Aim: To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. Minimum age 12, those aged 12 to 16 will receive a Level 2 Certificate endorsed “The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult”.

Please note (From PTUK): The vast majority of time on the course is spent on the water boat handling. Therefore the volume of text dedicated to the topics below should not be taken to indicate the time spent on each of these areas.

Launching and recovery: Use of a trailer or launching trolley; Consideration of launching and sea conditions, including hazards and obstructions; Number of persons required to launch/recover; Construction, width and condition of slipway; Steep/slippery slipways, beach launching, lee shores; Care of trailer bearings, hitch, lashings, ties, lights and winch; Trailer parking; Prepare the boat, lines, fenders, safety equipment, fuel tanks, lines and secure gear on board.

Boat handling: Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE Plate and manufacturer's recommendation; Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way; Crew members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look-out; Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash; Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream; High speed manoeuvring: planing, trim tabs and power trim; Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low speed handling, tiller/console steering; Carry out pre-start checks, engine starting and stopping; Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times; Carry out low speed manoeuvres including: turning in a confined area, effect of wind on bow and holding off. Demonstrate an awareness of the danger of flooding when going astern; Carry out high speed manoeuvres including S-turns and U-turns

Securing to a buoy: Preparation of mooring warp; Use of a boat hook; Method of approach; Crew communication; Making fast; Procedure when overshooting; Approach and secure to buoy

Anchoring: Method of approach in various conditions; Taking way off; Crew communication; Check holding; Depth of water, holding ground, scope required; Types of anchor; Stowage and attachment to boat; Preparation of anchor, chain and warp; Weighing anchor; Approach and anchor correctly; Weigh anchor correctly.

Leaving and coming alongside: Preparation and use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way; Speed and angle of approach; Wind effect; Method of approach in tidal stream or current; Make fast alongside; Use springs; Leave - ahead or astern

Man overboard: Recovery or man overboard; Take immediate action; Observe the man overboard; Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller; Approach and recover the man in the water

Theory: Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping  ability; Engines and drives: advantages and disadvantages of outboard, inboard and outdrive units, single and twin screws, choice and use of fuels; Siting of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring, fire extinguishers; Routine engine maintenance checks, basic fault diagnosis; Close down procedure; Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters; Use and limitations of GPS; Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping; Sources of weather information; Awareness of other water users; Communication with other craft - hand and sound signals; Disabled craft; Emergency action, preventing sinking; Adrift - alternative means or propulsion; Towing and being towed; Fire precautions and fire fighting ; Ropework; Distress signals and the Mayday call; Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5,7,8,9,12-19

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