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A guide to RYA powerboat training for drivers

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced driver, there’s always something new to learn about being on the water.

Why should you consider powerboat training?

In most countries you have to pass a driving test and get an official licence before you can legally drive a powerboat or RIB. There’s no such requirement in Britain (except for very large yachts). Powerboat training and certification are voluntary. Although contrary to what you might expect there are actually fewer boating accidents in UK waters than in many countries that do insist on a formal driving licence.

That said, it’s extremely unwise to take to the water without any knowledge or training. There are plenty of pitfalls including some real potential dangers and many of them can’t be avoided with just common sense.

Boating is statistically very safe in Britain because most people get themselves trained to a higher level than the bare minimum required by a basic exam. The RYA’s (Royal Yachting Association) training scheme is the international gold standard for recreational boating and its certificates are widely recognised abroad.

Good reasons to get trained

There are many good reasons to sign up for at least one training course.

• First and foremost, you will definitely get a lot more enjoyment from your boating if you know what you’re doing – and so will your family and friends.
• If you own your own boat, your insurance premium will almost certainly be lower and your maintenance and repair bills are likely to be much smaller, too.
• A good working knowledge of tide, weather and sea conditions is absolutely essential for safe boating in coastal waters
• Aa training course will teach you some very useful skills, such as high-speed boat handling techniques and parking manoeuvres, which are difficult to figure out on your own.
• Just like driving a car, you need to understand the ‘rules of the road’ including some that aren’t obvious or intuitive.
• A boating certificate also enables you to hire boats and yachts on holidays abroad, charter a boat, or to take your own boat overseas.

Learn locally, or on holiday

There are RYA recognised Training Centres all around the UK. Also, you can do courses in places like Greece, Spain and the Caribbean, combining a hands-on boating course with a holiday and learn the essential skills in hot, sunny weather. Although if you plan to do the majority of your boating in tidal waters, it is worth doing a course in tidal waters. In the UK there are powerboat charter companies and boat sharing Clubs, many of which also offer approved RYA training as part of the induction process.

Most Training Centres are geared up to teach a whole family, either on the same course or on different courses appropriate to their age, knowledge and ambitions. A further option for boat owners, offered by some training centres, is to arrange private tuition from an RYA instructor on your own boat. The obvious advantage of this is that it allows you to learn and practice on the same type of boat that you’re going to be using.

Beginners start here

The RYA scheme starts with two beginners’ courses: Level 1 Start Boating and Powerboat Handling Level 2. Neither of them assume any prior knowledge of boating. (Both courses are offered by  Trafalgar Powerboat Training  too!)

Level 1 is a one-day introductory session out on the water that covers the basics and gives you the knowledge and skills to drive a boat safely under the supervision of a more experienced person.

Level 2 is the course for you if you want to be independent and self-sufficient on the water. You don’t need to have completed a Level 1 course; you can go straight in at this level. It’s a two-day, hands-on course that covers the essentials you need to enjoy your boat safely in good weather conditions:

• launching & recovery
• boat handling and manoeuvres
• parking techniques – mooring, anchoring & coming alongside
• man overboard rescue
• and much more.

Most insurers expect boat owners to have a Level 2 certificate, or to demonstrate that they have equivalent experience. It’s also the minimum qualification for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), which you will need if you want to drive boats and yachts abroad.

Essential boating knowledge

After passing your Level 2 course the next step, if possible, is to practice the skills you’ve learned and get some experience. This may be in your own boat, on a holiday or as a member of a shared boating club such as  Boat Club Trafalgar .

At the same time, you can start preparing for the RYA Day Skipper course. This is a ‘shore-based’ boating theory course that equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently and safely navigate your boat:

• weather forecasting
• collision avoidance
• emergency and safety procedures

There’s a lot to learn: about 40 hours of teaching followed by two exam papers. The Day Skipper course can be taken either as a series of short sessions, by distance learning online or as a one-week intensive course. It might seem like a bit of hassle, yet so much crucial and useful knowledge is packed into in this course that it really is worthwhile. Most people tend to do it in the winter months in preparation for the next season.

Intermediate and advanced courses

The next practical on-the-water training course in the RYA scheme, Intermediate, is a two-day session geared towards people who want to go off cruising in large motor yachts and drive high-performance powerboats. The course syllabus assumes that you already have the practical skills and experience of Level 2, plus all of the knowledge that’s covered in the Day Skipper course. It’s strongly recommended that you also have a first aid certificate and a marine VHF radio operator’s licence.

The Intermediate course content includes:

• cruise planning
• boat preparation
• practical pilotage and navigation
• more advanced boat-handling and manoeuvring techniques
• more rigorous man overboard rescue training

An advanced boating theory course called Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore follows on from Day Skipper, with another 40 hours of learning and three exams. You’ll need to do that (or at least have the equivalent level of knowledge) before tackling the Advanced practical powerboat course. This is the course for adventurous boaters and for professional boat drivers, training you for: 

• longer trips
• navigation at night
• boat handling in challenging weather and sea conditions

The Advanced course is arguably a bit more advanced more than the average leisure RIB or powerboater actually needs. However, it’s highly recommended if you’re planning to go off on an extended cruise.

Specialist skills and informal training

The RYA also offers a range of short, specialist courses that are very useful for some types of boating. These include subjects like radar, sea survival, first aid, VHF radio and diesel engine maintenance.

Most RYA Training Centres can also offer informal training on request – perhaps a one-day refresher course if you haven’t been on the water for a while, or a boat-handling session if you’ve plenty of experience in other types of boats but are either new to fast powerboats and RIBs, or want a session in your own boat.

However, much training you have, it’s no substitute for going out on the water and building up hours and days of practical experience, driving your own boat or other people’s.

Even after years of doing it, you’ll find that you still keep learning. And that’s what makes it so rewarding.

For more information on RYA training courses, visit  RYA.org.uk .

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Aims 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, in more demanding conditions. Given the nature of these passages Advanced Powerboat courses should be delivered on powerboats of a minimum of 6 metres and an engine size sufficient to enable coastal passages at planing speed.

Candidates should be competent to the level of the Intermediate Powerboat Certificate with a knowledge of the navigation and chartwork to the level of Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased certificate.

It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a first aid certificate and a VHF operators certificate.

2 days including at least 1 night navigation exercise

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

Able to plan and execute coastal trips and return to a familiar port by night

The course predominantly takes place afloat however some elements, specifically navigation, are classroom based.

RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus and Logbook

RYA Powerboat Handbook

£18.49

RYA Navigation Handbook 2nd Edition

£19.99

RYA Powerboat Handbook

The RYA Powerboat Handbook is the RYA’s top selling comprehensive guide to powerboating and is rated No1 by Amazon in the sector. It is available in English, Arabic, German, Italian and Portuguese.

In 2003 Paul met with the RYA to discuss writing the RYA Powerboat Handbook for them. At that stage the RYA had just started its RYA Handbook series and the stable included just the RYA Navigation Handbook and the RYA Weather Handbook. Paul had already written for a number of magazines for some while and was asked to propose the structure of the book and produce a sample chapter.

In about May 2003 the RYA signed Paul up to write the book. The deadline for the text was October 2003 so the race was on, as he was travelling a lot at the time pretty much every night in a hotel and most weekends were taken up writing the text. The struggle was never what to write so much as how to write very little to say lots.

Any good book in this market is only as good as the images and this is where this handbook comes into its own. Paul sketched out all of the images for the book so that they linked directly to the text. He then met with Pete Galvin the illustrator who the RYA had decided would artwork all of the images. As anyone who has seen the book will agree Pete did an amazing job and managed to bring to life in an attractive and vibrant way such difficult to draw subjects as using springs to bring a boat alongside and helming a craft with twin engines. With this in hand the next job was the photos.

Paul produced a list of about 100 photos that were needed and agreed with the RYA that he would take about 60% of them. Many hours were spent photographing boats (mainly at our home base at Cobbs Quay) and a few on water photo shoots arranged to fill in the gaps,  manufacturers supplied some images and local chandlers and engine dealers provided kit for some of the photos.

The text was submitted on time in October and the process of reviewing and refining Pete’s work, choosing and sourcing photos continued well into 2004. The text was reviewed by a mixture of Jon Mendez, Paul Mara, Simon Jinks and Phil Williams-Ellis at the RYA for technical accuracy and to give an ‘alternate perspective’ and was artworked in about mid 2004.  It was then sent to a different artwork company to be further improved resulting in just  missing the 2004 Southampton Boat Show. All was ready for London 2005 though and in January 2005 the book launched.

Whilst we’d like to think the RYA Powerboat Handbooks are a great read then what matters more is what others think. Alex Smith is a boating journalist who has worked for most of the top boating journals, his views are: “The RYA can be quite handy sometimes, not least when it teams up with a first-class instructor in the creation of a good powerboat book. The RYA Powerboat Handbook (and the Advanced Powerboat Handbook) by Paul Glatzel are prime examples. Ably illustrated by Pete Galvin in accordance with Paul’s direction, alongside very specific (and uncommonly relevant) photos, it covers how to launch, recover and berth, plus boat handling at high and low speeds and other essentials such as navigation, weather and Rule of the Road. It’s a very digestible reference point for anyone who enjoys recreational day boating.”

The book was well received by the boating press and received some very good write ups across a number of magazines.

Many of the images, a number of photos and some of the text have gone onto be used in the RYA’s Powerboat Level 2 course book – Start Powerboating . Start Powerboating focusses on boating handling and the RYA courses up to and including Level 2 and is a direct replacement for the RYA Powerboat Practical Course Notes. It too is available from the RYA website or Amazon.

As Paul would agree writing the book was hard work but great experience and huge fun. Would he do it again? – He has! Paul has since written the RYA Advanced Powerboat Handbook which has been equally well received.

Since launch, the book has been translated into German, Italian and Portuguese. A dual English/Arabic version also launched in late 2013 as the Dubai Powerboat Handbook .

The book is regularly reprinted and at each reprint a few minor amendments are made to update images or photos. In 2009 the book was fully updated by Paul as Edition 2 and 2014 saw the launch of Edition 3.

The Original RYA Press Release reads as follows:

The new ‘RYA Powerboat Handbook’ is the latest title in the RYA’s best selling handbook series. Encompassing the expert knowledge that has made RYA training courses revered worldwide the ‘RYA Powerboat Handbook’ is essential reading for anyone who goes day-cruising in a sportsboat, day-fisher or RIBs.

The handbook provides easy to follow instruction on how to launch successfully, berth, boat handling at low and high speeds, navigation and other essentials such as weather, rules of the road, and how to recover at the day’s end.

The ‘RYA Powerboat Handbook’ is written by Powerboat Trainer, Paul Glatzel who has been passionate about the water since his teens. Paul runs a powerboat school in Poole ( www.powerboat-training-uk.co.uk ) provides a valuable source of training information via his contributions to www.powerboat-training.co.uk   an d he  also writes for Sportsboat & RIB Magazine.

With a forward by 6 times world powerboat racing champion Steve Curtis the book already has the stamp of one powerboater. Curtis said “No matter what type of powered craft that you use, RIBs, fast planing craft, dive boats, fishing boats, or a boat for waterskiing, you need training and knowledge and this is where this book comes in. It will prove to be not only a perfect learning tool but an invaluable reference.

If you have any comments on the book, questions that you would like answered or for that matter have a book you want written then feel free to contact us on the number below

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.

• Professional qualifications
• powerboat-level-2

RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

RYA powerboat courses are primarily for those using small powered craft such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats that don't generally undertake long or offshore passages.

The types of commercial craft requiring this level certification are typically: charter fishing boats, small passenger launches, thrill ride operators, harbour patrol launches, construction site safety boats etc.

If you will be using larger boats with accommodation and the capacity to cruise or work further offshore you are likely to need a certificate within the motor cruising programme such as Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore.

If you need a Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate in order to work on a commercial craft subject to the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed . You can then work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 6 waters - that is up to 3 miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight hours.

RYA Training Centre

The rya powerboat training scheme is for those wanting to drive small open powerboats such as ribs (rigid inflatable boats), sports boats and small launches..

With the RYA Powerboat Level 2 scheme you can gain an International Certificate of Confidence (“ICC”) that means when you go to certain countries, you may need a license to hire a BOAT up to 10m – that’s where we can help you prepare.

This two-day entry-level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). It focuses on low-speed close-quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed and collision regulations.

This two days course gives plenty of time for both practical instruction and theory. Whilst at first glance the syllabus appears very similar to the level one course, the extra time available makes a real difference to the depth in which subjects are covered and therefore the amount a student can learn.

We are lucky with the beautiful Cyprus weather, so we are making the most of it by teaching a great part of the course on board of the boat.

• Assumed Knowledge:  None (Level 1 is NOT a requirement)
• Duration of course:  2 Days (09h00 to 17h00)
• Ratio : 3 students for 1 Instructor Max (Possibility of private course)
• Course Content:  Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard
• Ability after the course:  Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft.

All our courses are held in Latchi; Theory will be held in our classroom at our office in Latchi, and the practice is held along the coast of Latchi. All Courses are delivered in English Language only.

For more info on the courses, please use the “contact us” form or email us at [email protected] with the number of people interested in the course and the dates you wish to do the course.

The RYA Level 2 Powerboat course costs €370 and is scheduled over two days – including a theory and practical examination.

You will learn and enhance your Powerboat manoeuvring skills on a range of boats available in Latchi Harbour from George’s Watersports.

Our RYA Training Courses are conducted throughout the year, and we suggest that you do book well in advance to secure your place.

Although the course is open to anyone over 12 years,  a commercial endorsement cannot be obtained until the age of 17.

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Training: What you learn on an RYA powerboat Level 2 course

Our News Editor recalls what he learnt on his first weekend of formal training at Mendez Marine on the River Hamble

While there’s no replacement for raw boating experience, there’s quite nothing like a weekend of boat training to drive home what you do and don’t know.

Having cut my teeth inland on much larger boats, refining the basics aboard a 5.8m RIB on Southampton water to get my RYA Powerboat Level 2 licence was an experience of fine margins and precise handling.

My hosts for the weekend were Hamble-based training centre Mendez Marine, which runs a range of courses for boaters of every level.

RYA Level 2 Powerboat is where many boaters start their training and while it is suitable for beginners, it’s no walk in the park.

In a group of three, alongside a 20-year veteran RYA Yachtmaster, I quickly embraced my role as the dunce of the class, regularly asking the stupid question.

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We began with the basics of wind and tide, and using these elements as your brakes when performing slow-speed manoeuvres. Next came Met Office forecast terminology and a quick rundown of the local bylaws.

Our instructor Kieran belied his years with two pieces of sage advice that I would later wish I had tattooed onto the inside of my eyelids: “Steer before gear, and keep one hand on steer and one hand on gear”.

The classroom section was necessary but mercifully short – the July sun was beating down and we’d come here to do some actual boating.

Out on the water

Kieran introduced us to Kake , our vessel for the day, with the fondness and respect that reflected his years growing up with boats of all sizes.

This Ribcraft powerboat was fitted out with GPS, VHF, a 140bhp outboard and a windscreen, which would come in handy during the high-speed thrills of day two.

After a quick orientation we cast off into a particularly strong spring tide and set about proving our mettle with some basic manoeuvres.

Holding off behind pylons and picking up a mooring buoy proved straightforward enough, but coming alongside was particularly challenging as the tide raced in.

The best way I can describe it to a non-boater is: imagine parallel parking a car on a slow-moving treadmill.

Kieran’s patient and encouraging attitude ensured we could all tick this off eventually, even if I took a few attempts to perform the manoeuvre without ferry drifting or bashing a sponsom against the pontoon.

Stopping for lunch back at base halted our progress up the Hamble, but we were relived to sit on a more comfortable seat.

While Kake was fitted out with everything we could need from a technical point of view, she was not built for comfort and the narrow seats meant that we were staggering like John Wayne after a two-hour stint on the river.

The afternoon’s activity started with turning in a confined space – a drill that really brought the whole ‘steer before gear’ principle into focus when the penalty for failure was bumping into a £2m superyacht.

The blazing sunshine had brought local river users out in their droves, and we were constantly reminded of the rules of the road as we navigated past sailboats, canoes, motorcruisers and paddleboarders.

Through it all Kake was highly responsive, much more so than I was expecting: it took a while to realise that small adjustments would be enough to change our course sufficiently.

With all our drills complete, we nipped back to our pontoon as low tide approached, thankful for our trim tilt and skeg-adjusted depth sounder as less than 1m of water remained at HQ.

We went our separate ways for the night, and while my boating skills had been given a thorough workout, I knew that the real fun had all been saved for day two.

Thrills and spills

A mercifully overcast second day saw us head out onto Southampton water for some high-speed action, and as Kake hit 4,000rpm and rose up onto the plane, I was reminded why I was doing this in the first place.

Nothing quite compares to the raw thrill of piloting a RIB at 25 knots. With the responsiveness of a rollercoaster and excitement to match, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular gateway to motorboating.

Kake ‘s unique characteristics came into play, as she smoothly turned to starboard but put up much more of a fight when turning to port.

The urge to grab the wheel with both hands was hard to resist, but Kieran’s second mantra ensured that we were never allowed to let go of the throttle for very long.

S-turns and powered U-turns were followed by tighter U-turns and P-turns, as we rode the considerable wash thrown up by sportsyachts and catamarans.

Once Kieran was satisfied that we knew how to do the fun stuff, we dropped anchor at Hythe for a lunch break and quick buoyage quiz.

One of the most useful things you can learn on a training course is what to do in an emergency and the man overboard procedure brought together everything we had learned so far.

Using a fender and a bit of clever distraction, Kieran simulated this worst case scenario and we were required to perform a P-turn before approaching upwind with the utmost precision to retrieve our tiny target.

The side-on drifting approach was also covered, by which time our sensei was satisfied that we could cope with a real-life MOB.

Hatching a plot

With chartplotters so commonplace these days it can be easy to neglect more traditional navigation skills, but this course ensured we could cope without such modern fripperies.

Classroom theory was put into practice as we took bearings from a compass to determine our exact location on the chart before following bearings that we’d mapped out in the morning to buoy hop our way back to the mouth of the Hamble.

Coming off Southampton water and back onto the river with its six-knot speed limit felt like turning off a motorway, and this led some to resort to impatient overtaking as we patiently cruised back to our berth before low tide.

I certainly felt a great deal of pride upon being presented with my certificate, and even though it is not a legal requirement unless your boat is more than 24m long, a course like this should be seen as an essential primer for any self-respecting skipper. I’m only ashamed I didn’t do one sooner.

Mendez Marine offers boat training ranging from VHF courses through to Yachtmaster exams. For more information, visit mendezmarine.co.uk or call 01489 588977.

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RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course 307

This RYA Accredited 2 day classroom theory and hands on practical training program is perfect for individuals interested in improving their hands-on powerboat and tender operating skills. This course is great for beginners or seasoned tender operators! The practical portion of the course utilizes MPT’s powerboat and tender fleet up to 8 meters.

Preparing for RYA Powerboat Level 2

Course video.

Course Description

2 day class in fort lauderdale, required materials.

PASSPORT for Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Pen, Highlighter, Bathing Suit/Shorts, sunscreen, hat, boat attire, towel, boat shoes, weather attire (optional), one passport (40mm x 40mm) photograph for certificate (available here in ships store)

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Testimonials

The class is very practical--wish it were longer! Rachelle, Saturday May 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great class. Nice boat and very informative instructor. Pedro, Friday February 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Keep up all the good work. It’s much appreciated. Zoe, Friday August 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great Instructor! Very professional and knowledgeable, thank you. David, Friday January 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Very well done !!!! Very happy to be here with you !!!! Tnks!!! Cruz, Wednesday January 2014 RYA Powerboat Level 2

This was an amazing course. Would recommend it to anybody Eric, Friday May 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

PBLII was a good course. Jeff was very patient during the on-water-training, and overall good instructor. Jennifer, Wednesday April 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

you guys are great! Zachary, Thursday July 2012 RYA Powerboat Level 2

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

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RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL II

Superyacht Training Academy

INTRODUCTORY POWERBOAT TRAINING COURSE

A must-have for anyone wishing to work in the superyacht industry.

RYA Powerboat Level II is an introductory powerboat training course which is a must-have for anyone wishing to work in the Superyacht industry. This will give you the license to drive a small powerboat often used on the Superyachts to take crew or guests to shore. The RYA Powerboat Level II Course will give you an understanding of parts of the boat and terminology, engine checks, rules around safe marina navigation, docking, mooring and man overboards.

Most importantly, you will receive the best of both worlds – certification to drive someone else’s boat as well as the opportunity to gain the experience and knowledge to be safe at sea. 

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Course Includes

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Parts of the boat
• Types of crafts
• Engines and drives
• Collision regulations
• Boat control
• Crew and rope work
• Trailering and launching
• Boat handling
• Day shapes and light
• Coming alongside
• Mooring buoys
• Man overboard

Are you ready to book your seat?

For more information, course schedules and availability.

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RYA Powerboat Level 2 course (own boat tuition)

The  RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course  is the perfect course for you whether you have no previous experience or have been powerboating for a while and want to brush up your skills. An added bonus is if you want the option to hire or use a powerboat whilst you're on holiday in Europe you can also gain the  International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.)  after completing this course, without doing anything further, all you need to do is complete the I.C.C. application form & pay the certificate fee! If you're looking at using this certificate for work then you can also move towards gaining the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Commercial Endorsement. 

Maximum Group Size:  3

Previous Experience:  None

Minimum Age:  12 years 

Maximum Powerboat Size:  10m

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course Syllabus:

• Launching & recovery
• Boat handling at low & higher speed
• Securing to a buoy
• Man overboard recovery techniques
• Leaving & coming alongside (marina handling)
• Turning in a confined space
• Basic Navigation & passage planning
• IRPCS (rules of the road)
• Weather & Tides

What's included?

• RYA Powerboat Instructor for 2 days
• RYA Start Powerboating eHandbook
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate (assuming successful completion)

Course Fees (2021):

Own boat tuition kit requirements:.

Interested? Contact us today on:

Call: 01202 406066 or Email [email protected]

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RYA & STCW Courses – Sail, Power, Super-Yacht & Workboat

RYA Powerboat Level 1

Rya powerboat level 1 overview:.

RYA Powerboat Level 1 is the first course in the RYA Powerboat Training Scheme, this one-day course offers a taster and introduction to the sport of powerboating. Sometime referred to as the RYA PB1 Course, it is suitable for complete beginners, however most people book the Powerboat Level 2 Course (2 days) as this includes everything in the Level 1 and is more comprehensive.

COURSE DURATION:

The Powerboat Level 1 is a short, one day course, run from 0915 to 1645. We run this popular course most weekends and some weekdays.

RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 1 PRE REQUISITES

There are no pre-requisites for this course, although a minimum age of 8 years applies. Complete powerboating beginners will find this course a useful introduction to the sport.

RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 1 CONTENT:

Your Instructor will start by showing you the basics of boat handling and ensure that you spend several hours on the wheel as well as crewing for the other students.

For those who want a bit more speed, there will be an opportunity for some planning speed handling in the afternoon. The student to instructor ratio will not exceed 3 to 1. Students will receive the RYA Powerboat Level 1 (PB1) Certificate, but for those who want to take up powerboating or require a licence for insurance purposes, we strongly recommend the full two day combined RYA Level 1 & 2 Powerboat Course instead.

• Instruction
• Use of a powerboat and fuel
• Loan of a life jacket
• RYA Level 1 Powerboat Certificate
• Free on street parking
• Tea & Coffee

NOT INCLUDED

• Wet weather gear (this can be hired for £5 a day)
• Lunch (Can be bought locally, but we recommend a packed lunch)

RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 1  COURSE RATIOS:

This course will run with no more than 3 students per boat/instructor, sometimes less.

As a flexible course, there are many ways to book:

You can book as an individual on either a standard or youth course, as appropriate.

Alternatively, you can book as a whole family or group (up to 3 students per boat).

WHY CHOOSE CHIEFTAIN TRAINING FOR YOUR RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 1 COURSE?

Chieftain Training is a family run organisation with a strong ethos committed to delivering the best quality training courses. We want you to learn and get the skills you sign up for, but we also want you to have fun.

Our Director has been in the business for three decades and know what works best. He trains new Instructors on behalf of the RYA and picks the best to work with us so we can offer our customers a consistently high quality course. It doesn’t matter which course you book onto or on which date: you will be guaranteed to receive the best level of training possible.

We are a training company, we do not get distracted by charter, holiday, boat sales or anything else. Our sole interest is in training. We think it important for our students to learn with high quality, modern kit, so this is what we provide as standard. Our XS Powerboats (6 & 7m) were bought specifically for training purposes.

We have a RYA Powerboat Advanced Trainer on our full time staff (this is the highest powerboat appointment within the RYA schemes). As a result, our Instructors are kept on their toes, delivering a consistently high standard and course content will always be fresh and up to date.

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RYA Powerboat level 2

The RYA Powerboat level 2 is a two-day, entry level course that will give you the background knowledge and boat handling skills you need to safely drive a powerboat, including low speed techniques and driving at planing speed.

RYA powerboat courses are aimed at drivers of small powered craft such as sports boats and RIBs, that don’t generally undertake long or offshore passages.

Taught in English

All RYA courses are taught in English. We recommend a minimum level of B1 for 1-day and 2-day courses and a minimum level of B2 for longer courses, theory courses and specialised training, such as SRC (VHF) radio.

Quick facts: RYA powerboat level 2

Here’s a summary of what you need to know.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate

For UK nationals / residents, qualifies you for the ICC

The course lasts two full days (16 hours)

You get at least 12 hours out on the water

Maximum 3 students per course

With only 3 students, lots of individual coaching!

Book 1 or 2 places on an open course

Or choose rental with tuition

Drive RIBs or hard sided powerboats

Beneteau Flyer 8 Spacedeck (2021)

The details: RYA powerboat level 2 

Click on the tabs for more detailed information.

• You'll learn
• Requirements
• Recognition

The course lasts two full days. Each day starts at 09.00 and finishes at 17.00 with a break for lunch (lunch is not included). The RYA Powerboat level 2 course is taught in small groups with a maximum of three students per group.

Course dates

We offer courses year-round, with two sessions each week in the summer months and at least two sessions per month during the rest of the year. If you’re interested in a private course or if you’re a group of two or more, please contact us to set up a date. You can email us at [email protected] or call us at 00 34 639 20 22 97 to discuss availability.

Is this course for me?

This course is suitable for beginners and for drivers with experience who are looking for formal training and certification. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.

You can choose to complete the course either as part of an open group or you can rent a boat for the day and complete the course with family and friends. You can also choose to run this course on your own boat.

Open groups With an open group booking, you book a place on a course and we’ll admit up to a maximum of three students onto that same course. This is the most economical option if there are less than 3 participants; however, it’s also the least flexible option if your availability is limited. The price of a seat on an open course includes fuel and mooring fees away from our base. Price per person in an open group: 545€

Rental with tuition With this option, you rent a powerboat from us and we provide the instructor and teaching materials. This option gives you the maximum flexibility in terms of dates and the kind of boat we’ll use in training (subject to availability). As with any charter, you’re responsible for paying the fuel for the boat. Please contact us if you’d like a quotation for a rental and course pack.

Own boat tuition If you already own a powerboat, or if you have a friend who owns a boat, we’re more than happy to run your Powerboat level 1 course on your own boat. Please contact us if you’d like a quotation for a rental and course pack.

What’s included

Your RYA Powerboat Level 1 course with The Boat School includes:

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate
• Use of lightweight inflatable life jackets
• Cold water on the boat
• Fuel and mooring fees (open groups only)

What’s not included

Meals are not included. On the first day of the course, we’ll return to Denia for some tapas in a local restaurant or bar. On the second day, we’ll anchor (or tie up to a mooring buoy) and have lunch on the boat.

Practical skills, including… Leaving a mooring & coming alongside Picking up a mooring buoy Anchoring & weighing anchor Slow speed manoeuvres Close quarters boat handling Planing speed (fast) manoeuvres Man overboard recovery

& just the right amount of theory, including… The Rules of the Road Weather information Pilotage and passage planning

The course lasts 2 full days. Each day starts at 09.00 and finishes at 17.00.

The minimum age for this course is 12. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with a certificate endorsed “Not to be in charge of a powerboat unless under the supervision of a responsible adult”. We only run this course for under 16’s if the parent or guardian is taking the course at the same time.

Recognition in Spain

Unlike the United Kingdom, Spain requires that skippers hold a boat licence to operate boats flying a Spanish flag. The same rule applies if you buy a boat or rent a boat. Navigating the waters with an RYA qualification in Spain varies depending on several factors including the boat’s flag state, the pilot’s nationality, residence, and the boating location. Here’s a summary:

UK Citizens or Residents : Post-BREXIT, Spain recognizes RYA qualifications for UK citizens or residents. This makes it easier for them to rent boats or sail their own in Spanish waters. UK-flagged boats require no additional steps, but boats under the Spanish flag need registration for authorization; the process is automatic and simple.

Non-UK Citizens with Non-Spanish Flagged Boats : To navigate in Spanish waters, a valid boating license from the boat’s flag country or the skipper’s country of origin or residence is necessary. RYA qualifications are generally accepted if recognized in the skipper’s home country. Carrying proof of a qualification’s acceptance, such as a letter from an insurance broker, is advisable.

Non-UK Citizens with Spanish Flagged Boats : The General Directorate of Merchant Marine allows EEA citizens and those from specific countries to skipper Spanish-flagged recreational boats with a license from their home country. In practice, most boat clubs and charter companies accept RYA qualifications.

Overall, while RYA qualifications are highly regarded, their acceptability in Spain is nuanced and varies based on specific circumstances, especially concerning the boat’s flag state and the skipper’s nationality or residency.

 As a school recognised by the Spanish Maritime Authority, The Boat School can issue a Spanish Boat Licence to students who have successfully completed the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. This option is not available for every course.

You can find out more about the Spanish Boat Licence here.

International recognition

On successful completion of an RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course, UK nationals and nationals of certain other countries (Recognition) automatically qualify for an ICC issued by the RYA (see the tab “ICC”).

The ICC is widely recognised as evidence of competence in most European countries.

On successful completion of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course, UK nationals and nationals of certain other countries automatically qualify for an ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) issued by the RYA.

The UK ICC is issued by the RYA issued in conformity with Resolution No. 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Working Party on Inland Water Transport. The certificate is available to a person who fulfils the following eligibility criteria:

1) has reached the age of 16. 2) is physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft. 3) holds the Powerboat Level 2 course completion certificate. 4) meets the nationality requirements.

Who can get an ICC from the RYA?

The following countries have NOT yet adopted Resolution 40 of the UNECE. If you are a national of one of these countries and you are resident in that country or another country on this list the RYA WILL issue you with an ICC.

Albania Andorra Armenia Azerbaijan Bosnia and Herzegovina Canada Cyprus Denmark Estonia France Georgia Greece Iceland Israel Italy Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Liechtenstein Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands* Poland Portugal Russian Federation San Marino Serbia Slovenia Spain Sweden Tajikistan The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Turkey Turkmenistan United States of America Uzbekistan

*The Netherlands has adopted Resolution 40 of the UNECE; however, the Dutch Government has given the RYA special permission to issue the ICC.

Who can’t get an ICC from the RYA?

The following countries have adopted Resolution 40 of the UNECE. If you are a national of one of these countries and are resident in that country or another country on this list the RYA WILL NOT issue you with an ICC. If you are a national of one of the countries on this list, you should be able to obtain an ICC from your own Government provided you are able to meet their requirements.

Austria Belarus Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Finland Germany Hungary Ireland Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Norway Romania Slovakia Switzerland Ukraine

Book your RYA Powerboat level 2

If you choose to book a place on an open group, we’ll put a maximum of three people on your course. We need two people booked onto a course before we can confirm your reservation.

To book the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course with the Boat School, please follow these steps:

1. Choose Your Start Date : From the calendar, select your preferred start date for the two-day course. 2. Pick a Location : Based on the date you’ve chosen, select from the available locations. 3. Specify Participants : Indicate the number of people attending the course. 4. Fill Out the Form : Complete the reservation form with contact details and, if booking for others, ensure you have their personal details ready. 5. Payment : Finalize your booking with an online payment.

Remember, the course duration is two days, starting from the date you select on the calendar. Prices may vary based on the course date and the number of participants.

With The Boat School, you can choose to book your RYA Powerboat level 2 course in an open group, rent a powerboat and get training on the boat you hire or even run the course on your own boat.

Rental with Course Pack or Own Boat tuition

The Powerboat level 2 Own Boat / Rental option gives you maximum flexibility whether you’re looking for a small group (up to 3 students) or you want one-to-one training. You can choose between:

• Renting a powerboat and doing the course on this boat
• Running a course on your own boat

If you’d like a personalised quote for a rental with course pack or for own boat tuition, please use the contact form below to tell us what you’re looking for.

What our students think

Real reviews from our students..

The Boat School is part of Greenwich Náutica, a well-established sea school operating in Madrid and the Valencian Community. With a Google rating of 4.9 out of 5, Greenwich Náutica is renowned for its dedicated team of instructors, premium boats, and a wide range of courses that cater to all levels of sailors. As the only RYA school in the Valencian Community that also operates within the Spanish system, we possess unparalleled local knowledge, which adds significant value to our international students’ learning experience.

Ready to book? Got any questions?

Please use the form below and we’ll get back to you.

Or give us a call on:

Call an RYA Boat School instructor on: 639202297

We'd be delighted to talk you through different course options and send you a personalised proposal if you need a package of courses.

The Boat School

Recognized by the Royal Yachting Association to conduct Powerboat Training, Sail Cruising courses in the Yachtmaster (sail) scheme and Shorebased (theory) courses.

Recognized by the Spanish Directorate General for Merchant Shipping, the Comunidad Valenciana and the Region of Murcia to conduct sail, motor, powerboat and VHF training.

Operational Base Denia

Marina de Dénia (Sail courses) Darsena de babor s/n 03700 · Denía Alicante · Spain Click to call

Marina El Portet (Powerboat courses) Moll de la pansa, s/n 3700 · Dénia Alicante · Spain Click to call

Classrooms & pick up for certificates Carrer de Fora Mur, 12 03700 · Dénia Alicante · Spain Click to call

Madrid Office

Greenwich Náutica C/ Marqués de Lema 7, Local 6 28003 · Madrid Spain Click to call