidates should be competent to the standard of the Intermediate Powerboat Certificate with a thorough knowledge of navigation and chart work to the level of the Yachtmaster Theory Shorebased certificate.

Candidates are recommended to hold a valid first aid certificate and a VHF operator’s certificate.

Understands:  The subject will be covered in greater depth and you will be asked to demonstrate a basic understanding and go away from the course able to develop your own skill in this area.

Can:  The subject will be covered in great depth, including background theory, demonstrations by the instructor and repeated practice by yourself until you can demonstrate good skills in the subject.

Preparation for Sea Can:

• Prepare the powerboat
• Carry out fuel and engine checks
• Stow and secure gear

Boat Handling Knowledge of:

• Differences for a twin engine vessel

Understands:

• The importance of boat control in waves and adequate seating to minimise the possibility of back injury
• Characteristics of various hull forms and propeller configurations
• Action to be taken in rough weather
• Demonstrate a practical understanding and correct use of power trip and trim tabs
• Demonstrate an awareness of the effects of wind and tide when manoeuvring, including:
• Steering to transits and in buoyed channels
• Turning in a confined space
• Berthing in various conditions of wind and tide
• Picking up and leaving a mooring buoy
• Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times

Passage making and responsibility as Skipper Understands:

• The importance of pre-trip planning
• Planning and making coastal passages, taking into account the relevant navigational hazards,the type of boat and the strengths of the crew.
• Chart plotters and radar , their advantages and limitations
• Organise the navigation, safety and welfare of the crew during a powerboat passage
• Navigate at higher speed using a range of techniques
• Use electronic navigational equipment for planning and undertaking a passage, including the use of waypoints, routes and XTE, SOG, COG, BTW, DTW

Pilotage Can:

• Carry out pilotage plans and pilotage for entry into or departure from harbour
• Use leading and clearing lines, transits, back bearings and soundings as aids to pilotage
• Use GPS and understand its limitations in pilotage
• Navigate using soundings

Meteorology Understands:

• Terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale and their significance to small craft.
• Sources of forecast information and interpretation of forecasts including synoptic charts
• The significance of meteorological trends
• Interpret a Synoptic chart
• Use and interpret forecasts to make decisions about passages

Rules of the Road Can:

• Apply the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Use of Engines Knowledge of:

• How to change a propeller
• Propeller diameter and pitch
• Propeller ventilation and cavitations
• Checks to be made before starting, during running and after stopping for diesel and petrol engines
• Periodic checks on engines and electrical system including spark plugs, water filter and pump impellers
• Transmission belts
• Spares to be carried

Emergency Situations Understands:

• Correct action to take in emergency situations
• Fire prevention and fighting
• Hull damage/watertight integrity
• What to do in a medical emergency
• Towing and being towed
• Helicopter rescue procedures
• Issue distress by all available means
• Search patterns
• Pick up a man overboard in all available conditions

Night Cruising Can:

• Take charge of a powerboat at night, including leaving and entering harbour
• Demonstrate ability at keeping a proper lookout and identifying lit and unlit marks by night.

(Copyright Powerboat Training UK/RYA)

Advanced Powerboat – on our boats - Gallery

Advanced Powerboat – on our boats - Book Now

Thank you for your interest in this course.

Hopefully the dates that we have scheduled work well with your availability. If the dates don’t quite work then we are always keen to be as flexible as possible so please contact us and we’ll see what we can do.

We’re always really keen to chat to you when you’re booking a course as whilst we are happy to take bookings through this system for your convenience – nothing beats chatting about boats and courses!

Don’t forget too that if you are an individual or company/organisation booking a few people onto courses then we may be able to schedule dates around you. Equally, for bookings some time in the future we can usually juggle our course dates if what we have scheduled doesn’t quite work for you.

Get in touch

Where to find us...

Powerboat Training UK Ltd, The Slipway, Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

T: 01202 686666 E: [email protected]

Aquasafe Powerboat School, Lymington Yacht Haven, Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3QD

T: 01590 678809 E: [email protected]

Marine Education, Port of Poole Marina, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ

T: 01202 406066 E: [email protected]

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Register your interest in this course

At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as full. However it may be that we are able to add additional people to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this date is of particular interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

Request a last minute space

At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as closed due to it being very close to the course running. However it may be that we are able to add you to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this is is of interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

Award Winning Powerboat Company in Dorset

Whether you are a novice boater or a seasoned professional – we have the right course for you., scroll down to find your next course or call us on 01202 923 060 (09:00 – 16:00), rya powerboat training courses.

RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2

The powerboat level 2 is the first step in learning the basics of boat handling.

RYA INTERMEDIATE POWERBOAT

The intermediate course teaches you how to navigate to far off destinations.

RYA ADVANCED POWERBOAT

The advanced powerboat course teaches you night navigation and the skills to become a professional skipper.

RYA NAVIGATION COURSES

RYA ESSENTIAL NAVIGATION

This course is a great introduction to navigation and safety awareness for those who are new to boating or crewing.

It’s great for anyone who is interested in getting out on the water and it also works extremely well alongside the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course.

RYA DAY SKIPPER THEORY

This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

The course is taught over 40 hours with two exam papers.

RYA YACHTMASTER THEORY

Advanced training for more experienced skippers. This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Advanced Powerboat practical exams.

RYA MARINE SKILLS COURSES

RYA/MCA SRC VHF RADIO

The Short Range Certificate for VHF radio is a legal requirement for mariners who wish to use a VHF radio set on board a vessel.

This is an intense one day course followed by an examination. Successful completion will complete you with a VHF licence for life.

RYA FIRST AID

First aid on board a boat is an essential skill for anyone who wants to take people to sea.

You are no longer 8 minutes away from an ambulance and the difference a little good training can make is literally life or death.

Welcome to Get Lost Power Boat Training School in Poole. We provide RYA powerboat training courses for all abilities, including the popular RYA Powerboat Level 2. Our recognised RYA training will help you start your boating journey in the right direction.

Our courses will provide you with the key skills you need to be confident on the water. Whether you’re using a VHF SRC Marine Radio or driving a powerboat through the night, Get Lost Powerboat training will help you succeed.

Based in Poole, Dorset, our team have decades of experience, and are certified professional mariners and instructors. Our knowledge is second to none having trained with various vessels all around the world. We are keen to share our expertise with you.

At Get Lost Powerboat Training,we are passionate about starting your maritime journey in the right way.

We offer RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualifications right up to Advanced Powerboat exams and instructor qualifications. No matter what your goals, our courses will help you progress. The world is your oyster.

If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call now and we will talk you through your options 01202 923 060.

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Powerboating

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• RIB Rides |

Powerboating lets you skim across the wave tops at high speed in an inflatable powerboat. Powerboats are capable of performing tight turns and reaching speeds of up to 60mph.

Your instructor will show what these boats can really do before participants get their chance behind the wheel.

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How to get a powerboat licence

By Adam Hay-Nicholls

After months spent in lockdown, the second half of summer has seen the population escape to the coast, seeking fresh air, vitamin D and freedom. Yet the threat to travel means that for many, that coast is not the Amalfi or d’Azur, it’s the one right here in Blighty. How can we make that more exciting? By getting behind the wheel of a powerboat and trimming the outboard engine to max thrust.

To skipper a powerboat , as opposed to hiring someone to have fun on your behalf, you’ll need a licence. So, GQ set about getting one.

The RYA’s Powerboat Level 2 qualification enables one to take charge of a motor vessel up to ten metres in length, which includes those fast Rigid Inflatable Boats, or RIBs, that Commandos use. Our mission is good times, though you can apply the camo paint if you want. This is the ideal vehicle to wash away those isolation blues and embrace what’s left of the season by slamming across the sea.

The course is a two-day affair with a little bit of classroom work, but mostly you’re out on the water. It starts from £200. We did ours with Urban Truant in Southampton, who have brand new stealthy-looking Honda BF100-powered RIBs and an ex-Royal Marine on staff who can instruct you on that camo paint, as well as how to handle your boat while being fired upon.

For an additional cost (£110), you can also get your short-range radio qualification, which requires a bit of reading but is required if you’re going to skipper a UK-flagged vessel. You may favour the skull and crossbones, but it’ll help keep you and your crew safe to learn how the radio works, the protocols, and what you need to say and when. We got both done in the same 48 hours.

Our heavy-duty aluminium-hulled craft is made by Honda’s boatbuilding partner, Highfield. Called the HX6, it’s 6m long and weighs less than 700kg, yet can accommodate up to 14 people. At the rear is a 100hp VTEC outboard which revs to 6,300rpm. Honda has been a leader in four-stroke marine engines for over 50 years, and has earned a reputation for being very reliable and efficient, like its cars. Between these and the HondaJet , it’s the only manufacturer that can transport you across air, land and sea.

The RIB also boasts a built-in Garmin navigation screen, but we’re taught how to plot our own course using an Imray chart, a Breton plotter and a pair of dividers. It’s good to be able to use both, and any additional apps that might help, so you’re extra confident of where you are and where you’re heading.

After you’ve mastered your latitudes and longitudes, and studied the tides, you’ll need to learn some knots. There’s the round turn and two half-hitches, the clove hitch, the sheet bend, the bowline and the reef knot for starters. Soon you’ll be lassoing cleats and bollards like a nautical cowboy. Next up: tobacco chewing and scurvy.

By Conrad Quilty-Harper

By Mike Christensen

By Olivia Ovenden

When you’re ready to fire up the powerboat, you must remember K.N.I.G.HT.S: To start it, you’ll need the key with the Kill cord, to which the skipper attaches themselves. Check it’s in Neutral. Then Ignition. Gently test the Gears go backwards and forwards. The water that spurts from the engine is called the Hot Tail, and if that’s not happening, the engine will overheat. Finally, look back and check the engine rotates from side to side when you move the Steering. Now slip the ropes and you’re good to go.

We head down the River Hamble towards Southampton Water, where we practise what we’ve learned in the classroom and do some manoeuvres, mooring techniques and man-overboard rescues. We use a discarded fender for this, but volunteers are welcome. We also practise anchoring; one needs to check the depth on the charts, then multiply that by at least three to get the correct length of chain. The charts also show where submarine cables lie, which you really don’t want to get caught up on, and all the buoys you’ll encounter, which you should be able to identify by their different colours and shapes which mark where you can and can’t go. Mistake a “south cardinal” for a “north cardinal” and you might end up colliding with a sunken wreck!

On Day 2, we go beyond Southampton Water and into the Solent, getting more comfortable with crossing the pathways of container ships and passenger ferries. Learning to trim the angle of the propeller in the water as speed increases, we surf the waves at a thrilling 30 knots, holding on tight. Remember to always keep your hand on the throttle – that’s even more important than the steering.

It’s a half-hour scream across the high sea to the Isle of Wight and we put into Cowes using our radio skills. The two main channels one needs to know are 80, where you can book a parking space with the marina as though making a dinner reservation, and 16, which is for safety and distress calls. If lives are in danger, you broadcast “MAYDAY”. If the ice in your beer cooler has melted it’s “PAN PAN”, like the French “panne panne”, as in “it’s buggered”. Surprisingly, while it’s illegal to drink while in charge of a commercial vessel, recreational boating in the UK is exempt from alcohol laws, making RIB runs to the Isle of Wight a popular booze cruise. Just be sensible before you try and play chicken with an oil tanker on your way back from the Fisherman’s Arms.

RIB rentals are charged at £200-300 for the day (Urban Truant has its own RIB Club, which costs £175 a year plus £150 whenever you take a boat out), or you can have your own HX6 for around £35,000. In addition, Honda have turn-key boat partnerships with two non-inflatable builders that fall beneath the 10m licence cut-off. There’s Italian speedboat maker Ranieri, which can pack up to 300hp, and the more sedate sub-£10k Maxima, which would make a stylish perch from which to watch Henley Regatta.

The RYA PB2 licence enables the holder to qualify for an International Certificate of Competence, meaning that when normal service is resumed, you can travel far beyond Britain’s waterways and go full Miami Vice .

For more information on Honda-powered boats, visit honda.co.uk/marine

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• Certificates of Competence

RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA's Powerboat Logbook (code G20) available from the webshop.

Boats used for exams

You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below.

The vessel must be capable of a minimum of 12 knots, equipped with the following:

• lights conforming with IRPCS
• VHF radio (may be portable)
• GPS (may be hand held) or plotter
• depth sounder
• anchor, chain and warp
• basic tool kit and spares
• heaving line
• paddles or additional means of propulsion
• flares: 2 hand held, 2 orange smoke
• bilge pump or buckets/bailer
• first aid kit

Additionally if not on the boat, you will need to bring to the exam:

• laminated or waterproof charts
• GPS set (may be hand held)
• tide tables
• pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc
• plotting instruments.
• Photographic ID card or document, such as a passport or driving licence

Advanced Powerboat exam pre-requisites

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• can provide a boat
• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• hold a VHF Radio Operators License or Short Range Certificate
• hold a valid first aid certificate
• have read the syllabus in RYA publication G20
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

Candidates should be familiar with all the equipment on board the vessel, as they may be asked to use this during the examination.

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed .

Useful links

Arranging your exam, commercial endorsements, exam payments service, mca manning requirements, professional qualifications.

Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Powerboating

Back to Activities

What to expect

Powerboating is a fun-filled water activity using engine-powered boats of varying sizes. These boats can be used for everything from calm river trips to high-speed aquaplaning. Younger groups could participate in powerboating to get some experience with the craft, enjoy the ride and take in the surroundings. Meanwhile, older groups would get the chance to learn the skills that enable them to take the helm and control the powerboat.

Get in touch with your local Scout Adventures centre – they run sessions with powerboats and provide training. It’s always worth chatting to local sailing clubs, powerboating enthusiasts or your District Commissioner to see if they know of any local activity providers too.

What you’ll learn

Powerboating is about guiding the boat around the water, whilst looking out for other boats and keeping everybody on board safe. You’ll learn how to navigate on the water, how to control the boat and see more of the great outdoors.

The first major powerboat race was in 1903 across the English Channel.

Handy hints

• Dress for the occasion. Centres may need you to bring along specific things, like certain types of clothing or shoes. Always double check this before running the activity, and make sure everyone knows in advance what they need to bring on the day.
• Navigational skills. On top of the challenge of controlling the cruiser, powerboating also requires nifty nautical navigation skills. It might be useful to work on your Sea Navigation Activity Badge before you set sail.
• Make sure your camera has a strap. Travelling on the water offers some great photo opportunities, but you need to keep your camera safe. A camera strap might be the best way to do this.
• Swishing and swaying. Some people suffer from motion sickness when doing activities like this. Make sure you have everything with you to cope with this and have conversations with people to see how they can manage it, if they need to.

You must always:

• Complete a risk assessment
• Have the right ratios of number of adults to provide suitable  supervision
• Set up an InTouch process
• Know what to do in an emergency
• Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
• Get approval from your commissioner 

Be safe outdoors:

• Check the weather forecast

Be safe in water:

Everyone should be able to swim 50 m wearing the clothing or equipment for the activity . Non-swimmers will need additional support.

Water can be dangerous - be aware of the risks .

The category of water depends on how safe the water is. Use our waterways directory to check .

Be sure to manage the group when near water , keeping everyone safe. 

Make sure that all equipment is fit for purpose and in good condition:

Everyone must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid .

The instructor must make sure boats are seaworthy .

There are regulations you must follow if you are hiring a boat .

Joint activities with other organisations:

• This activity can be run jointly with Girlguiding .
• This activity can be run with other organisations .

This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts :

The activity leader must have an adventurous activities permit with the right level and permissions for your group.

Where the group is entirely members over the age of 18 the permit scheme does not apply, please follow the rule 9.8 adult groups .

You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:

• The centre/instructor should hold one of these: (If the provider is AALA exempt)
• Royal Yachting Association - Power Boat Instructor with appropriate endorsements
• Adventure Mark - centre

The provider must have public liability insurance.

Activity Permit Scheme

Power Boating

Canal and River Licences

Recognition of RYA Training Centres

Safety Boat Guidance

Powerboating gave you the opportunity to travel along the waterways, lakes or coastline of the UK, while controlling your own boat. What other ‘on the water’ activities has everyone participated in? If this was the first one, how was it? Is it something you’d like to do again someday?

During the activity, how did everyone feel? Did you feel relaxed while gliding through the water at a slower pace, or perhaps excited when traveling at speed through the water? Did anyone feel anxious at first, but safer once they got to grips with the controls?

Change the level of challenge

Powerboating often involves using boats with powerful engines. Why not try something without an engine first, like a dinghy, to gain some confidence in the water.

Make it accessible

Powerboating can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Many centres have facilities that cater for people with additional needs and experienced instructors to help everyone achieve their goals. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group. Make sure you give them plenty of notice.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

This activity counts towards

Time on the water 1, time on the water 2, time on the water 5, time on the water 10, time on the water 15, time on the water 20, time on the water 35, time on the water 50, scouts power coxswain activity badge, explorers water activities activity badge, take it further.

If anyone enjoyed this experience, encourage them to have a look at some other, similar adventures, such as personal watercraft activities or motor  cruising . Also, point them towards the  Scouts Power Coxswain Activity Badge  or the  Time on Water Staged Activity Badge , which could both be of interest.

There are also lots of courses around the country that teach people how to work with different types of boats. You can find out more on the Royal Yachting Association’s website.

Youth shaped guidance

If anyone has done this before, encourage them to share their knowledge beforehand with everyone. They could do a presentation or have a chat with everyone about what to expect in the activity.