The RYA Powerboat Scheme is aimed at craft up to about 33ft/10m. The qualifications gained from within this scheme are recognised around the world and some are relevant to those driving commercially. The powerboat scheme courses suit a wide variety of craft from small dories and RIBs to larger 4 berth family cruiser type vessels.
From the menu below please select the course that you think best addresses your needs and then select the button to read more. To help make things even clearer we’ve created a simple Training Pathway document (blue button above right) that you can download and read at your leisure.
Do feel free to call/email us though as for many people which course to take isn’t entirely clear and we’re always delighted to provide objective and impartial advice – whether you decide to train with us or another school.
This is the most popular course that we teach. Suits those new to boating who want to develop the base skills but also those who have boated for a while but who want to ensure they are approaching their boating the right way. There is no requirement for Level 1 to do this course.
This is the course to take on your boat for those keen to get a really good grounding in close quarter boat handling plus the ability to use charts, tidal information and understand buoyage so you can undertake short inshore passages. Level 1 is not required.
An ICC is usually essential if you are considering taking your own boat abroad or chartering one when overseas. The ICC can be obtained either using a relevant RYA qualification or through an ‘ICC test’.
Also known as the Powerboat Day Cruising Course the course is aimed at those who have boated a season or more, probably already have Level 2 and want to learn more about coastal cruising. It focuses on navigation and passage planning.
Learn more about charts, tides, planning a passage and how to use electronic navigation effectively then undertake a passage with one of our instructors on board to put the skills into practice. A great course to do on your own boat.
After Level 2 this is a great way to get afloat and hone the skills you learnt during the Level 2 course. Time is spent focussing on both boat handling and making a passage and there’s time for a relaxing lunch too!
Training on your boat can the form of either a RYA course or often just focusses on the subjects that you want to cover. Read about the various options for training on your boat.
Children aged 12 upwards are welcome to join us on our Level 2 courses. Courses run usually in the Easter and Summer holiday and during half terms.
We welcome children aged 8 upwards on to our dedicated children’s Level 1 courses. Courses run usually in the easter and summer holidays and during half terms when it is warm (ish).
Level 1 is a great course as a basic introduction to boating as a ‘competent crew’ type course or a taster session. Suits both children or adults. It is NOT required for entry to Level 2 and most adults go straight in at Level 2.
Aimed at those already working as a tender driver transferring guests/passengers in sectors such as the superyacht world or in other environments where you may need to transfer guests and passengers.
Aimed at those keen to develop a better understanding of boating at night – suits those with no experience at night and also those with experience keen to add hours afloat ahead of an advanced exam.
Aimed at experienced leisure boaters and those seeking to work commercially the Advanced Course can be followed by the Advanced Examination. Addresses areas such as night navigation, rough water handling and search patterns – a great course!
Become a RYA Powerboat Instructor to be able to teach Level 1, Level 2 and potentially the Safety Boat course as part of a RYA Training Centre. A great way to share your passion for boating with others.
This is a mandatory requirement ahead of the Powerboat Instructors course. If possible undertake the assessment 4 – 6 weeks before the Instructor course but we always schedule assessments for the day before an Instructor course just in case you can’t make it sooner.
An Advanced Instructor can teach the Advanced Powerboat and Intermediate Powerboat courses and run own boat training away from the centre’s base.
The Advanced Powerboat Exam is the qualification needed for almost all skippers looking to drive commercially in sub (about) 10m powerboats whether RIBs or hard boats. It qualifies you up to 20 miles from a safe haven.