RYA Courses

Newcomers to boating are often surprised to discover that no driving licenses are required for amateur yacht or powerboat skippers in Britain. However in recent years many experienced power boaters are discovering that their insurers are specifying the RYA Level 2 as a minimum qualification to operate even a small motor boat.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) believes that voluntary training encourages yachtsmen and power boaters to achieve higher standards of ability than a system of compulsory certification. The qualifications earned on RYA courses are recognised around the world and many people now include them on their employment CVs.

Over the past 10 years over one million people have gained RYA qualifications. You can join any of our RYA powerboat training courses at a level which is most appropriate to your experience. You will be taught by an experienced instructor aboard a modern, safe and well maintained craft. Our training RIBs are superb and easy to handle.

We extend a warm welcome to beginners and we do understand that you may be apprehensive about your first steps afloat. We are happy to train young people but due to the type of craft we operate the age range starts at 13 years old. We have the highest standards for our quality of instruction and safety is always a priority.

ICC Courses

As well as RYA training we offer the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). The ICC is for boat owners visiting the many countries where these certificates of competence are required. If you are planning to sail, cruise or charter anywhere in Europe or the Mediterranean the RYA recommends that skippers hold the ICC.

To find out what level is best for you please contact us and we can discuss the courses available and what level of experience is recommended. See course details below.

RYA Course Details

RYA LEVEL 1 - Power

  • 1 Day Course

    Ideal course for beginners and crews that provides a great introduction to power boating

  • Objective

    To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats

  • Prior Experience Required

    No prior boating experience is necessary. The course is a good power boating taster session

  • Age

    Candidates aged 12 to 16 years old will receive a Level 1 certificate with the endorsement that they should only use a powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult.

  • Course Content - Theory

    • Loading & balancing the boat
    • Local byelaws and insurance
    • Awareness of other water users
    • Application of collision regulations

  • Course Content - Practical

    • Preparation of boat & crew
    • Launching & recovery
    • Boat handling
    • Securing to a mooring buoy
    • Leaving and coming alongside
    • Towing

RYA LEVEL 2 - Power

  • 2 Day Course

    The most popular course that provides the skills and theory for competent powerboat handling

  • Objective

    To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. From this course you will be able to helm a powerboat during the day in familiar waters and in favourable weather conditions.

  • Prior Experience Required

    No prior boating experience is necessary. The course suits those new to boating and is still the most relevant qualification for those who have been boating for years. We recommend that 12 to 15 year olds have completed the RYA Level 1 course.

  • Age

    The minimum age for the Level 2 course is 12. Candidates under the age of 16 will receive a Level 2 certificate with the endorsement that they should only use a powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult.

  • Course Content - Theory

    • Types of craft
    • Engines & drives
    • Routine engine maintenance checks
    • Close down procedure
    • Loading & balancing the boat
    • Awareness of other water users
    • Communication with other craft
    • Application of collision regulations
    • Local byelaws and insurance
    • Fire precautions
    • Distress signals & Mayday call
    • Pilotage & passage planning
    • Chart work, tides & tidal streams
    • Ropework
    • Weather

  • Course Content - Practical

    • Preparation of boat & crew
    • Launching and recovery
    • Boat handling
    • Securing to a mooring buoy
    • Anchoring
    • Leaving and coming alongside
    • Man overboard
    • Towing

RYA INTERMEDIATE - Power

  • 2 Day Course

    Develops Level 2 skills and covers passage planning using traditional and electronic navigation

  • Objective

    To teach power boating up to the standard required to plan and complete a short coastal passage by day.

  • Prior Experience Required

    Candidates should hold the RYA Level 2 Power qualification with coastal endorsement. It is also recommended that candidates hold a First Aid certificate and a VHF operator's certificate.

  • Age

    The minimum age is 16 years old

  • Course Content - Theory

    • Planning a day cruise:
    • Chart based navigation
    • True & magnetic bearings
    • Chart symbols
    • Tidal diamonds & tidal streams
    • Use of pilot books
    • Position lines
    • Use of marina locks
    • Latitude & longitude
    • Use of GPS navigation
    • Weather forecasts
    • Tidal heights at secondary ports & tidal curves
    • Plotting course to steer
    • Application of collision regulations

  • Course Content - Practical

    • Puts the theory into practice and completes the planned passage
    • Preparation of boat & crew
    • Boat handling
    • Pilotage
    • Passage making
    • Man overboard