RYA Powerboat Training Courses

Each year we run a considerable number of RYA Powerboat Instructor, RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor and RYA Personal Watercraft ('Jetski') Instructor courses. So far this year we have run 5 PBI courses and these are invariably run by Paul and Nye. Our location in Poole Harbour is exceptional for these courses as we can expose potential instructors to the full range of teaching situations they may face and help them to understand the key aspects of becoming an effective instructor.

For every PBI course we run we offer the option for new Instructors to come and sit in on a Level 2 course ahead of attending the PBI course then afterwards we will arrange for them to come and join in on a real Level 2 course alongside one of our highly experienced instructors. We have been offering these options for years and it has become a really beneficial part of these courses.

Also within the PBI & PWI courses we always have what we call "guinea pigs" which are real people with little/no existing experience for the potential instructors to teach - if you have no experience and would like to be put on our list of potential GPs then email/call.

Finally - congratulations to Chris & Peter who are the latest additions to the world of being a RYA Powerboat Instructor - well done!!

If you would like more information about the possibility of becoming an Instructor click - here

From 2014/5 the RNLI will start building the new Shannon class at the main RNLI HQ in Poole - a stones throw from our classrooms and a site that every course on the water passes repeatedly when they are afloat. The need to redevelop the site to accommodate the manufacture of the Shannon coupled to the desire to upgrade the facilities has meant that the RNLI needed a temporary home for the Refit and Maintenance department. We are really please they chose Cobb's Quay so every day we have lifeboats being recovered up the slipway, worked on in the yard and a good number of pontoons and hard standing is being used by the RNLI to store all weather lifeboats. Indeed yesterday we counted 11 in the water and 4 on the hard!!

The RNLI will be at Cobbs Quay for about 18 months so it presents a great opportunity to come and see lifeboats out of the water at up close. The downside? Trying to focus a Level 2 group on a classroom session when outside the window a Tamar is being recovered from the water! Impressive!

When we first started as a school the challenge was to find a training boat that was going to stand the test of time. As those that have trained with us over the last few years will agree the workhorse of our Level 2 courses - Nova, a 5.6m Avon - really fitted the bill and did a great job for us.

As with everything though there is a time to change and Mistral (above) is our replacement for Nova. A 6.8m Ribcraft with a 175Hp Suzuki Mistral is a really great boat. With full seating for 8 we will shortly get her coded but for the moment she is cutting her teeth on Level 2, Intermediate and Instructor courses.

Like Harrier Mistral also worked at the London 2012 Olympics in Mistral's case down as a Police Boat in Weymouth. For those that were there she was Police Boat No 37 - any photos are welcome (she tended to operate in the Portland Harbour area during the games). Somewhat ironically Hannah & Sam who worked at the Weymouth Games for Solent RIB Charter spent a good amount of time looking after her

Each year we train many commercial or military organisations in a variety of areas. Some require standard RYA courses both afloat and ashore whilst others need more specialist training.

Typical organisations include Fire & Rescue Services/Police Forces/Construction companies where we have provide RYA Powerboat Level 2, Intermediate, Advanced and Instructors courses coupled to shorebased sessions such as VHF and Dayskipper Theory.

More specialist training includes Search & Rescue, Helicopter Operations, Boarding Operations, Maritime Interdiction and Rough Water Operations.

If your organisation is involved in any of these areas and wants to discuss such training on a no obligation basis please contact Paul Glatzel. We will also be at Seaworks to discuss the training needs of commercial organisations.

With so many articles in this news section about film jobs, the Olympics and other memorable events each year it is easy to fail to highlight the real core of our business - normal people with normal boats having fun.

Just like the family here training with Russ on their Boston Whaler. The kids - Dan & Katie - had a fab time and its fair to say the parents probably will have to ask very nicely to get the chance to helm at any stage in the near future!

Each year we train hundreds of people on their own boats or on our craft. We're always available to chat through courses and what is likely to best serve your boating needs.

We are pleased that we are able to support a variety of charities and voluntary organisations in the harbour. This year we have added Poole Sailability to the list of organisations we support by offering some free training days from our instructors during 2013 coupled to reductions on some course prices for their volunteers.

Perhaps you can help Poole Sailability too with donations, equipment or time - www.poolesailability.co.uk

Sunseeker are a huge name in the boating world and their amazing craft form a wonderful backdrop to every course we run in Poole as all of our courses pass the factory and the moored craft that are being finished on the water.

For some years we have been undertaking the training for Sunseeker to Yachtmaster level and this year we were delighted to be asked to take Sunseeker’s Apprentices through the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course.

The Sunseeker apprentice scheme is highly regarded in the industry and each year affords the opportunity for many local youngsters to learn their trade at one of the biggest names in the world. The scheme also ensures the trainees get boating qualifications and we are delighted that we were chosen to undertake this training.

The new Poole Twin Sails bridge has been labelled ‘iconic in many papers and in many articles. We have to say that it a truly stunning addition to Holes Bay and adds that ‘certain something’ to any course. Coming through the bridge at any time is something special, at night it is almost magical.

The VIP boat in the background hosted the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Anne, Prince Philip and David Cameron (amongst others) during the Olympics. See on Harrier the comms mast which sent live TV from Harrier to the outside broadcast unit then straight to your TVs!

As soon as we completed the training for the Games we travelled down with Solent RIB Charter who had chartered Harrier for the games. Paul worked with the BBC team on behalf of SRC and helmed the double Olympic gold medal winner Shirley Robertson as she commentated on the sailing live from the water.

With Tim the cameraman Shirley & Tim got some great shots and went out live on various BBC channels. With the BBC being the local broadcaster the highlight though was the gold and silver medal interviews conducted from Harrier, Paul would be holding onto the dinghy whilst Shirley got the words and Tim nailed the shots. A truly awesome three weeks!

Thanks to Ingrid Abery a professional sailing photographer for taking these photos for us. Visit Ingrid's website to see an enormous number of great photos - www.ingridabery.com

Late in 2011 we were invited to submit a tender to Dorset Police/LOCOG with respect to the training for the vessels undertaking security for the sailing events in Weymouth and Portland for the London 2012 Olympics. We formed a bid partnership with Solent RIB Charter (who we have worked with for years), Yamaha Europe, Icom, Ocean Safety and Smit. After numerous stages it was announced that we had secured the training contract for the games – a massive result – we were really happy. The hard work then started and we got our plans together to deliver about 200 VHF courses, 180 Sea Survival courses and of course the on water training.

The highlight of the one water training for the PWs was probably the final delivery trip to Portland from Poole. The 45 mile trip gave the Yamaha PRO PWs a great final shakedown ahead of the games.

The variety of training we undertook on the water necessitated the creation of a number of bespoke courses. Whilst some are unlikely to see the light of day again (unless we get the Olympics again in our lifetimes) we are able to introduce some new courses that are available to a wider audience. A great example is the 'Patrol Watercraft Course' for PWs - contact us for more information.

Top Hat our Botnia Targa motor cruiser has served us well over the years so when she requested a chartplotter and radar setup (by refusing to let the old one switch on) we chose the new Raymarine e97 with a HD radar and the ability to add a remote station using an iPad and the Raymarine Raycontrol app. This is a really great setup and the ability to operate the system from two stations is really handy.

Our first visit to Seaworks (the commercial marine exhibition) was a really successful few days and allowed us to interact with the commercial sector (wind farms, marine construction firm, military, law enforcement, fire & rescue etc) which forms about half of our business – leisure users accounting for the other half. We hope to be there in 2013.

The RYA Powerboat Handbook has been a top selling book for the RYA since it was first published in 2003. 2013 will bring the publication of the handbook as a eBook to add to the RYA’s books already offered in this format. During October the RYA visited and filmed some videos and interviews to go in the book. Sammy and Hannah drove the boats and Sam was even persuaded to demo a lifejacket by jumping into the harbour – the only rule was that he had to promise not to complain despite the cold as it was a one shot shoot.

October saw the screening of 10 episodes of the new CBBC series – Hero Squad. Three of the episodes of Hero Squad were filmed at the RNLI and we were asked to provide Harrier as a film platform for the 4 days of filming. The programmes featured six twelve year old kids as they were trained by the training team at the RNLI and effected a few rescues (one for real). Whilst aimed at kids the shows that aired (and may still be available via iPlayer) were actually really good and being involved with Glen and his team at the RNLI was great fun.

Professional Rescue, as the name implies, is a small specialist consultancy and equipment supplier meeting the needs of the Flood, Swiftwater and Technical Rope Rescue Services here in the UK and Internationally.

Run by David Lane and based in Poole we are working closely with David's team to offer a wide range of additional courses to our commercial and specialist clients. In addition to Swiftwater Rescue Courses we are now able to offer Swiftwater Boat Operator courses and Rescue Watercraft Courses.

If this is an area of interest please contact Paul to discuss your potential training needs.

The RYA has launched the new Professional Practices and Responsibilities course online. Read more about this mandatory course for commercial users on this page - RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities Course

View Richard Falk of the RYA Training department explaining this course in the video above

Each year we have an Instructor day for our permanent and freelance instructors. This is a great day to update everyone, catch up with other and share views and ideas. This year we decided not to go afloat (for the first time in 5 years) and were rewarded with the hottest day of the year!! Next year we'll go back afloat so you can be guaranteed it will throw it down!

These instructor days are augmented by regular catch up sessions, email briefings and training sessions to ensure that we all stay abreast of current thinking and best practice.

The Twin Sails Bridge is now open to traffic and is creating a fabulous spectacle on our courses. Helming a craft underneath it and seeing the arches raise and lower is a really fabulous sight.

As you will have seen from earlier posts in this News section the Twin Sails bridge in Poole had the potential to be a truly iconic feature. The bridge is almost ready to open and the reality is even more impressive than we first thought. The bridge looks stunning and the only shame of it is that most of the time is it will be down to allow traffic to pass. We go under the bridge daily and have seen it evolve and grow - we're looking forward to the opening on 9th March.

The presence of the bridge causes no issues to us from a training perspective and in many ways it actually adds to the training experience giving another challenge to navigate and understand. It certainly adds another visual spectacle to the already impressive run into the main part of the harbour.

During 2011 we ran over 20 instructor courses so it was great to start the year with a really keen group of new potential RYA Powerboat Instructors. Our Instructor courses split fairly evenly between Powerboat Instructor courses and Personal Watercraft Instructor courses and are run either in Poole, at other RYA Training Centres or on Superyachts. Thinking about a change in direction....... (www.powerboat-training-uk.co.uk/courses_instructor.htm)

We were delighted to be asked to undertake an 'Own boat' Level 2 course on Yin Yang (a Searay 215)at Cobbs Quay as it set an enviable new record. We trained the first owners of Yin Yang about 8 years ago and we then trained the second owner, the third owner and now the fourth owner. Throughout its life it's lived at Cobbs and is truly a great boat.

Powerboat Level 2 courses on our RIBs and on clients own boats are really our bread and butter but it is noticeable reading through this news section that we tend not to cover this side too much. Each year we train many hundreds of people towards their Level 2 qualification to boat in the UK or abroad. Level 2 remains the bedrock of the RYA scheme and our Instructors really enjoy running these courses. (www.powerboat-training-uk.co.uk/courses_powerboat_level_2.htm)

There's nothing we like more than undertaking a lift with a helicopter. This lift occurred between our motor cruiser Top Hat and the Portland Rescue Helicopter. Wherever possible on relevant courses we will try to see if a lift can be arranged.

Over the last 3 - 4 years we have trained specialist teams from various sectors across a variety of RYA and specialist courses. Fire crews have been to us for Level 2, Intermediate, Advanced and Instructor courses and we have even run VHF courses at fire stations and headquarters. We have teamed up with Professional Rescue in Poole (www.professional-rescue.co.uk/index.htm) who are specialists in technical rescue, swiftwater training and other such courses to offer an enhanced service to these sectors.

PS: Our Level 2 courses aren't actually so risky we need to wear helmets but the operating requirements of many teams necessitates the wearing of them.

Each year we send a team to the Caribbean to train a Coastguard team over a 5 to 6 week period as RIB Drivers. The drivers attending the course already possess a good amount of experience and we train them formerly in a range of areas from boat handling, man overboard, fast boat navigation (day and night), boarding operations, search and rescue and helicopter transfers. It's always a fun but intensive few weeks and is a surprisingly popular job to get on amongst our team of Instructors!

Note: This course is not a RYA course and most the manouvres shown do not form part of any RYA course

For some years we have run a great Yamaha Waverunner personal watercraft for our one day PW courses and our instructor courses. We realised though in early 2011 that we needed another PW too. We purchased a Seadoo to compliment the Yamaha and it is a great ski, it lives on its own little plastic dock - getting on and off it is a lesson in itself.

Wessex Marine are the UK importers of the Marino range of craft and an impressive boat it is too. Inevitably such an edgy design won't be to everyone's taste but Paul loved taking it over to Lymington to meet it's new owner then undertaking a days training with him. Speak to David or Guy at Wessex Marine if a Marino takes your fancy (www.wessexmarine.co.uk)

For the last couple of years Poole afloat has combined with the Poole pirates day - Harry Paye Day - to create a great spectacle on the Quay. As ever we had a stand on the quay and brought one of our hire boats along to take people out on. The weather was great and it was nice to meet up and bump into many old friends.

A few years ago we were the first RYA Training Centre invited to become a member of Superyacht UK so we were delighted to become the first training centre to be invited to join BMF Commercial Marine ('BMFCM'). BMFCM is the part of the British Marine Federation focussed on serving the commercial market such as the emerging sector of renewable energy. Our involvement in this sector makes us a logical addition to the group. (BMF Commercial Marine)

Okay not entirely believable but worth a try! The RYA scheme to allow superyachts to become training centres has been hugely successful and we are delighted to have been one of the key players in this sector from day one. During the first year of the scheme, of the 30 or so yachts that set up we set up about 25 of them. With about 200 registered now we retain a healthy percentage of that market - although not quite achieving what we did in the first year percentage wise. Each year we travel to a variety of locations or crew come to us in Poole and run instructor courses and prepare all of the documentation for the yachts. Funnily enough Paul always seem keen on the superyacht jobs when they come in.

A beautiful place is the totally accurate caption that Poole Tourism created to promote Poole - how right they are. The beaches and countryside are amazing and we have a wealth of things to do and places to go. It is afloat though that things get really special as this photo shows. Where else on your Level 2 course (or any course for that matter) can you go afloat in any weather (the harbour creates great shelter), cruise by multi million pound Sunseekers nestled up against the magnificence of the RNLI Centre and College and watch as the Royal Marines blast by on raiding craft, parachute from Hercules and swing RIBs below Chinooks. Let's not forget the many yacht clubs, thousands of boats and stunning scenery - An amazing place

As a product of the time we spend afloat, each year we respond to a lot of rescues in the harbour and further afield. Sometimes this is to tow a broken down craft whilst on other occasions it can be to a serious problem with someone in the water. This is one of the reasons as an Instructor team we practice recovery skills as part of our Instructor update sessions. Each year we conduct a variety of training with our instructors and in this photo have sacrificed Paul to the depths of Poole Bay to practice with - sadly he remembered to wear a drysuit.

Remember though we don't practice with real people in the water on RYA courses - its not worth the risk.

The other thing we have relaunched recently is our Facebook page - here. We established the page in late 2009 but have to admit to being a bit lax with keeping it up to date. We start 2011 with new impetus though so keep an eye on the site as we'll keep uploading new photos and news. we will also be creating a Purple Pelican Facebook page soon for our hire boat business.

January saw the relaunch of the RYA Basic Safety and Navigation Course as the RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course - a far better reflection of what the course is all about. The big news is that you now have two ways to do this course - in our classroom over two days or online over 6-10 hours. This course perfectly suits those who have just taken Level 2 and want to move their knowledge on to the next level.

The snow of December seems a dim and distant memory now and January is giving us a wonderful mixture of some stormy windy days and some truly stunning weather - like today. What better way can there be to start the year than afloat so do take the time to think about what plans you have for this year and how training may fit into that. We're always happy to chat boats so feel free to give us a call or pop in for a coffee. Plenty of people seem to be getting afloat and today we've had the motor cruiser out on a Dayskipper Practical course, boats out on a full Level 2 course with one additional chap sitting in observing ahead of his instructor course and five others doing their Yachtmaster Theory course with Campbell - we're very happy so far.

Next week Top Hat is having its engines out for a full rebuild so watch this space for updates on progress.

Actually we're lying and as we write MDL's contractors are piling the retaining walls around part of the slipway and the fuel berth, we also see large JCBs fly past the Office window down the slipway - a surreal sight!. Whilst its a bit noisy its actually good for all of us at Cobbs as it will make fuelling up even more efficient and quicker so it's well worth the short term noise.

When we go out on courses we see the Harbour's contractors pushing on with the building of the new Twin sails bridge which should in time become an iconic feature of life in Poole. We had a meeting with the Marina Manager (Dave Wilson) the other day and he confirmed the way that it will work with the new bridge. The bridges will lift every hour but the sequence will vary according to the time of day:

0500 - 1400: Lift sequence - New bridge lifts, then Old bridge, then New bridge.

There might be some fun moments holding station between the bridges but hourly lifts is a massive result.

Harrier our a 7.8m Ribcraft works really hard on our powerboat courses and as a charter boat and over the last few years has racked up over 2400 hours on its Yamaha 225Hp. In December we fitted a new 250Hp Suzuki 4 stroke and what an engine! Its wonderfully quiet, looks the part and pulls nicely.

If you want to get your family or company out on Harrier then give us a call about what we can do for you in terms of a charter or come on a powerboat course and helm it.

Our clients regularly travel huge distances to train with us and indeed we often go far afield to train. Late in 2010 we welcomed Sameh (from Egypt), Jonas (Sweden), Alan and Elton (independently from the United Arab Emirates) and Eanna from the UK. At other times during the year we've had attendees on instructor courses from South Korea, Turkey, Peru and Antarctica. Alongside these travellers the majority of our instructor candidates come from far closer to home. The guys in the photo were a great group though - lets beat that for commitment to becoming an Instructor in 2011!

We're delighted to announce that Powerboat Training UK has been invited by the RNLI to be the first RYA Training Centre to become a RNLI Ambassador!

What does this mean in practice? Clients booking courses like level 2, Dayskipper, Advanced and Powerboat Instructor will receive a 1 year’s Introductory Membership to the RNLI - at no cost and with no commitment. (No financial details are recorded whatsoever).

What is Introductory Membership? It's a 1 year introductory membership to Offshore, the RNLI membership package designed for all those that go to sea. RNLI Offshore Membership normally costs £64 so it’s a great way to introduce you to the RNLI so you can decide later whether to sign up yourself.

Why is this good for the RNLI? They will write to each person who has signed up to the Introductory Membership after a year and hope that you choose to sign up as a member for the annual fee. There is no obligation to do so.

I'm a member already - do I miss out on this offer? No. If you are a member already then you can pass on the offer to a friend or family member.

What's the catch? Absolutely nothing! Really? Yep!

Why are PTUK so proud of becoming an Ambassador? We are proud of our relationship with the RNLI and the close ties that we have with the Lifeboat College. We hope that we can help the RNLI to attract new members over the medium to long term by showing them first hand the great work performed across the UK and Ireland. The fact that the RNLI has chosen us as their first RYA Training Centre understandably makes us pretty chuffed!

Paul and Andrew had a fun and incident packed trip around the UK and are now back in Poole. Read the write up of Paul's trip around the UK and see the photos - here

We are proud that we were able to raise over £6000 for the Sparkle Appeal. The Sparkle Appeal still need everyone's money so feel free to donate some here - www.sparkleappealdorset.org/

After two years of discussion the trip is almost upon us. Having just returned from 6 weeks away training overseas Paul is off on the trip of a lifetime in a 9.25m RIB round Britain. Paul is going with a friend Andrew and they have chosen the Sparkle Appeal Charity in Poole to support with the aim of raising £10,000 for their appeal. We hope that you have the time to check out their website and perhaps even consider supporting them.

Sarah Treseder is the new CEO at the RYA and decided to visit us here in Poole to experience first hand a larger commercial centre. Spending a full day afloat with Paul it was an opportunity to spend time on Harrier (our 7.8m Ribcraft) getting a feel for the contents of a Level 2 course plus of course chatting over some thoughts and ideas from our school and Instructors. Visiting with John Thorn (Acting Chief Powerboat Instructor at the RYA) Sarah also spent time getting to grips with the marina's jet drive RIB (above) and chatting to some of our clients that were being trained the day she was with us. A productive and enjoyable day we wish Sarah well in her new role and look forward to getting her back for some personal watercraft training soon!

Each year we get our Instructor team together for a training day. This day supplements the regular meetings and sessions that occur throughout the year and is split into a half day classroom update addressing a variety of subjects and a half day afloat.

In the afternoon we split the group in two with one group spending time undertaking some special boat handling with Top Hat and Harrier whilst the second group used Jumbo to undertake PTUK's version of the Honda Youth RIB Challenge. Get 16 instructors together and you are sure of seeing some real competitive spirit and everyone had a great time racing Jumbo around a tight twisting course. The detailed results are still protected under the '30 year rule' but well done to Adam Wilson for winning (just!!) - i woz robbed.

Back in January Paul was invited by the RYA to take part in a series of author interviews to promote the variety of books the RYA offers. To view the video click - here

We've just uploaded what will become the first of a few simple manuals to support some of our courses. The VHF manual is free to download and acts as a handy reminder for the key things covered on your VHF course. Download it - here

Plenty of time over the Christmas break and during the really cold weather has been spent creating our new Powerboat Level 2 quiz. Comprising 30 questions the quiz is aimed at those who have just taken their Level 2 and want to brush up on what was covered. It's not just for those who've done Level 2 though, so anyone that wants a fun 10 minutes should give it a try. Over the next few months we'll be launching a few other quizzes and will let you know - keep an eye out for them.

The first course of the year is always memorable and this year was no exception. A Yachtmaster exam preparation course in a Botnia Targa was a great way to start the year and with the whole country (except Poole) covered in snow we went hunting it out. A passage to Lymington created a great test particularly when the snow set in to combine with some lively conditions. Entering a pub in Lymington we gained a certain amount of 'street cred' having come over from Poole when no-one else seemed to be out to promptly lose it to two Royal Marine RIBs that pitched up on the pontoon having undertaken the same passage but without the benefit of a wheelhouse and heating!

We figure that you've all probably got more than enough Christmas Cards and won't really notice if we don't send you one this year whereas the kids at the Victoria Centre will benefit from the £200 we intend donating in lieu of the cost of sending cards.

We already support a number of charities in various ways (eg: The National Trust, RNLI, Anthony Nolan Trust, Maritime Volunteer Service, The Friends of Dolphin and a few more) but we intend supporting The Sparkle Appeal as our primary charity. We are lucky to work and live in stunning place and feel that we've been lucky in life so far so anything we can do help kids who are having it a bit tough is definitely the right thing to do.

We'd love it if any of our friends/clients and visitors to our site choose to support this appeal too - www.sparkleappealdorset.org

Over the Christmas period we've been updating the website and (hopefully) making it even more beneficial for those that visit. The areas that we've worked on include: A new home page to make it even easier to find the parts of the website that you are looking for; massively expanded sections on the main courses that we run (eg Level 2, VHF and a number of others) and creation of simple documents (like above) to make the RYA schemes even easier to understand.

Keep visiting though as we've a few really good developments in store for the next few weeks.

It is incredible that we're in November already - where has the year gone? As you can tell that time of year has arrived where we update the website and do all those other jobs that we have been putting to one side. We've got a few good ideas in store for the website this winter so keep your eyes on it. 2010 dates are now largely scheduled so check out the calendar for next years dates. We're still busy training though so if you are keen on a boating fix this winter just give us a call.

Paul was asked in 2008 by the RYA to update the book which he first wrote in 2003/4. With a host of new images and photos and an improved section on night navigation the book is already receiving some really good reviews.

What a great spring we are having. Cobbs Quay is really busy and our hire boats have been out lots too. Whether you have your own boat or not they are a great way to get afloat - www.pooleboathire.co.uk

In March we were invited to Jersey to run a Powerboat Instructors course at St Catherine's Sailing Club for 6 of their members. Our visit coincided with some of the largest spring tides seen in many years. On one of the days of the course the range of tide was 10.5m!! In two hours the tide dropped by 18ft - given that the seabed is largely some nasty rocks it tends to focus the mind on getting the tide right.

One of the coldest winters in recent times certainly made for a quieter January than we all had hoped for. That said we were able to get stuck into all those jobs that had lain around for a while and despite the snow we actually did lots of outside work cleaning, fixing and delivering boats. There were a good few people training though and the snow provided a wonderful backdrop to the harbour.

Typically though Paul managed to jet off to the Caribbean to run a variety of powerboat, personal watercraft and Instructor courses and has then gone off to Miami and Germany to do a few more. Those of us manning the office are wondering what we need to do to get an invite!!

Today we were delighted to confirm that Paul will be joining one of the teams going round Britain in 2010.

The Rally (not a race) is unusual as most circumnavigations (the 2008 Round Britain Race included) don't go round the outside of Ireland and the top of Scotland whereas this event will. Paul will be in a brand new 9.25m Scorpion sporting a 315Hp Yanmar for what will be a great event. As the website shows it will take 12 days or so to get round with about 200 miles to travel each day - not for the feint hearted!

Over the years we have come across loads of great boating videos. Check out our new video section. Here

Hannah G does us proud in National Honda RYA RIB Championships ~ 3rd Nationally & Top Girl!
2008.

Hannah has grown up within the school and around boats and started her training by completing Level 1 a few years ago. Last year she was entered by her club ~ Parkstone Yacht Club ~ into the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship and did really well by becoming Southern Area U12 champion and getting 7th place at the final at the Southampton Boat Show.

This year she has gone one better and after winning the Southern Area again (by a clear 25 seconds from a field of boys) arrived at this years Southampton Boat Show. Starting first Hannah put in a really good 2nd run so now it was up to the 15 other competitors from as far afield as Gibraltar to do their stuff. Ultimately Hannah ended up achieving a podium position in third place being beaten by last years winner and 4th place finisher - well done Hannah! From a field of 3500 original competitors across the two age groups we're delighted for her.

The boats used are 4.8m Ribcrafts running 50Hp Honda outboards. We now have an identical boat for children's training so if you fancy doing a Level 1 course on a great little boat just give us a call. Equally next year we will be running some training for Clubs interested in trying the boat they will use in the event - call for details.

Just because it is a bit colder and our balmy summer days are behind us (okay a bit of poetic licence but I have to dream!) that's no reason not to keep your boating going over the autumn and winter period. We have Level 2 courses running at least once a week, VHF every two weeks and plenty of Instructor and Advanced Courses. Kids training is scheduled for the half term week and of course we can train on you craft any day of the week.

During September we took delivery of an Ex RNLI D-Class lifeboat to improve our ability to train on higher powered tiller controlled craft. Just under 5m long and powered by a 2 stroke Mariner 40Hp this is a hugely capable craft.

If you or your organisation wants to develop experience in this type of craft then please contact us to discuss your needs. We have also created courses including basic engine maintenance for those using these types of engines in hostile environments.

This D Class went into service in 1996 as D496 as the Leonard Stedman at Hayling Island. It was replaced in 2005 and has since formed part of the relief fleet.

During the summer we were delighted to be appointed as the Marine Training provider to the British Antarctic Survey. Our involvement ranges from the initial assessment of some of the recruits through STCW95 Sea Survival, a five day (and night!) boat handling course leading to (for those with the required skills) a RYA Powerboat Instructor course.

Paul has recently been asked to write for some additional magazines. Two recent additions have related to the world of superyachts and the operation of Personal Watercraft - an area Paul is very active in.

We are delighted to add the outstanding range of Maritimo boats to those that we undertake training on. Maritimo is an Australian company and the boats they make are just that bit different and distinctive - take a look at the website and when you contact James at Maritimo please ensure that you mention our name.

It has to be said we were delighted by the huge interest shown in the May half term courses. We ran a series of Level 1 and 2 courses for children from 8 to 16 and during the week trained almost 25 budding young powerboaters with a pretty even mix between boys and girls.

We've booked some dates already for the summer so if you are keen for your child(ren) to attend please contact us as soon as possible.

Outside our offices became the set of an ITV Drama production this week. 'U be dead' is based on a true story (here) and looks like it could be a good programme. Sadly our acting skills were not required!

We were delighted in May to be invited to join the business organisation ~ Superyacht UK. Superyacht UK is a collection of UK businesses with an acknowledged expertise in serving the superyacht market. During 2007 & 8 we have welcomed crews from a variety of yachts to the UK and have undertaken Instructor, personal watercraft and Powerboat Level 2 courses on a large number of yachts in the Med.

We were sad to say goodbye to Bibs a few weeks ago but delighted it went to a good home. It was sold to a company in Lymington who intend using it for their staff. We are delighted that they then chose us to train their 20 staff in the safe use of the boat with all of them undertaking their Level 2 and VHF courses during April and May.

We have also written the Company's Operating Procedures Manual for the safe use of the boat.

If you feel this training and consultancy service may be relevant for you company please contact Paul.

The early Easter meant that we struggled to get any courses arranged for the kids. Therefore we've scheduled the May half term (w/c 26th May for most schools) for Level 1 & Level 2 couses just for the kids (8+ for Level 1, 12+ for Level 2). The courses will use a variety of boats and certainly include 'Jumbo' our 4.8m Ribcraft.

The very low pressure and high spring tides combined to cause flooding at Cobbs on Monday 10th Mar. These were the highest water levels anyone can remember.

We've just gone live with a weather site at Cobbs Quay. We've installed a Davis Vantage Pro2 Weather System which sends weather data to this website every three seconds. MDL have worked with us to get the wind part of the system up high and out of the way of the boats. We hope that you enjoy and benefit using the site.

New whizzy calendar goes live!
2008.

We're delighted to launch our new calendar. We've spent quite a long time making sure it is really easy to use and useful for you - hopefully we've got it right. In a geeky sort of way we're quite proud of it!

PTUK Book Shop goes live!
2008.

We're delighted to launch our new Book Shop powered by Amazon.

We've started by identifying what we see as the key books for each of the areas we teach. Further areas will be added in due course.

We're delighted that after Terry McFall's success last year in becoming the RYA Powerboat Instructor of the Year Colin Ridley has followed hot on his heels and has been awarded the RYA Shorebased Instructor of the Year Award. Paul managed to get to the RYA Raymarine Yachtmaster Conference to wish Colin well and the smile on Colin's face said everything.

Colin has been part of the school since before its inception and ran the school's first ever Level 2 course. He tends to teach less often for us nowadays as he run lots of shorebased courses but you'll find him running a good number of our First Aid, VHF and Instructor Courses each year. Given that February will see the publication of Colin's new RYA Powerboat Instructors Handbook it will be a busy couple of months!

More website news
2008.

January has seen some material changes in the website and we hope you agree that the site continues to move forward in terms of content and layout. The testimonials section is now live as is a new section on Poole. We'll shortly upload a Book Shop and a revised section explaining the various Instructor courses we run. Soon after we'll go live with our new Calendar. After that we're working on the commercial courses section and information on Joining Instructions.

We'd be delighted to hear from anyone that has any problems with the website either relating to how it looks, the menu structure or accessibility. any screenshots that you can provide would be great. We've tested against all major browsers and platforms but a couple of people have said they have had issues - hence the question.

New website for 2008!
2008.

If you are a regular visitor then you'll recognise that we've just completely redesigned and restructured the website for the 2008 season. One of the areas the website has struggled with over the last few years is presenting clearly and quickly the wealth of information that we provide on the site. To make life simpler we've made the menu system more straight forward and intend making further amendments over the next couple of months.

Perhaps most importantly we've tried to further improve the content. More of the articles that we've written have been added for your use, we've improved the advice to new boaters and developed the information available for those coming on a course.

Anything left to do? Well yes - lots! Our objective is to make this site amongst the most useful to boaters irrespective of where they intend undertaking their training. We're soon to add sections containing Testimonials, Case Studies more information for those attending Courses, a new Quiz and more information to help you decide Which Course suits you best

Please accept our apologies for the lack of a proper calendar. we're in the process of building a super whizzy calendar which we hope will be worth waiting for.

You can help too! Inevitably there will be mistakes in some places in the website. We'd really like to know where they are, please email us at office@powerboattraininguk.co.uk with what you've noticed. Equally we'd like to know what you think we can add that would help you and other boaters - just email us your thoughts. Thanks.

Rockley Watersports
2008.

Rockley Watersports are the largest independent sailing school in the UK. Established over 25 years ago the company has built a reputation for delivering the very best in RYA dinghy sailing training. We're delighted to link up with Rockley and look forward to working together on many courses to further enhance the quality and range of courses and training experience offered to our respective clients.

New boats
2007.

2007 has been manic at PTUK so we've taken the opportunity to add some additional craft to the fleet. Bibs our Scorpion 7.5m that has served us so well has been replaced with a 7.9m Ribcraft with a 225Hp Yamaha 4 stroke. This runs alongside Nova our trusty 5.6m Avon as the main workhorses of the training fleet.

Alongside these two are Bumblebee our 5.85 Ribcraft (150Hp Yamaha) and our new children's boat ~ Jumbo. Jumbo is a 4.8m Ribcraft with a 50Hp Honda.

Our jetbike (a Yamaha Waverunner) and our small general support RIB - Mango (a 4m inflatable keel Avon) are kept well busy too.

Additionally we have the 4 17ft Purple Pelicans which can be used when we have lots of clients with us and our motor crusier. If we add in family sailing dinghies, small inflatables and our Riva Florida that means we run 16 boats plus 2 canoes - frightening!

Keeping it in the family
2007

Well done to Hannah - Paul & Viv's daughter - who in September represented the Southern Area as Regional Champion (Age group 8 - 12) in the RYA Honda Youth RIB Challenge in the finals at the Southampton Boat Show.

Hannah entered the competition through Parkstone Yacht Club and represented them at the Southern Championships in Cowes. As one of the few girls and youngest competitors we were in all honesty a bit surprised when she won. Jamie Edwards - also from PYC - won the 13 - 16 year old group so it was off to the Southampton Boat Show for the National Championships.

Sadly neither Hannah or Jamie won but Hannah came 7th (of 16) and was the top girl finisher. Jamie did really well and was 5th (of 16).

Next year we may run some training for those keen to enter this event - watch this space!

Following on from our involvement in 2006 we were delighted to assist this worthy cause in their 2007 event. See last year's news item for more details on the event and how to get involved.

April saw Paul invited by the RYA to run the first RYA Personal Watercraft course aimed at the newly set up Superyacht Training Centres. Since then Paul has gone on to run numerous Instructor courses aimed at this new market. This has involved courses in Antibes, Nice and Monaco.

“Terry epitomises the perfect RYA Instructor. He is highly knowledgeable and competent, professional and safe whilst his students see him as hugely reassuring and his courses fun, challenging and always surpassing their expectations.”

Terry was presented his award by RYA Chief Executive Rod Carr at the RYA Dinghy Show in London and was also given some sailing kit from award supporters Gul. Paul, Viv & the kids were delighted to be there with Terry's wife Sara.

Self Drive Boat Hire ~ Purple Pelican
2007

In October we announced that we had bought a Self Drive boat hire business that had operated in Poole Harbour for 5 years. We are delighted to announce that the 4 boats are now available for hire and that the business has its own dedicated website.

So what are the benefits for our clients?
- If you don't have a boat then you can hire these craft at discounted rates before or after your course. Many clients that we train are in the process of buying a craft or are thinking about doing so - this can be a great and low cost way to get on the water.

- Don't want the hassle of getting your own craft ready or yours is out of commission - then use ours.

- Based abroad but want to do some UK boating - a Pelican could be the answer.

- Want to get to those inaccessible places in the harbour that your craft can't get to - then use a Pelican.

- Like the idea of 'turn-key' boating, a Pelican may suit your needs

British Sub-Aqua Club
2007

We are delighted to announce that PTUK is now one of the few RYA Training Centres also accredited as a BSAC Seamanship Centre. Well done to Terry McFall, Don Roper and Morris Abley who along with our Principal Paul Glatzel qualified as BSAC Boat Handling Instructors and BSAC Diver Coxswain Assessors. We feel that the BSAC courses complement the range of RYA courses that we run and will allow us to offer to clients even more courses to satisfy their varied needs - call/email to discuss.

The site will soon be updated with more information on these courses however in the meantime follow these links: Boat Handling, Diver Coxswain Assessments, Outboard Course, Chart Plotting & Position Fixing, First Aid for Divers, Oxygen Administration.

United Kingdom Hydrographic Office - UPDATE
2006

In our last News item we were coy on a new product that we'd helped the UKHO to develop - they swore us to secrecy! The product has just gone live at the Boat Show so we can spill the beans! The product is their new 'Tough Charts' we were delighted that the suggestions made were integrated into the final product.

United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
2006

We were delighted to welcome the UKHO to our Offices this month to run a Focus Group to assess what a representative sample of powerboaters thought of a new product they are to launch at the London Boatshow. We arranged for 7 people (including Terry McFall our Chief Powerboat Instructor) to be there to comment on the product and suggest improvements to it. Over the two hours the Focus Group ran the attendees came up with some really valuable input according to those running it. Thanks to Andrew (x2), Tim, Ray, Viv (x2) and Terry for attending and their valuable input. Thanks too to the UKHO for choosing PTUK as a venue.

As you can tell from this rather vague explanation of the product they discussed those present have been sworn to secrecy about the product - our lips are sealed!!

PTUK buys Self-drive boat hire business
2006

On the morning of 1st November we were delighted to announce the purchase of a Poole based Self-Drive Boat Hire business. The existing business runs from Mitchells Boatyard (aka Parkstone Bay Marina) and will be moved to run from Cobbs Quay Marina over the next few weeks. We presently have 4 boats available for hire and as you can see from the photo they are somewhat different from your usual hire boat.

The business is to be called Purple Pelican and will run throughout the year, for 2007 the craft will be available from February and those attending our courses who don't have a boat can hire them at a discounted rate. More information is available here and the business will have its own dedicated website shortly.

We were delighted to be able to assist this very worthy cause by ferrying their personnel and kit to one of the Islands in the harbour for their 6 day survival challenge. The conditions were great for them - a mixture of sun and rain! - and they even enjoyed some challenges like you see on the TV versions. We're supporting next year too - if you want to be part of this challenge contact the organiser Sharon Wells via sharon.wells@anthonynolan.org.uk / 01202 600629. Click the logo to visit the website. Thanks too to www.ribrage.co.uk for the use of their diesel jet RIB which we used alongside our boats.

Poole Afloat, RIBEX and Beaulieu a great success
2006

This year we have exhibited at three shows and have been delighted by the response we've received. For us it's a great chance to meet new clients and catch up with people we've worked with before. Below are some photos of the Poole Afloat event, we've been to Poole Afloat for 4 years now and this year had the prime position on the Quay.

Bahrain - training in the Middle East
2006

May bought our first trip to the Middle East to train an Advanced Course, a VHF Course and an Advanced Instructors Course. The conditions were somewhat different to what we had left behind in Poole (you'll recollect that our Spring had not been the best!) so with temperatures of up to 40 degrees in the shade it was different to say the least.

First helicopter lift of the year and the first ever for Viv
2006

If the helicopter (Whiskey Bravo) looks close to Top Hat then rest assured it was! Whenever we can when we are out and it is appropriate on courses we see if Coastguard Helicopters will practice with us. The helicopters need to undertake lifts daily for practice and of course we enjoy them too!!

We accept the new RYA Training Vouchers
2006

The RYA says "Launching at the London Boat Show in January, RYA Vouchers make the ideal gift for friends and family or incentive for customers or employees. RYA vouchers are accepted at over 250 locations in the UK and abroad, and give you the freedom to buy RYA Training Courses when and where you like.

Over the coming months, the scheme will be rolled out to cover a wider range of marine businesses, so soon RYA vouchers could be redeemed for anything from chandlery products to a marina stay."

If you have these vouchers then feel free to spend them with us!