rya powerboat level 2 plymouth

• RYA Courses
• Safeguarding
• Documentation

RYA COURSES

Horizons Plymouth is now offering RYA Training courses to the public!

Mayflower Marina Berth Holders and members of Plymouth sailing clubs will receive a 10% discount

Sailing courses: April – October

Powerboat courses: all year round, our courses.

RYA Dinghy, Keelboat + Multihull Youth Sailing Scheme (under16’s)

• Stage 1 – 16 hours – £235
• Stage 2 – 16 hours – £235
• Stage 3 – 16 hours – £235
• Stage 4 – 16 hours – £235

RYA Dinghy, Keelboat + Multihull National Sailing Scheme (over16’s)

• Start Sailing – 16 hours – £235
• Basic Skills – 16 Hours – £235
• Better Sailing – 16 hours – £235

RYA Dinghy, Keelboat + Multihull Advanced Sailing Modules

• Seamanship Skills – 16 hours – £235
• Sailing with Spinnakers – 16 hours – £235
• Performance Sailing – 16 hours – £235
• Day Sailing – 16 hours – £235
• First Flights Foiling – 4 hours – £180

RYA Powerboat Courses

• Powerboat Level 1 – 1 day – £160
• Powerboat Level 2 – 2 days – £330
• Safety Boat – 2 days – £330

RYA Shore Based courses

• First Aid – 1 day – £110
• VHF (SRC) – 10 hrs pre-reading 1 day course + exam – £135
• Essential Navigation + Seamanship – 2 days – £120
• Day Skipper Theory – 40 hours + exam – £320

RYA Dinghy /Keelboat/Multihull Instructor Courses

For further info on Sailing Instructor Courses, please click here  

Sailing Pre-entry Assessment – 1 day – £110

Dinghy Instructor – 5 days – £410

Senior Instructor – 4 days – £390

Keelboat Instructor Endorsement – 2 days – £220

Multihull Instructor Endorsement – 2 days – £220

RYA powerboat Instructor Courses

For further info on Powerboat Instructor Courses, please click here  

• Powerboat Skills Assessment – 1 day – £100
• Powerboat Instructor – 3 days – £370

Power, Navigation and Charter

Powerboat and motorboat course dates, courses and course fees.

Plymouth Powerboating has courses running throughout the year. Please see below for upcoming course dates, duration and prices.  If there is a course that you are particularly interested in which is either not shown below, or is fully booked, please call us to discuss and we will notify you of cancellations or if an additional course is planned.

Lunch and training materials are provided when attending classroom based courses lasting 1 full day or longer. Food is provided on practical courses whilst training. Please contact us for recommended accommodation near Turnchapel Wharf. 

The courses listed below can be booked and paid for online via our parent company, SeaRegs Training. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your course choice and/or pay by bank transfer or cheque.  All fees include VAT, tea and coffee. 

Please note it is only possible to pay full course fees on our website. If booking a course over 28 days before its start date, please contact us directly to pay a 25% deposit. Remaining fees will need to be paid 28 days before the course begins.

• Powerboat courses

Ideal for short passages and exploring your local waters, make the most of your time afloat with our powerboat courses

Powerboating offers the best of both worlds, the leisurely pace of a gentle cruise and the thrill of zipping across the open water. RYA training will give you the confidence and skills to handle the boat safely and make the most of your time on the water, whatever your pace.

As well as courses for recreational boaters, RYA powerboat certificates are also used by professional open boat skippers who need to prove their competence or require  professional qualifications  for work.

So whether you use powerboats for leisure, work, or in connection with another activity such as sailing or rescue, we have a course for you. Find out more about our powerboat courses below.

The National Powerboat scheme is comprised of a series of one and two-day practical courses that can be taken either onboard a centre’s boat, or your own. There’s something for all ages and levels of experience. 

A one-day introduction to simple boat handling and the use of safety equipment.

A two-day course to get to grips with powerboat handling.

Two days of practical pilotage, passage planning and navigating by day.

Two days of planning and navigating more challenging passages by day and night.

Two days of hands-on recovery and fleet management techniques for dinghies and windsurfers for those operating in a training or racing environment.

This two-day course builds upon Level 2 Powerboat Handling skills, focussing on short-handed operations, passenger safety and comfort. Designed in consultation with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA).

Increase your confidence and get qualified with our navigation and specialist short courses.

A basic introduction to navigation for new skippers, crew or anyone interested in getting out on the water.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

From first aid to diesel engine, there are a number of related classroom and online courses you may find useful as you develop your knowledge.

Test your skill, knowledge and experience as a powerboat skipper by taking the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat exam.

With more than 100 different titles to choose from, there’s an RYA book, eBook or audiobook for every age, interest and ability. Visit our webshop for course books and a range of supporting titles.

If you want to go powerboating overseas, you’re likely to need an ICC. The Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate can be used as evidence of your competence.

Powerboating can be great fun for the whole family and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Check our course descriptions for minimum age recommendations.

If you need a powerboat qualification for work, you might need a commercial endorsement. Find out more about professional qualifications and what it takes to work on the water.

• Request Callback

Add custom text here or remove it

• RYA Powerboat Training Near Me

Powerboat Training Plymouth

Rya powerboat level 2 course near plymouth.

Want to take one of the most popular powerboat courses available? Then book your place on the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course near Plymouth with Duck-2-Water.

We run regular courses near Plymouth where you can enjoy a great experience with one of our highly experienced instructors. Find out more on this page, and book your place today

Individual Bookings

List price £375.00 per person.

(We do not charge extra for VAT, Fuel or a Fuel Surcharge)

Late Availability

From £275 per person.

Please check for late availability & special price courses.

1-2-1 Bookings

A personal lesson.

Please phone or use the Chat Box to enquire.

Is the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Right for You?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course is one of the most popular courses we run. This course, also called Powerboat Handling Level 2 or PBL2, is a two-day course that covers all the theory and practical aspects of using a powerboat.

After you have got your certificate, you can then apply for your International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

When you take the PBL2 course with Duck-2-Water, qualified RYA instructors will provide training on a modern and fully-equipped powerboat. Your instructor will cover the following topics with you during your 2 days with him or her:

• Launching and recovery
• Powerboat handling
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard

What Does The Powerboat Level 2 Course Cover?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course takes place over two consecutive days at our training school near Plymouth. On the first day, you will learn about the theory aspect of powerboats. This covers a lot of information including the different types of powerboats, safety concerns, communication, emergency procedures and lots more.

The second day usually focuses on the practical assessment. This is where you show that you can handle the powerboat and carry out standard manoeuvres on the water.

What are the Course Requirements?

Students of this course must be over 12 years of age. However, you do not require any prior experience of powerboats, nor do you need to take the Powerboat Level 1 Course before signing up to this course.

Book Your Place Today

We would love to see you at one of our upcoming RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course. You can book your place right here on the website or get in touch if you have any questions.

RYA Training Courses Near Plymouth

Powerboat Level 1

Intermediate Powerboat Training

Advanced Powerboat Training

International Certificate of Competence

RYA VHF Radio Course

RYA First Aid Course

Why duck-2-water.

At Duck-2-Water, we are qualified experts in powerboat training . We have years of experience providing the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course and many other courses, and our instructors are not only highly experienced and professional, but they are friendly too.

Our fully equipped training school near Plymouth has everything you need, and because we are based on the coast, your certificate will have coastal endorsement. This is an important consideration if you plan to use your powerboat at sea.

Get in touch

WhatsApp, email or phone our dedicated team

View Cart Checkout

• No products in the cart.

Subtotal: £ 0.00

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Certification validity: Although this qualification holds no expiry date it is recommended that if you have gone through a prolonged period without driving a boat you attend a skills refresher for both your safety and peace of mind.

Certification: Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat Level 2 National Certificate with Coastal Endorsement.

Location: Meeting point Portishead Marina.

• Day 1: Portishead Marina –  Newfoundland Way, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7DF (0900hrs – 1700hrs)
• Day 2 : Bristol Channel (Timings will vary dependant on tide times)

Prerequisites:  A minimum age of 12. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate stating that they must be accompanied by an adult.

Duration:  2 days

Cost: £315 per person inc vat. This includes all manuals and certification.

What is the RYA Powerboat level 2 course?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course in Portishead Marina , run by South West Maritime Academy,  is aimed as an introduction to power boating with the course covering a much wider range of topics than the level 1 course.

The Level 2 course now only covers the basics of boat handling, mooring and harbour etiquette but also leads onto manoeuvres at speed and man overboard recovery, making it both thorough and practical for anyone wishing to use or hire a powerboat for personal use or on a holiday.

There are no pre-requisites for the course but it aims to provide a good, broad base of experience for anyone who wants to take a powerboat out on their own.

As with all of our courses the days will be mainly practical and hands on to give you the best experience, skills and confidence in the handling of powerboats.

Looking for a great gift for a birthday, Christmas or special event? We have Powerboat Level 2 gift certificates available to purchase, with course dates available as a later choice for the recipients. Just select the ‘RYA Powerboat Level 2 Gift Certificate Open Date’ option from the drop down course dates menu.

10% off your complete booking if you book 3 or more spaces in one booking

£ 315.00

Additional information

• Reviews (36)

36 reviews for RYA Powerboat Level 2

S Bonser – 15/09/2023

Good course giving valuable first insight into controlling a motorboat. Good mix of practical and theory.

H Jones – 15/09/2023

A really helpful introduction to power boat skills, providing a good understanding of practical boat handling and the theory around being safe on the water.

M Woodward – 15/09/2023

Excellent course run at a speed all participants were comfortable with.

S John – 15/09/2023

Much more achieved than I had expected. Very good teaching with good in depth understanding of objectives.

T Rees – 15/09/2023

The instructor was very skilled and patient, a worthwhile course to build confidence and competence for boat charters away and at home.

Glenn L – 28/06/2022

The difference in my confidence and ability from the beginning of the course to the end was night and day, great experience.

I Higgs – 28/06/2022

Really well run course and Stuart made us feel confident with handling the boat and made sure we received all the knowledge going forward into our next adventure.

Charlie S – 28/06/2022

I had a great time, awesome boat and facilities. Instructor Stuart was brilliant.

J Wright – 28/06/2022

Gained the knowledge I needed to progress in my career, thank you

K Adams – 28/06/2022

Didn’t know what to expect, challenged myself and proved I could gain reasonable confidence of tasks with knowledge that a lot made sense. There was a good combination of encouragement it sticks!

G Adams – 28/06/2022

highly practical course that gave above the basic requirements expected.

Louise B – 28/06/2022

Great course, very capable instructor, fun and well paced.

C Firkins – 16/03/2022

The course was well thought out and you felt very relaxed as the instructor took time to get to know you during the weekend. . Could not have been better!

S Legge – 16/12/2021

Instructor was very calm and collective and the pace of the course was perfect.

R Watson – 16/12/2021

Instructor has amazing patience and explains in detail. Explains thoroughly on questions asked.

J Price – 16/12/2021

Good fun, learned loads feel 100 times more confident on a power boat now. Highly recommend!

I Danks – 16/12/2021

Tailored to mine and the other students needs, gave me confidence and identified areas for improvement and where to go from here.

L Boulton – 16/12/2021

Content had more than expected, which has increased my knowledge. Trainer very clear and experienced, thanks

D Nicholls – 11/11/2021

The instructor, Stuart was very professional and gave me as much support as possible.

C Stratton – 22/10/2021

Stuart was supportive but firm – drilled the tasks until he was satisfied it was ingrained, perfect approach – giving confidence and stretching me too – GREAT!

Ewan Murdoch – 19/11/2020

Excellent trainer, lots learnt at a great pace. Lots of informative advice.

Mike Raven – 19/11/2020

Great hands on training, very knowledgeable instructor. Achieved more than I expected and feel very confident now. Excellent!

Iain Kennedy – 05/02/2020

Although it was a short course, I felt in charge of the boat for periods during the second day. The routing was not only good experience but an impressive view too!

Christine Fraser – 05/02/2020

I feel confident after this course that I could take a powerboat out safety. I really enjoyed learning such a variety of skills.

Stuart Reynolds – 05/02/2020

Stuart clearly knows his stuff and ensures you feel comfortable and safe while operating the boat. The lessons were well paced, allowing us to go back over any areas of weakness leaving me feeling confident in my ability.

Kyle Jones – 29/01/2020

Instructor was extremely calm and straight forward. Right balance of fun and serious. Clearly very knowledgeable and experienced. Teaching style was very hands on and instructor was very open to suggestions, questions and a chat. Excellent 2 day course getting real hands on with a powerboat. Going from nervous at the wheel to confidently manoeuvring the vessel in tight spaces and at speed.

Tudor Sartain – 29/01/2020

Stuart was incredibly calm and instilled confidence with his approach and knowledge. The course gave us great hands on problem solving opportunities. A great course that instilled confidence and was fantastically taught. Lots of practical hands on experience and Stuart could answer anything we asked. Would definitely recommend!

Sam Ford – 29/01/2020

Calmly taught, allowed us to make errors but guided us how to resolve and avoid making the same mistakes again. Very knowledgeable. Right level of chatty to seriousness. Happy to answer any questions no matter how silly we thought they were. Great course. Stuart is a credit to SWMA. Took me from never being at the helm to comfortably doing 180 degree turns in a small area, making pilotage plans and negotiating estuaries.

Charles Elderton – 08/01/2020

Very professionally taught by Stuart. Felt pushed but in a very encouraging way. great to share experiences + learn from each other. Keep up the great work.

Guy Fletcher – 08/01/2020

Instructor has a very good style of teaching – kept us at ease whilst supporting us to understand. He was very experienced – came through in the training. Learned a lot in 2 days thanks to Stuart’s help – I made mistakes but felt I learned from them & now feel confident I could take the CSAC RHIB out to continue my experience/practice.

Dan Nurse – 08/01/2020

Instructor understood our needs as divers and met our needs. He was very professional but also kept the course fun and exciting. Down to earth and respectful. Superb instruction and boat. Gave us time to perfect each skill and allowed time for questions and explanations. Thank you A+++

Andrew Rice – 08/01/2020

Very knowledgeable + professional. Gained a lot of confidence from the course. it was nice that the course was tailored for our needs with diving in mind. Many thanks.

Bruce Watson – 08/01/2020

Thoroughly enjoyable, accessible + steady paced. Stuart’s expertise are both educational + reassuring.

Piotr C. – 06/08/2019

Great course.

Daryl Harada – 06/08/2019

Great course with a great instructor!

Sam Packman – 06/08/2019

Excellent course. Our instructor was a credit to South West Maritime Academy. He was full of knowledge, he fully explained everything that we needed and more importantly made it fun. Can’t recommend enough!!!

You must be logged in to post a review.

You may also like…

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course Content

• Launching and recovery: Going through the step by step actions needed to ensure the safe launching and recovery of the vessel.
• Boat handling:  Basic boat handling skills, familiarizing you with the controls and maneuverability of the vessel
• Securing to a buoy:  Learn the safe method to approach and secure to a mooring buoy
• Anchoring:  Learn the safe methods of anchoring a vessel and its recovery. The use of different anchor types for different conditions.
• Leaving and coming alongside:  Learn how to safely approach a pontoon, slip or even another vessel.
• Man overboard:  Learn a number of techniques should you be faced with an emergency at sea
• Can apply IRPCS :   Understand the practical application of the basic “Rules of the Road”
• Can produce a Passage plan, understand Chart Symbols, and Buoyage – along with using a hand bearing/steering compass.
• Distress : Understand how to use Distress signals and DSC.
• Where to find information on bylaws that may affect you.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2/ICC is the perfect entry level certificate for people working on wanting to work onboard Superyachts . 

Why choose South West Maritime Academy?

We are a leading provider of RYA powerboat courses for all levels of experience and ability, from complete novices to competent professionals and those looking to enhance their career prospects or update required industry specific qualifications.

Our specialist team of instructors are selected due to their extensive experience across emergency medicine, military and maritime environments – this ensures that all participants benefit from our direct personal experience of their instructors.  Participants therefore master the required skills and knowledge through a combination of independent study, instructor led skills development and scenario practice sessions.  Instructors can also provide additional relevant information to meet specific industry, workplace or local training requirements.

People who have booked on this course have also booked:

RYA VHF Radio course

RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (Online)

STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques  (Sea Survival)

RYA National Powerboat Level 2 – Direct Assessment

The half day is to assess your powerboat handling to the standard of the National Powerboat Certificate Level 2. The assessment can take place using a number of different boat types including both planning and displacement. If you are successful your certificate will be endorsed to show the type of vessel the assessment took place in.

Course Duration: 1/2 day

Minimum Age: 12 years old – 12 to 16 years old will receive a Level 2 certificate which will be endorsed – “The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult”.

The direct assessment will follow the guidelines as described in the G20 Logbook and is a Pass / Fail assessment. You should note that this is an assessment only and candidates should ensure they are prepared for a practical and theory assessment.

If you are concerned about the assessment please contact us to arrange a bespoke ½ day revision day going through skills required prior to the assessment in the afternoon.

You will be assessed on the following elements:

Practical – section a.

• Boat Handling – Low Speed
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man Overboard
• Turning in a confined Space

THEORY – Section B

• 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 and 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 of propulsion
• Towing and being towed
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Distress signals and the Mayday call
• Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5,7,8,9, 12-19

International Certificate of Competence - ICC

Many European countries require the skipper of a vessel to be able to provide evidence of his or her competence. In practice documentary evidence may seldom be inspected, but it is generally useful and in some countries essential to carry an ICC.

So is the ICC required or recommended?

The requirement is solely dependant on the country you are visiting. You may find that some only require it for inland waters where others only require it for coastal waters. However you will find some require it for both.

In very general terms an ICC is required for the inland waterways of Europe and for inland and coastal waters of Mediterranean countries. For the coastal waters of Northern Europe the ICC is generally not required, however to all of these generalisations there are exceptions.

Further information can be found on the Evidence of Competence Abroad page . RYA members will find more specific information in the individual country pages .

Eligibility

Minimum age.

The ICC cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 16. Therefore please only apply for the ICC if you are age 16 or over.

Nationality

The RYA is permitted to issue the ICC to British nationals and residents. You are a British national if you are one of the following:

• A British citizen
• A British Overseas Territories citizen
• A British overseas citizen
• A British national (overseas)
• A British subject
• A British protected person

Evidence of residency is required for non-nationals this is usually a photocopy of a driving licence, utility bill, Council Tax bill, bank statement or similar. Further authenticated evidence of residency may be requested.

How to apply

To apply simply download the form from the link below, complete it and send it to the RYA along with any supporting evidence required. This is free of charge to RYA members. We can also help you complete the form whilst on your RYA Powerboat Level 2 course if required.

International Certificate of Competency application form

Do I need any previous experience?

No both level 1 and 2  powerboat courses are suitable for complete novices. The instructor will take you through everything one step at a time working at your pace.

Can I use my own boat for the course?

Yes we can instruct using your own boat which will have to be suitable for the course, insured and carry all the correct safety equipment. Pricing for this is calculated on one instructor and an additional fee per student.

Can I wear my own waterproofs and lifejacket?

Yes – As long as the clothing or equipment is fit for purpose and serviceable. The instructor will make the choice on the day upon inspection. You may be asked to wear one of ours if there is any doubt in the serviceability of what you have brought.

Please contact us if you require any further information about this course or wish to book on behalf of a company:

Telephone: 01454 260130 Email: [email protected]

Normal office hours are (UK time): Monday  – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00

Please be aware that online bookings will be confirmed with course joining information within one working day of the booking being made. Confirmation of payment will be received by email.

There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre to suit everyone’s budget. For a list of local accommodation please click here.

NEED HELP Deciding a course?

Sail, Power, Navigation and Charter

Rya intermediate powerboat.

This course covers the practical use of pilotage and passage planning by day on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic navigational techniques. During the two days you will cover cruising at planing speed and more advanced boat handling. It is recommended for anyone considering moving on to the Advanced course.

Book on a RYA Intermediate Powerboat course below. Future dates are  available, please contact the office for details. 

Price: £375 Previous Experience:  Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent Assumed Knowledge: Day Skipper Theory or equivalent level is recommended Duration: 2 Days Minimum Age : 16 Location:  Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, Devon, UK

Course Content:

• Planning a Day Cruise
• Boat Preparation
• Boat Handling
• Passage Making
• Man Overboard Recovery

Costs include use of waterproofs if necessary, refreshments. Courses are non-residential so accommodation is required in one of the many hotels or guest houses near the Centre. We can provide a list of recommendations.

What’s Next?

RYA Powerboat Level 2

• General Description
• Important details
• Enrolment Form

Powerboat Level 2 course is aimed at students without any previous knowledge and experience on powerboats.

Course Content

The course provides two days of practical training in boat handling and safety in powerboats. The course covers everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment, securing to a buoy, anchoring, planing speed manoeuvres, collision regulations, leaving and coming alongside, and man overboard recovery drills.  

The 2 days will be predominantly practical and on the water with only minimal sessions ashore .  During the shore sessions we will cover some essential navigation points and the basic portions of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

There is no exam during the course, rather it is a continuous learning and evaluative experience during these days with your instructor.

Students who successfully complete the RYA Powerboat Level 1 or RYA Powerboat Level 2 course are awarded the appropriate RYA course completion certificate. This course will also enable you to apply for the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).  

Please note that it is mandatory by law to have a license to drive a pleasure craft in Antigua and Barbuda.

• Jolly Harbour Marina,
• Antigua and Barbuda
• (New office building next to Al Porto Restaurant)
• +1 268 723 9343
• [email protected]

Privacy / Cookies

Copyright © Second Star Sailing School

Powered by  Dotflorence® Srl