can you fail powerboat level 2

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Or call us on 01202 923 060 (09:00 – 16:00)

Includes lunch and snacks throughout the day, includes free coupon for vhf radio course – saving £99, if you want to drive power boats this is absolutely the course for you..

This easy two day course is all you need to get a ‘licence’ (aka competency certificate) to drive boats in the UK or abroad.

Boating has been around forever and we have a proud seafaring tradition here in the UK. Often in the past, skills and knowledge have been passed down through families or friends who already had a boat.

But this fast, simple course changes that forever………

Not only will you have the authority to use power boats but you will have the self confidence and skill to master them.

Two days with us will teach you all you need to know. You can master the tide. Manage the boat safely. Plan an incredible day out. Just imagine where a boat will take you , your family and your friends with you at the helm……

Let us know how we can help you using the form below

Read how we helped change things for david’s holidays.

I go on holiday to Croatia all the time. I love the northern islands – especially Brac. I was walking along the beach and could see all the speed boats on the water. It looked so much fun. People zooming around, wake-boarding, heading off to the next islands on dates to visit restaurants, all sorts. I went to find the hire company so I could take my wife and kids out. An exclusive way to get to Hvar – the next island. A perfect dream day out. Then reality hit. The guy behind the counter asked if I had a boat licence. In front of my excited family I had to say no. The guy then explained where I could find the pedalo hire down the beach! The look on my kids faces! I took the Powerboat Level 2 course with Get Lost Powerboat Training. The course was really manageable and the team are really professional. Since then we have been back to Brac and I’ve taken my family to our favorite restaurant on Hvar, Dalmatino. I was so proud after my earlier experience there. Thank you! David ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Or call us on 01202 923 060

Get a skill for life with our rya powerboat level 2 certificate & our vhf radio bundle. learn on your boat or ours..

• Includes a 100% off coupon for the VHF radio course saving you £99
• Only 3 students per course meaning lots of time for you to practice
• RYA Start Powerboating Handbook
• Course completion certificate / photo ID

Your Unique Powerboat Course Guarantee AND Our Cast Iron Promise

Royal Yachting Association courses are all pass or fail courses. This is a really good thing as this high standard is what makes the qualifications respected around the world. BUT it means that you must attain certain criteria in order to pass.

If you decide to join us for your RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, we give you a unique guarantee. Obviously we can’t guarantee you will pass as that’s down to you but we promise that you can retake the course FOR FREE as many times as you like until you do pass.

Why do we do this? Because we believe in our teaching methods so much that we feel responsible for your outcome. And if we believe that, I mean really believe it, then the financial risk should sit with us.

Get Your RYA Powerboat Level 2 & All The Bonuses For Just £3 45

Order a free information pack.

ONLY 3 PLACES PER COURSE

Minimum duration – 2 days (16 hours).

Max student / instructor ratio 3:1 per boat

Minimum age 12 however all children under 16 must be accompanied on the course by an adult

Learn on your own boat or ours

Provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course can be taken at an inland or coastal location. It may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement. The certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place.

None. May be preceded by Level 1 Start Powerboating

12 (candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate)

Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard

Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of the craft

Predominantly practical but with some classroom elements.

RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus and Logbook

RYA Powerboat Handbook

£18.49

RYA An Introduction to Navigation

£15.99

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Training: What you learn on an RYA powerboat Level 2 course

Our News Editor recalls what he learnt on his first weekend of formal training at Mendez Marine on the River Hamble

While there’s no replacement for raw boating experience, there’s quite nothing like a weekend of boat training to drive home what you do and don’t know.

Having cut my teeth inland on much larger boats, refining the basics aboard a 5.8m RIB on Southampton water to get my RYA Powerboat Level 2 licence was an experience of fine margins and precise handling.

My hosts for the weekend were Hamble-based training centre Mendez Marine, which runs a range of courses for boaters of every level.

RYA Level 2 Powerboat is where many boaters start their training and while it is suitable for beginners, it’s no walk in the park.

In a group of three, alongside a 20-year veteran RYA Yachtmaster, I quickly embraced my role as the dunce of the class, regularly asking the stupid question.

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We began with the basics of wind and tide, and using these elements as your brakes when performing slow-speed manoeuvres. Next came Met Office forecast terminology and a quick rundown of the local bylaws.

Our instructor Kieran belied his years with two pieces of sage advice that I would later wish I had tattooed onto the inside of my eyelids: “Steer before gear, and keep one hand on steer and one hand on gear”.

The classroom section was necessary but mercifully short – the July sun was beating down and we’d come here to do some actual boating.

Out on the water

Kieran introduced us to Kake , our vessel for the day, with the fondness and respect that reflected his years growing up with boats of all sizes.

This Ribcraft powerboat was fitted out with GPS, VHF, a 140bhp outboard and a windscreen, which would come in handy during the high-speed thrills of day two.

After a quick orientation we cast off into a particularly strong spring tide and set about proving our mettle with some basic manoeuvres.

Holding off behind pylons and picking up a mooring buoy proved straightforward enough, but coming alongside was particularly challenging as the tide raced in.

The best way I can describe it to a non-boater is: imagine parallel parking a car on a slow-moving treadmill.

Kieran’s patient and encouraging attitude ensured we could all tick this off eventually, even if I took a few attempts to perform the manoeuvre without ferry drifting or bashing a sponsom against the pontoon.

Stopping for lunch back at base halted our progress up the Hamble, but we were relived to sit on a more comfortable seat.

While Kake was fitted out with everything we could need from a technical point of view, she was not built for comfort and the narrow seats meant that we were staggering like John Wayne after a two-hour stint on the river.

The afternoon’s activity started with turning in a confined space – a drill that really brought the whole ‘steer before gear’ principle into focus when the penalty for failure was bumping into a £2m superyacht.

The blazing sunshine had brought local river users out in their droves, and we were constantly reminded of the rules of the road as we navigated past sailboats, canoes, motorcruisers and paddleboarders.

Through it all Kake was highly responsive, much more so than I was expecting: it took a while to realise that small adjustments would be enough to change our course sufficiently.

With all our drills complete, we nipped back to our pontoon as low tide approached, thankful for our trim tilt and skeg-adjusted depth sounder as less than 1m of water remained at HQ.

We went our separate ways for the night, and while my boating skills had been given a thorough workout, I knew that the real fun had all been saved for day two.

Thrills and spills

A mercifully overcast second day saw us head out onto Southampton water for some high-speed action, and as Kake hit 4,000rpm and rose up onto the plane, I was reminded why I was doing this in the first place.

Nothing quite compares to the raw thrill of piloting a RIB at 25 knots. With the responsiveness of a rollercoaster and excitement to match, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular gateway to motorboating.

Kake ‘s unique characteristics came into play, as she smoothly turned to starboard but put up much more of a fight when turning to port.

The urge to grab the wheel with both hands was hard to resist, but Kieran’s second mantra ensured that we were never allowed to let go of the throttle for very long.

S-turns and powered U-turns were followed by tighter U-turns and P-turns, as we rode the considerable wash thrown up by sportsyachts and catamarans.

Once Kieran was satisfied that we knew how to do the fun stuff, we dropped anchor at Hythe for a lunch break and quick buoyage quiz.

One of the most useful things you can learn on a training course is what to do in an emergency and the man overboard procedure brought together everything we had learned so far.

Using a fender and a bit of clever distraction, Kieran simulated this worst case scenario and we were required to perform a P-turn before approaching upwind with the utmost precision to retrieve our tiny target.

The side-on drifting approach was also covered, by which time our sensei was satisfied that we could cope with a real-life MOB.

Hatching a plot

With chartplotters so commonplace these days it can be easy to neglect more traditional navigation skills, but this course ensured we could cope without such modern fripperies.

Classroom theory was put into practice as we took bearings from a compass to determine our exact location on the chart before following bearings that we’d mapped out in the morning to buoy hop our way back to the mouth of the Hamble.

Coming off Southampton water and back onto the river with its six-knot speed limit felt like turning off a motorway, and this led some to resort to impatient overtaking as we patiently cruised back to our berth before low tide.

I certainly felt a great deal of pride upon being presented with my certificate, and even though it is not a legal requirement unless your boat is more than 24m long, a course like this should be seen as an essential primer for any self-respecting skipper. I’m only ashamed I didn’t do one sooner.

Mendez Marine offers boat training ranging from VHF courses through to Yachtmaster exams. For more information, visit mendezmarine.co.uk or call 01489 588977.

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• Professional qualifications
• powerboat-level-2

RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

RYA powerboat courses are primarily for those using small powered craft such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats that don't generally undertake long or offshore passages.

The types of commercial craft requiring this level certification are typically: charter fishing boats, small passenger launches, thrill ride operators, harbour patrol launches, construction site safety boats etc.

If you will be using larger boats with accommodation and the capacity to cruise or work further offshore you are likely to need a certificate within the motor cruising programme such as Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore.

If you need a Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate in order to work on a commercial craft subject to the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed . You can then work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 6 waters - that is up to 3 miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight hours.

RYA Level 2 Powerboating

The RYA Level 2 Powerboating Course is ran over two days and provides a level of training that is ideal for anyone from the casual weekend user through to some commercial users. You will be taught launching and recovery, use and care of safety equipment, basic knots, fast and slow speed boat handling, use of trim, towing, man overboard, anchoring and securing to a buoy. You will also learn some basic navigation and the factors that need to be taken into account when planning your trip. This course will also enable you to apply for the ICC (International Certificate of Competence). This qualification is required by most European countries to validate your competence to own or charter a boat. The ICC obtained by presenting your Powerboat Level 2 certificate will cover powerboats up to 10 metres in length.

Duration:  2 days Previous Experience Required:  None Course Overview:  A detailed introduction to power boating that will enable you to safely take out your own powerboat in familiar waters in daylight and settled weather

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SHORT COURSES

Embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration and adventure with us. At 2 Oceans Maritime Academy, we are dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love for sailing, empowering individuals to embrace the freedom and personal growth that comes from navigating the open seas. Our short courses cater to sailors of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned seafarers.

With no previous sailing experience necessary, the RYA Competent Crew course is an ideal introduction to yachting. Over 5 days, you will learn how to steer a yacht, put up the sails and handle them, become familiar with nautical terms and learn how to live on a yacht, among other things.

In sailing, safety is of utmost importance, which is why you will also learn how to assist in the recovery of a sailor overboard, operate flares and use lifejackets, harnesses and life rafts. 

You will also sail over 100 nautical miles, enjoy at least 4 night hours’ sailing and visit many of the harbours and anchorages of the Cape area. The training you receive will ensure that you can function as a confident and competent member of any sailing crew.

As an aspiring skipper, 2 Oceans Maritime Academy will introduce you to the fundamentals necessary to take a yacht to sea. You will be taught basic navigation and pilotage, which includes chart work, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting, understanding tides and the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. 

You will also learn about the parts of a yacht, emergency and safety equipment, points of sail and the theory of sailing. The RYA Day Skipper Theory course is conducted at our 2 Oceans Academy training Centre close to the Hout Bay Harbour, Chapman’s Peak and a short walk from the beach. All RYA course material will be supplied.

Taking charge of a yacht can be a daunting yet highly rewarding experience. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, you will gain the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to confidently skipper a yacht in a variety of sailing conditions.

By completing short passages as skipper, each student practices weather forecasting, victualling, engine maintenance, sail selection, passage planning, watch keeping, navigation, pilotage and importantly boat handling under power and sail.

On completion, you will receive an RYA Day Skipper Course Completion Certificate. If you then wish to sit a South African Sailing assessment you may do so. This would entitle you to a Certificate of Competence that allows you to skipper a yacht along the coast of South Africa in daylight hours.

This advanced course in navigation and meteorology is perfect for those who are working towards taking the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster offshore exam. It is also ideal for those wishing to skipper a yacht on longer coastal passages.

Navigation aspects of the course include position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge and the use of Almanacs, Admiralty publications and electronic position finding equipment (GPS).

The meteorology section includes the taking and interpretation of forecasts, plotting of weather systems and weather prediction by observation and using a barometer. 

International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea is covered in detail and time is invested in learning how to apply this information when planning and executing passage plans.

During this practical course you will be guided through navigation – both offshore and in limited visibility conditions. You will also learn advanced weather forecasting and passage planning in addition to watch-keeping and preparation for sea. Each student will have an opportunity to plan and execute passages while taking complete command of the yacht. 

At the end of the course, your instructor will give you a thorough debrief session, which will assist you in further developing your skippering ability and confidence.

The programme takes place in the tidal waters of Saldanha Bay and Langebaan Lagoon and includes advanced skippering and boat handling techniques in preparation for the Royal Yachting Association exams. It includes navigation, pilotage, man overboard recovery and overall confident yacht management skills.

2 Oceans Maritime Academy ensures that each and every one of our candidates is fully prepared and confident to complete the RYA/MCA practical exams. With an early appraisal of a candidate’s current performance and knowledge base, the instructor (a licensed Yachtmaster Instructor) will then structure the week to address any areas of potential weakness. The focus of this 5-day course is to ensure that candidates are well-positioned to successfully demonstrate a variety of skippering techniques to meet an examiner’s requirements. 

Concentrated time is spent on MOB drills, boat handling under sail and power and commanding a yacht on passages during the day and at night. Other subjects include passage planning and weather, preparation and safety at sea, maintenance, navigation, pilotage and thorough knowledge of the international Collision Regulations. 

Learn the basics of marine radio operation, frequencies, distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, making ship to shore telephone calls, Digital Selective Calling, Global Maritime Distress Safety System. The RYA Short Range Certificate (or similar) is also a requirement for all the RYA Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence. 

Hout Bay Yacht Club Marina Harbour Road, Hout Bay Cape Town, South Africa, 7806

+27  (82) 854-9789 [email protected] All images on this site are of our boats and students while training

RYA Powerboat level II

The essential building block to a crew members boat handling ability.

Find out About the Power Boat Level II

Find a Power Boat Level II Training Provider

The Power Boat Level II is an essential course for deck crew working in the superyacht industry. It is also advisable for steward/stewardesses, and engineers to hold a powerboat license. This two-day entry-level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat in a safe and effective manner. The powerboat level II is a requirement for crew wishing to drive a superyacht tender up to 10m.

Course Breakdown

The majority of the course is practical with a short theory classroom session. The theory learning will continue during the practical training and assessment. The powerboat level II usually takes two days to complete, weather permitting. The topics covered are as follows:

• Execution of class theory
• Launching and recovery
• Confined space maneuvering
• Man overboard procedure
• Engine checks
• High-speed handling
• Collision regulations
• Emergency procedures
• Basic chart work and navigation
• Briefing and practical overview

Powerboat Level 2 Certificate Outcome:

Apart from providing a strong base upon which powerboat handling skills can be built, the powerboat level 2 course is the basis for the ICC (International certificate of competence). A commercially endorsed power boat level II certificate can be used to transport guests and passengers, in tenders up to 10m in length.

The RYA Powerboat level II certificate does not have an expiry date.

Find a Training Centre:

Australia New South Wales Sydney

Croatia Split

Cyprus Limassol

France Antibes Cannes Cote D'Azur

New Zealand Warkworth

Poland Gdynia

South Africa Cape Town Langebaan

Spain Barcelona Mallorca Palma de Mallorca

Valencia Javea

Turkey Mugla

United Kingdom England Bristol Cornwall Falmouth Cromhall Dover East Sussex

Essex Liverpool Plymouth Poole Southampton Isle of Wight Cowes

United States of America Fort Lauderdale

West Indies Antigua

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• Frequently Asked Questions

Who’s it for?

The course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive powerboats in daylight and favourable weather conditions.

Is there a minimum age?

You must be aged 12 years or older to attend an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. Candidates under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, unless attending a dedicated  Youth Course – contact us for more information. 

What does the course content cover?

The syllabus focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, anchoring, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. For more syllabus information, please click here to visit the syllabus section on our homepage. 

What certificate will I get at the end of the course?

Candidates will be issued with an RYA Level 2 Powerboat photocard certificate, endorsed for planing hulls, upon successful completion of all aspects of the syllabus.

Where is the course held?

Training takes place on the tidal Thames, starting from Chiswick Pier.

What’s the format of the course?

The course is delivered as a mix of practical and classroom sessions, with a focus on practical boat handling.

Do you provide refreshments/lunch?

Lunch isn’t provided, but we do provide refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) and will return to the pier each day for a lunch break. Candidates are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or head out to cafés/shops nearby (within easy walking distance).

Is there a test/assessment/exam?

We use continuous assessment throughout the course to ensure candidates demonstrate the required standard for the award of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate. If a candidate doesn’t achieve the required standard across all elements of the course syllabus, or fails to attend part of the course, we’ll generate an action plan to document what needs to be done to attain the course completion certificate.

Can I arrive late?

No, regrettably we can’t accommodate candidates who arrive late. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to arrive before the advertised start time of your course. If you fail to attend the safety briefing at the beginning of the course, you will not be able to attend any subsequent sessions and will have to rebook to attend at a later date at additional cost.

How many candidates are on the course / on each boat?

We work on a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1:3 onboard each boat, and up to 6 candidates in classroom sessions.

Do you offer 1-to-1 tuition?

Yes – we offer Solo courses, please contact us to find out more.  

Can I book multiple places / do you take group bookings?

Yes – subject to availability. We offer a group discount of £25pp for bookings of 3 or more candidates. Discounts are automatically applied at the checkout.

What is the ICC?

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft is a certificate which is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries. It was historically known as the International Certificate of Competence. It’s often required for demonstrating competence when bareboat chartering/renting boats abroad (ie. without a professional skipper/crew). 

How do I get an ICC?

The easiest way to apply for your ICC is to apply online via the RYA website

Do I have to sit any additional tests or assessments to get the ICC?

If you’re looking to obtain your ICC for use on coastal waters, after completing your RYA Level 2 powerboat course, your RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate can be used to evidence competency for the category of “Power up to 10m length overall” – with no additional assessment required!

If you also require the INLAND category to be validated on your ICC (this is required for navigating on inland waterways – rivers, canal systems and lakes – in Europe), you will need to complete a CEVNI theory test. For full details, supporting materials/resources, and test bookings, please visit: www.focusmarine.co.uk/cevni

How much does the ICC cost?

ICC certificate are priced at £55, or free for RYA Members.

When applying for your ICC, you will have the option of becoming an RYA member (there’s no need to apply in advance).

The cost of RYA membership is the same as the cost of ICC certification (or, in some cases, cheaper!), and you can additionally benefit from member discounts and offers as well as free certificate amendments. If you decide to opt for RYA membership, please support our centre by using the following Joining Point code upon application: 920768491

Who can get an ICC?

You must be aged 16 or older to apply for an ICC. The RYA can issue a UK ICC to any UK national, as well as nationals of other countries who are normally resident in the UK. If you are neither a UK national nor resident in the UK, please check the guidance on the RYA website carefully.

How long does the ICC application process take?

Please check the RYA website for the latest certification lead times. At the time of writing (July 2022) the turnaround time for ICC applications is 5-6 weeks. We recommend that candidates allow plenty of time for ICC applications, as lead times do vary during peak times.

Can I fast-track my ICC application?

Yes – at the time of writing, the RYA Certification department are accepting fast-track applications to reduce the turnaround time to 10 working days (or less). See the RYA website for more details.

Our training courses takes place on the tidal Thames, starting from Chiswick Pier – located on Corney Reach Way, London W4 2UG. 

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Where can I park?

The pier is located within a private housing estate, with on-street parking restrictions in operation at all times.

On Pumping Station Road and Corney Road, Hounslow CPZ hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Pay & Display parking is available at Chiswick House (10 minute walk). There is also limited on-street parking on Riverside Drive during weekdays. 

Where’s the nearest public transport? 

Barnes Rail (0.8 miles) is around a 15 minute walk. 

Stamford Brook (1.1 miles) is around a 22 min walk. 

SAILING & POWERBOAT SCHOOL

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course 2 Days

RYA 2 day license. This comprehensive course takes you from beginner to competent powerboat handler in 2 full days. Multiple courses are run every week throughout the full year

Group courses run every week

More course information

Want to be safe on the water?  This is a widely recognised & respected certificate license.  RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a 2 day course for entry level skills.  This license will enable you to hire or charter a powerboat in the UK and overseas up to 10m *.

Multiple group courses run every week, all year round – please get in touch for availability

Pay with Klana at the checkout and spread the payments for an interest free option – please get in touch if you have any questions

All RYA courses and most other training sessions are normally done on demand . If you cannot see your required dates on the electronic calendar then please get in touch and we can add them for you, no problem!!

Course content includes slow speed manoeuvre boat handling including leaving and coming alongside, Launching and recovery, securing to a buoy, anchoring, man overboard, tides, weather, basic passage planning, safety equipment and more. The ability on completion of the 2 day course will be a self-sufficient power-boater in the right conditions, you will be aware of own limitations and choice of boat and engine size.

* Please note the RYA Powerboat Level 2 License is for vessels up to 10m (30ft), but if you only have experience on a vessel of around 5 – 7 metres then chartering a vessel larger than this will involve further training due to the manoeuvrability of the vessel.

Learn from our patient and knowledgeable instructors in this beautiful location near Falmouth, Cornwall.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course can be converted into the international equivalent (International Certificate of Competence – ICC) by simply filling out a form for the RYA that we can give you, plus joining their membership for the year.  This enables you to hire vessels in the Mediterranean.  You can read more about how to apply for the ICC online using this  ICC link on RYA website

The maximum you can have on a RYA Powerboat course is 3 people. If you would like to join a group of people then please contact us and we can arrange this. We run multiple courses weekly. This is a very popular course and these are run during the week and at weekends. We are open 7 days a week and all year round.

If you have the relevant experience to go for the RYA Direct Assessment to gain the Level 2 license, then this can be completed in a 1:1 half day.

You can make this 1 whole day if you think that you may need a little extra training in some areas.

For details of the syllabus that you would be assessed on please get in touch.

COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT INFORMATION – 

If you want to work in a commercial environment and take up to 12 paying passengers to sea in a vessel of up to 24m then it is a legal requirement to hold an RYA/MCA certificate of competence with a commercial endorsement. That shows that you have undergone additional training, a practical examination and a medical fitness test to operate a commercial vessel. The level of endorsement you hold determines the categories of water you can operate in.

The RYA Level 2 Powerboat can be commercially endorsed to operate in Category 6 waters. This category is defined as within 3 miles of a nominated departure point, and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight.

The RYA Advanced Powerboat (with exam) can be commercially endorsed to operate in Category 3 waters, once the holder has more than 2 years relevant experience. This category is defined as up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

For categories above this, the Yachtmaster Offshore can be endorsed to operate up to 150 miles from a safe haven and the Yachtmaster Ocean can be endorsed to operate worldwide.

Commercial vessels are also required to be surveyed and certified before being used commercially, and their size and level of equipment determines the category of water they can operate in, as well as the level of qualification and commercial endorsement held by the skipper.

For Category 6 you need the following information –

RYA Powerboat Level 2 license (This can be done with Mylor Sailing School) RYA VHF Marine Radio Course (This can be done with Mylor Sailing School) Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) (This can be done with Falmouth Training Solutions) RYA First Aid (This can be done with Mylor Sailing School) RYA Sea Survival (This can be done with Falmouth Training Solutions)

ML5 Medical from any GP (Please note there have been some changes in the last couple of months to the form so make sure you have the most up to date one. You can get it from this link here – Gov Link to ML5 details and form

You then need to complete this form for the Commercial Endorsement to send off to the RYA – RYA Commercial Endorsement Link Once you have completed all of the above Send the following items to: RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA: Your original RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate Your Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate The RYA completed Commercial Endorsement Form Your original, completed ML5 medical fitness form (They can only accept the latest version of the ML5 form less than one year old) A copy of your RYA Sea Survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) A copy of your RYA VHF Marine Radio License A passport sized photo with your name on the back The application fee stated on the Commercial Endorsement Form

Re-validating your commercial endorsement –  All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years by proving at least 150 days of actual sea service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years, and be in possession of a valid medical fitness certificate. If you are unable to prove the requisite sea service but are able to demonstrate that during at least half of the five year period you have been employed on duties closely associated with the management and operation of one or more of the appropriate types of vessels, you may have your certificate considered for revalidation.

For further information on the suitability of a vessel please see this link to the RYA website for coding vessels – RYA Link to Vessel Coding Information

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Frequently asked questions

When are these courses run, i have never done it before is this ok, can i just pay a deposit to secure my booking, what do i need to bring, how many people in a group, i have a physical impairment/health condition can i learn to powerboat, if it rains will it still be on, do i have to wear a buoyancy aid/life jacket, where can i park, is sailing and powerboating sustainable/environmentally friendly, enquire about this course.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

Rya powerboat level 2.

Improve your powerboat driving and handling techniques. If you’re new to powerboating, this practical course will prepare you with the safe driving and handling skills you need to complete short day trips in your powerboat.

About the course

Covering the theory and practical skills needed to become a competent powerboat driver, the course focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, driving at planning speed and collision regulations.

All food and accommodation is included.

Other courses you may also be interested in:

• RYA Powerboat Instructor course
• Powerboat and Personal Watercraft Courses

International Certificate of Competency (ICC )  Application

If you would like to add on your ICC to you booking please inform our advisors at time of booking. There is a direct fee to the RYA for this, for more information please contact us .

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus is taught with a ratio of (3:1) students to instructor and covers the following:

• Launching and recovery
• Boat handling under way (including high speed)
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard
• Displacement craft
• Leaving and returning to pontoons
• Basic navigation
• Collision prevention regulations
• Boat design
• Engines and drives

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification.

Dates and pricing

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• Powerboat Level 2 and VHF Radio Course- All you need to know!
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Are you looking to upgrade your knowledge and skillset as a powerboat user? The Powerboat Level 2 and VHF Radio Course offers the ultimate package for safety at sea, providing certified tuition in both practical boat handling and radio communications.

Go beyond merely believing you know what to do in an emergency situation, and learn the casualty care first aid principles you need to act swiftly and effectively. Master practical techniques for man overboard procedures, collision avoidance, launching & recovery skills as well as crew interaction in various locations & conditions.

Implement the correct radio communications from planning before your journey to ensuring a safe return after it. Aspiring seafarers can delve into chart work plotting courses, buoy & channel markers and become aware of the nuances of tide movement.

If you’re keen to equip yourself with all the necessary knowledge and skillset for safe powerboat proficiency – enrol in the Powerboat Level 2 and VHF Radio Course today!

What is a Powerboat Level 2 Course?

Do you have a passion for getting out on the open water and want to learn how to safely navigate coastal waters? If so, then look no further than the Powerboat Level 2 Course. This intensive training program provides essential safety and operational knowledge and skills needed in order for participants to become proficient powerboat operators.

Those who sign up for this course can expect to take part in a minimum number of classroom hours learning about theoretical aspects of vessel operation while they are still visible from ashore sites only, as well as practical experiences with their own boat during an appropriate period within 12 months after completion date of the theory session.

During these practical sessions, participants will demonstrate six (or more) specific skills that they’ve learned from their course such as anchoring high speed manoeuvres, mooring astern/alongside , navigating with visual reference points like buoys etc.They will also carry out practices travelling upriver or negotiating estuary navigation under different winds or tides.

If you’re looking to embark on your journey into becoming a confident powerboat operator, then the Powerboat Level 2 Course could be just what you’re looking for. This course can equip you with all of the necessary safety and operational knowledge to ensure your sailing trips are enjoyable and stress free!

Is there any eligibility criteria?

To meet the eligibility requirements for a Powerboat Level 2 Course, several criteria must be met.

These include being at least 16 years old, physically and mentally fit to operate a powerboat, having a good working knowledge of nautical terms and rules, as well as evidence of experience.

This could be in form of another boating qualification, or evidence demonstrating that an individual has sufficient amount of time carrying out practical on-the-water exercises for at least 20 hours.

Apart from the eligibility criteria, individuals will also need to provide valid ID documentation showing proof of identity and residence.

Overall, meeting these criteria is essential for those looking to obtain a Powerboat Level 2 Course qualification as it helps ensure that all learners have achieved necessary skills prior to assessment which in turn ensures they can safely operate powerboats at an adequate level on inshore waters by the end of this program.

What is a VHF Radio Course?

Navigating the open seas or any other body of water can be a daunting task. It requires skill, experience, and an efficient system of communication to ensure safe journeys for all vessels involved.

That’s why getting certified in VHF Radio Courses is so important—it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to use modern maritime radio channels effectively while operating close to shore, on large vessels, or when using smaller craft.

A VHF Radio Course is an educational course designed to provide mariners with the basics of radio communication and procedures. It teaches students about maritime distress and urgency signals, emergency protocols, communication protocols, laws governing inland navigation, proper use of VHF reception/transmission equipment (Very High Frequency), general radio operations in coastal waters as well as digital selective calling systems/devices.

These are all essential aspects when it comes to safe sailing. Furthermore, certification demonstrates that you have a comprehensive understanding of radio operation which could be crucial during an emergency or other situations where clear communication is paramount.

In conclusion, a VHF Radio Course offers mariners the opportunity to communicate easily and safely over long distances while navigating waters around the world.

It provides an essential foundation of understanding laws, safety protocols and radio operations when sailing. Being certified in this course demonstrates your proficiency in maritime radio channels which could be vital during emergency situations or at sea.

VHF Radio courses are increasingly becoming popular amongst seafarers, harbour masters and yachtsmen. In order to ensure that individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio, these unequalled training courses prepare attendees for successful operations of all kinds of Maritime Station Licenses.

However, is there any eligibility criteria one needs to meet in order to undertake a VHF Radio course? The answer is yes. Firstly, the applicant must have completed primary education and their knowledge of spoken English should be proficient enough for them to understand and communicate with others by radio during emergency situations.

Furthermore, if one were taking a competence-based Mobile Maritime Visual Distress Signalling Device Course (MMVDS) they must also possess either an Operator’s Certificate or Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (MRSC).

In addition, several countries including Malta may require participants to be at least 18 years old before they can embark upon any form of VHF Training Course. To ensure the highest safety standards, physical and mental competency will also be assessed.

This usually includes practical tests such as ropes and lines handling, navigation or first aid training — all of which help to evaluate an individual’s aptitude for VHF operations.

As such, it is imperative that one meets all the prerequisites before attempting a VHF Radio Course. Once done so, individuals can then dive into studying the fundamentals of radio communication – further equipping them with critical skills needed by mariners in our ever-changing environment today!

The Bottom Line

The Powerboat Level 2 and VHF Radio Course offers learners an excellent way to safely explore the open waters by acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills for proper boat operation.

Taking this course will grant you access to areas of sailing normally out of reach, as well as allow you to enjoy a stress free experience while driving your powerboat. It also provides useful tips on the maintenance and repairs of powerboats, environmental awareness, and introduce mariners to many safety measures.

With additional practice gained by earning a Level 2 qualification with VHF radio certification, you’ll be prepared for any situation encountered during a voyage on open waters.

All these added educational benefits make the Powerboat Level 2 & VHF Radio Course an excellent way to equip boaters of all experiences with knowledge on how to operate their boat safely and enjoyable.

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RYA Powerboat Training

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This two day RYA powerboat 2 training course is designed for absolute beginners and existing boat users alike. The RYA Powerboat training level 2 qualification is recognised the world over and, in many countries, is all that is required to allow certificate holders to hire powerboats up to 10m (see International Certificate of Competence below). It is also recognised by most insurance companies, leading to lower premiums, and for some is an absolute requirement to gain insurance cover.

RYA powerboat level 2 course Content

1. Launch and recovery

2. Preparation of boat and crew

3. Mooring to a buoy and alongside a pontoon

4. Anchoring

5. Recovering a man overboard

6. Manoeuvring vessel at planing speed

7. Basic navigation techniques

8. Introduction to making longer journeys at sea.

RYA powerboat level 2 course requirements:

Previous experience: None

Minimum age: 12. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate.

Duration: Two days

Candidates under 16 years of age must also be accompanied by an adult of 21 years or more.

Prices - £299.00 (Weekdays) & £399.00 (Weekends) inc VAT

The aboves prices are inclusive of clothing hire, lifejacket hire and fuel.

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

Holders of the RYA Powerboat training 2 course certificate can also apply directly for an ICC without any additional examination or powerboat training enabling them to hire powerboats anywhere, (subject to local laws).

More about the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Training Course

The RYA powerboat 2 course is designed so students spend more than 70% of their time afloat. In this powerboat training course, the emphasis is very much on safe powerboat handling in harbours and out to sea. Time is spent learning the art of mooring, turning in confined spaces, recovering a man overboard and, of course, how to get a powerboat going fast on the plane and keeping it there comfortably. We also include a practical section on navigation at sea

The theory section covers all the subjects specified by the RYA powerboat level 2 training course curriculum and includes the rules of the road, how to plan a journey safely, weather and tides, and buoyage and is covered in a single 2.5 hour session with all the rest of the time dedicated to being afloat.

There is no examination in the RYA powerboat 2 training course. Progress is determined by continuous assessment and it is the job of ourselves, as instructors' to identify and correct any weaknesses. If you fail, we fail and that is why we put such a heavy emphasis on continuosly improving our skills.

The powerboat training boat we use is exceptional, designed to give you the very best powerboat training experience and is fitted with all the equipment and electronics needed to ensure you get a good grounding in boat handling and navigation.

Check out our facebook page using the link at the bottom of the site.

After the powerboat level 2 training course

You will be able to handle a powerboat safely and with confidence in most everyday situations.

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Season 2023/24 Call Will for all boat training requirements on 01202 836721

Bespoke Tuition to suit your requirements, can also include crew training on your boat. Call Will to discuss on 01202 836721

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RYA & STCW Courses – Sail, Power, Super-Yacht & Workboat

How to Pass the Yachtmaster Exam

Yachtmaster certificate of competence exam top tips, which yachtmaster.

First we need to be clear which Yachtmaster exam we are talking about. Leaving things like the Yachtmaster Instructor and Examiner Qualifications aside there are no less than 8 separate RYA certificates that are called “Yachtmaster”. This includes the 3 independently examined levels of Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence, (coastal, offshore and ocean).

RYA MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course

( Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased for short). This is a 6 day course which includes three written papers. It is assumed knowledge for all of the certificates that follow, so we will assume for the purposes of this article that you have already completed this course.

Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence (power or sail)

This certificate follows the successful completion of a practical exam which is discussed in this article. The exam can be taken on board a sailing yacht or motor boat, (and the qualification is endorsed for the relative type of craft). The Yachtmaster Coastal CoC certifies skippers to operate  up-to 20 miles from a safe haven on board commercial vessels up-to 24m, carrying up-to 12 passengers. It can also be used as an entry requirement for super yacht Officer Training ( OOW 3000 ).

Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence (power or sail)

A higher level practical exam, also discussed in this article. This certifies skippers to operate up-to 150 miles from a safe haven on board commercial vessels up-to 2000 tonnes, (again with up-to 12 passengers). It can also be used as an entry requirement for super yacht officer training and is a requirement to progress onto Yachtmaster Ocean CoC (below) and/or  MCA Master 200 .

RYA MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Certificate

aka Ocean Shorebased . This is a 5 day (or 40 hour online) course which includes one written paper. It is assumed knowledge for the oral exam that follows and beyond the scope of this article. You can read all about the Ocean Yachtmaster Course and Exam here .

Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence (power or sail)

An even higher level certificate that qualifies the holder to skipper beyond the 150 mile from a safe haven limit of the Yachtmaster Offshore CoC. The Yachtmaster Ocean exam is an oral exam and one of its pre requisites is the Yachtmaster Offshore CoC (above).The Yachtmaster Ocean Exam is beyond the scope of this article, but by popular request we have written a separate article about it,   MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence .

RYA MCA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Certificate of Competence Practical Exam

Getting back on topic this article specifically relates to the two practical exams (Coastal and Offshore), each can be taken onboard a sailing yacht or motor boat.

The exam for the Yachtmaster Coastal CoC and the Yachtmaster Offshore CoC is very similar and in fact different candidates can be examined together even if they are not taking the same level.

Exams are conducted with 1-4 candidates on board the vessel.

You can take the Yachtmaster exam on a sailing yacht or motorboat, and you will become a Sail or Power Yachtmaster as appropriate. This article covers sail and power exams as much of the advice is generic.

The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster qualification is the global standard for sailing and motor boating. The definition of a Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore is: ‘A yachtsman or woman competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage that can be completed without the use of astro navigation.’

The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence remains the logical target of many a self-motivated sailor. It also represents the icing on the cake for those looking for the reassurance of an external assessment.

How long is the Yachtmaster Exam?

There can be up to 4 candidates on the boat with the examiner. A examiner will not conduct more than 4 exams at once and will not plan to examine more than 2 candidates in a 24 hour period. He/she will need to see each candidate skipper the boat underway by night.

Yachtmaster Coastal Exam Duration

• 1 Candidate – 6 to 10 hours
• More than one candidate  – 4 to 8 hours each

Yachtmaster Offshore Exam Duration

• 1 Candidate – 8 to 12 hours
• More than one candidate  – 5 to 9 hours each

For many candidates this means there will be a pause mid-exam while they and the examiner get some sleep before restarting in the morning. It is not unknown for exams to span two nights if there are 4 candidates (for example Friday evening 1800- Sunday morning 1100)

Listed below are some top tips to help you prepare for your RYA/MCA Yachtmaster exam.

Prepare early for your yachtmaster exam.

Most candidates spend some time with an Instructor, whether this is a 5-day preparation course with a sea school or some bespoke tuition on board their own boat. A half decent Yachtmaster Instructor will take you through many of the exercises that an Examiner will expect you to demonstrate and will put you in the mind-set of an exam candidate.

On the day  of the exam make sure you are ready in good time so that you aren’t involved in a last-minute faff. If you’re relaxing in the cockpit with a cup of tea when the examiner arrives, the examiner will be more impressed than if you’ve put yourself under stress attempting to work out the day’s tidal heights or secondary ports last minute!

When given a navigation task, prepare fully, make notes, prepare pilotage sketches and plan well! Nip below every so often en route to keep an eye on what’s going on in the chart department and whizz back on deck pronto to carry on skippering the boat. Don’t panic and don’t spend all your time sat behind the chart table, taking no notice of what’s going on around you, this is an obvious sign of someone who is ill prepared for the passage they are skippering.

HAVE YOUR YACHTMASTER EXAM PAPERWORK READY (and the kettle boiling)

The very first part of the exam will be paperwork. Before the examiner can proceed he/she will;

• Ask for your completed exam application form, be sure it is completed in advance and details your qualifying sea time.
• Ask for payment, (the examiner can not proceed if you do not pay up front)
• Ask for sight of your Short Range Certificate , (or a pass form if you have recently taken the course and exam and are awaiting the actual certificate). Higher level GMDSS certificates are acceptable.
• Request a passport photo of you (write your name on the back).
• Chat with you about your yachting background and qualifying sea time
• Outline what he/she expect from you over the coming day(s).

If you are applying for a commercial endorsement at the same time you will also require as a minimum;

• PPR Certificate
• Sea Survival Certificate
• Seafarers Medical Certificate
• Commercial endorsement form and payment

You will also need to hold an in date  First Aid Certificate .

BE TIDY AND ORGANISED THROUGHOUT YOUR YACHTMASTER EXAM

First impressions count! Make yourself presentable and ensure you’re looking professional. That’s you and the boat!

Make sure the yacht is clean, tidy and seamanlike. The waterline crisp, sail covers looking ship shape, ropes coiled neatly and carefully stowed and fenders aligned. An experienced skipper once told me, you should know your boat so well that you should be able to find anything you need at any moment in time, including at night during power failure! A tidy boat is a sure sign of a safe boat.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT PREPARATION, FOR YOUR YACHTMASTER EXAM

Repetition, repetition, repetition. There is no point in having sailed (or motored) thousands and thousands of nautical miles if you can’t carry out Day Skipper tasks. If you can not confidently demonstrate all boat handling or seamanship skills, such as picking up a mooring buoy or putting a reef in, then you’re not ready for the exam yet!

There is nothing worse than entering or leaving a marina, wondering if you’re going to hit something. Brief your crew, make sure everyone knows what they are doing, and proceed with confidence. If the boat slides smoothly out of her berth with crew briefed and knowing what’s expected you will look good. Your calm manner, and a sensible amount of revs for power handling will immediately put the examiner’s mind at ease and give no reason for concern. If Plan A fails, take a breath, and start over. The examiner understands that mistakes can be made under exam conditions, he/she will be more impressed if you stop, recompose yourself and get the manoeuvre right, rather than continue to try and complete a bodged first attempt. There is no such things as a perfect exam, every candidate will make small mistakes, the stronger candidates will spot them, themselves and do something about them.

Without a doubt, you will be quizzed on COLREGS . There’s no reason for a candidate, not to have these regulations engrained into their brain. A good way of ensuring you have these nailed, is to study ‘A Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road.’

YACHTMASTER EXAM IRPCS

There is no need to learn the collision regulation parrot fashion but you should have a working knowledge of every rule and you should be able to;

• Identify any vessel at night by lights
• Describe the day shape for any vessel
• Describe the fog signal for any vessel
• Explain any rule
• Apply the collision regulations practically through the exam
• Explain what actions you would take in fog if you have detected another vessel by radar alone.

Candidates who forget a particular rule such as “ what does a vessel constrained by night display at night? ” MAY still pass if they know the rest of the rules and are otherwise strong, however a candidate who fails to apply the rules correctly when he/she is skippering will fail. If a large vessel sounds 5 horns at you during your exam you are going to have to work very hard to recover! Do not put yourself in a position where this might occur.

YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE SHOREBASED KNOWLEDGE

Be ready, know your subject.

You can be quizzed on anything within the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course,  you will also be expected to put the navigation, IRPCS, passage planning and forecast skills from this course into practice. If you don’t have this knowledge then you are waisting your exam fee as you will fail. You will also be tested on a basic understanding of Radar and Diesel engines . I am a strong believer that all Yachtmaster candidates as well as having passed the Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased course should also have attended the following courses before taking their practical exam as you can be tested on any and all of these areas.

• RYA Short Range Certificate , it is likely you will each be quizzed on VHF procedures, distress alerting, the mayday call or other calls during the exam. You may also need to make a routine call to a marina or harbour during the exam.
• RYA Sea Survival . The safety brief that you deliver will include lots of content from this course, (i.e flares, EPIRB, life raft and life jackets), you can expect to be questioned on more detail on these and other areas.
• RYA Diesel . Typically candidates will be examined on engine checks and they will also be given a part of the engine to talk about or a common problem to solve, for example, “ Can you talk me through how you would bleed the full system on this engine ,” or “ Show me the components of the cooling system and explain which part of it may need servicing at sea if the system has run dry for a brief period’ “
• RYA Radar.  If the vessel is fitted with a radar you will be tested on its basic set up and use. You should be able to fix position by radar, find a spot on the chart by radar and identify when a risk of collision exists by radar. If there is not a radar set on board, any of this can be tested theoretically. All candidates should be tested on radar and motor candidate tend to be pushed a little further on this area, (while they escape the sailing part of the assessment).
• RYA First Aid . While you are required to hold a First Aid Certificate, Yachtmaster examiners will not test First Aid beyond the treatment for hypothermia, the effects of cold shock, calling for medical assistance and discussing evacuation by helicopter.

TAKE CHARGE DURING YOUR YACHTMASTER EXAM

One of the key things an examiner is looking for, is to see how good the candidates are at taking charge. This is more than just a sailing (or motoring) exam it is a skippering exam. Can you manage your boat? Can you manage your crew? Clear, decisive and safe briefings followed by ongoing directions to the crew are required.

Good leadership and seamanship alike, do not involve barking orders, it is about being in control in a calm, effective and efficient manner while showing you can skipper (lead). Demonstrate your organisational and methodical thinking.

Play to your strengths. There is no definitive way to be a skipper, so don’t change your tried and tested methods to try and impress. Stick with what you know and carry them out smoothly and confidently. Don’t rush and panic. “Go slow like a pro.”

YACHMASTER EXAM MAN OVERBOARD

It is almost a, “dead cert,” that each candidate will be asked to demonstrate a MOB drill at some point during the exam. This is typically done using a fender or similar attached to a small weight, (never a real person). There is a myth that Yachtmaster Examiners expect the drill to be carried out by the “RYA method,” and this is true, what is not true however is the various myths of what constitutes the RYA method!

Yachtmaster Exam – Man Overboard RYA Method

Your examiner will expect you to a take charge, not to loose sight of the MOB (fender), to get back to it safely without endangering other crew and to get the boat stopped alongside the casualty with the casualty somewhere safe (i.e near the leeward shroud on a sail boat and not too close to the props on a motor exam), ready for pick up back on board.

Man Overboard Exam Tips

If you are training with other candidates agree a method that works for all of you. When you are the skipper under assessment you want your crew to react and know what is expected of them. If each candidate on the same boat opts for a different MOB method it can lead to confusion.

Along the way you should simulate/say everything relevant to the casualties survival (mention throwing the MOB gear overboard, appoint a spotter, press the MOB function on the GPS, tell the examiner you would assign a crew members to issue a distress alert and Mayday call).

Man Overboard Exam Tips (for sail candidates)

In addition to the tick list in the above paragraph, use the engine! The exact drill of how you reach/tack, slow down, speed up etc. will vary from candidate to candidate and boat to boat. The important thing is that the method you opt to use works and is safe. I advise against gybing during your MOB drill in medium and stronger winds.

A sail candidate who opts to approach the casualty from upwind (where the mainsail will be filled as you sail or motor downwind) would be demonstrating a gross misunderstanding of how to control speed and how to stop a sailing yacht.

Man Overboard Exam Tips (for power candidates)

In addition to the tick list two paragraphs above be mindful of the rest of the crew. If at high speed when the MOB occurs, don’t turn suddenly, instead slow the boat down and ensure crew know if you intend to make a sharp turn. We don’t want  a crew ember (or the examiner) to fall over or worse overboard! On many boats in light and moderate conditions you can turn the boat and follow your wake to return to the MOB, in rougher sea states this might not work. There are basically three steps.

• Dont loose the MOB’s position
• Get back to the MOB
• Get alongside the MOB for pick up, without running him over

On many motor boats having got the boat back to the vicinity of the MOB, it pays to orientate yourself beam onto the wind and upwind of the MOB and allow the vessel to be blown sideways towards the MOB, this protects him/her from the risk of the bow and engine and is often referred to as the drift down method. As with sailing there are lost of variations on this method and what is important is the method that you use is safe and that it works.

YACHMASTER EXAM SAILING MANOUVERS

It is likely that you will be asked to either sail onto or sail off a swinging mooring (mooring bouy), an anchor or a pontoon. Make sure you are comfortable and competent at all before your exam. By way of example I will focus here on the mooring buoy. In non tidal waters the boat will lie on the mooring head to wind so the approach will be on a close reach under mainsail. In tidal waters certain combination of wind against tide may dictate an approach under headsail on a different point of sail.

The examiner will expect to see you;

• Brief the crew on how the manoeuvre will be performed
• Helm throughout the manoeuvre
• Prepare the boat for the manoeuvre (using the crew)
• Select the correct direction and angle of approach
• Select the correct sail combination for this approach
• Control the boat speed on the approach bringing the boat to a stop in a controlled manner
• Picking up and secure to the mooring bouy safely

If at any point the manoeuvre is not working the examiner will expect you to make the decision to bail-out and to have an escape plan in mind. Remember it will be your call to bail out not his.

YACHTMASTER EXAM, BOAT HANDLING UNDER POWER

During the exam you will have to demonstrate some boat handling under power. This may be a natural part of a passage you are skippering (i.e. at the start and end of the passage) or may be a specific boat handling session. Most candidates will demonstrate they can moor up, depart a berth and turn the boat in a confined space. You may be asked to demonstrate more than one berth so the examiner can see how you respond to different states of wind and tide. Some times an examiner will be specific (for example ask you to berth starboard side to, stern first on pontoon XYZ), other times he will leave some of the decision making to you and simply say berth on pontoon ABC. In the second  example he will expect to see you make a sensible decision as to whether to moor bow or stern first and from where to approach. If you are asked to repeat a manoeuvre performed by another candidate do not make the mistake of blindly copying the last candidate, take a minute to consider if they did it well or if an alternative approach would work better. Every boat manouvers differently but there are some givens for close quarter handling;

• Slow is Pro!
• Approaching down forces i.e. down tide (or down wind if no tide) is poor seamanship if you have the option not to
• Using excessive engine revs in confined space demonstrates a lack of experience and control
• Turning against prop walk should be avoided if possible.
• Using wind, tide, pivot points, momentum and prop walk to assist you will all make your manoeuvring easier and, “score you points” in the examiner’s mind.

If the manoeuvre is not working, bailing out safely is far better than perceiving trying to a make the best of a bad job. I can assure you that if you are half way through a manoeuvre and suddenly realise you have selected the wrong approach the examiner has spotted this several minutes earlier. He/she will be quietly hoping you opt to rectify the error rather than compounding it by continuing. Don’t disappoint him by continuing an approach that is clearly too fast or not going to work.

Just like the sailing manoeuvres described above you need to helm the boat through these manoeuvres, brief the crew and perform the manoeuvre well. You should not rely on crew jumping ashore with lines to stop the boat, you as helm should stop the boat so that crew can step ashore safely. If a spring line is appropriate to depart a berth then use it, but don’t over complicate things. It is quite embarrassing when a candidate opts to “spring off” a “wind off” berth when they could have simply just let the lines go. If manoeuvring in close quarters still phases you then you are not ready for the Yachtmaster exam and need some more boat handling practice first.

YACHTMASTER EXAM SUMMARY

There are many more components to the exam (pilotage, blind pilotage, voyage planning etc.) and the above is just a taster. If I have not scared you off yet, you have your own boat and require bespoke training (power or sail) I can be contacted through this site.

Yachtmaster Instructor

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• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course in Southampton: Course Summary

• Course Duration:  2 days
• Course Cost: From £275pp
• Course Location:  Saxon Wharf Marina, Southampton, SO14 5QF
• Previous Experienced Required:  No
• Minimum Age Requirement:  12 years old
• What The Course Includes:  RIB fuel costs, loan of branded waterproofs, RYA Start boating handbook, ICC assessment, parking and more.
• What You Will Learn: Handling and manoeuvring of a powerboat, including high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery, towing, passage planning, anchoring, and more.

If you’re a boat owner or are hoping to charter a boat, our popular RYA Powerboat Level 2 course in Southampton is for you!

With training from qualified RYA instructors on board a modern, rib craft boats, this 2-day beginner-friendly course runs at our RYA Training Centre in Southampton with immediate access to the open water of the Solent.

If you’re a boat owner or are hoping to charter a boat this summer, our popular RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is for you! With training from qualified RYA instructors on board a modern, 6.8 rib craft boat, this 2-day beginner-friendly course runs at our RYA Training Centre in Southampton with immediate access to the open water of the Solent.

• Perfect for those with little or no powerboating experience
• Taught by qualified RYA instructors
• Free ICC assessment 
• On site parking available 
• Free subscription to Powerboat and RIB magazine*
• A central Southampton location

Located in the heart of Southampton, this 2-day powerboat course is perfect for those located on the South Coast or in Hampshire and surrounding areas. Designed to give complete beginners or those with a basic knowledge of sailing the ability charter a powerboat in the UK or overseas, our RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course is the perfect introduction to powerboating for those who aim to charter their own vessel.

Teaching the basics of boat handling, safety and navigation, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course gives you a comprehensive skillset that will put you in good stead to skipper your next boating trip.

*Free first year annual subscription. 

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Suitable for those with no previous boating experience, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course is a 2-day fast-track to competent, safe handling and navigation. Anyone over the age of 12 can take part, and our qualified instructors are dedicated to ensuring that each student gets the most out of this two-day training course, with the opportunity to learn on a 1-2-1 basis with an instructor.

Whether you are considering buying a boat, you have previous experience chartering a personal watercraft in British waterways, rivers and canals, coastal waters, or overseas, or you are a complete beginner, this Powerboat Level 2 Course is for you.

Students under 16 will have their certificates approved under the following conditions: “To be under supervision of a responsible adult” and will be capable of sailing under adult supervision.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course provides comprehensive training into the handling and manoeuvring of a powerboat, and includes:

• speed and collision regulations
• knowledge of safety equipment
• turning in confined spaces
• coming alongside and securing to a mooring buoy
• close quarters handling skills
• man overboard recovery techniques
• planing speed manoeuvres
• rules of the road
• pilotage and passage planning

Perfect for both first-time powerboaters and those with boating experience, the PB2 is a comprehensive, functional course which teaches and consolidates the RYA principles of sailing. Guiding you through our practical courses are our highly experienced RYA instructors who deliver high impact, high quality teaching either on a small group or individual basis.

OUTLINE COURSE CONTENT

Day one of this two-day course will commence with a comprehensive safety briefing and an introduction to our 7.8m rib craft boat, powered by a 2023 4.6 litre Mercury 250 outboard engine. You will then have time to explore the controls of the rib and familiarize yourself with the inland waterways before we begin to practice manoeuvring, handling, and mooring techniques.

This powerboat course will be completed in inland waterways in and around local marinas, making it as real to life as possible for when you are ready to go out on the water on your own. We will stop for lunch before taking back to the water to hone your slow speed manoeuvres.

Day two of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 in Southampton will begin with a lesson in boating theory, before continuing your powerboat training on the water - manoeuvring, lunch, and the experience of taking in a sea lock! We will conclude your second day on the water with exhilarating high-speed manoeuvre practice and man overboard techniques, before retiring to Saxon Wharf for the RYA powerboat course debriefing. On completion, you will be awarded your RYA Powerboat Level 2 and ICC certificates and will be ready to start powerboating!

Click here to see the full RYA Powerboat Level 2 syllabus

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?

Course fee now from only £275pp*

• Monday & Tuesday from 09:30 – 17:00 = £275 pp
• Thursday & Friday from 09:30 – 17:00 = £275 pp
• Saturday & Sunday from 09:30 – 17:00= £295 pp

Weekend group discounts

• *Book two places = £285 pp
• *Book three places and have the whole boat and instructor exclusively for your group = £275pp
• We can also run this course in a one to one private basis, the cost of this is £825.00

All prices include VAT.

Please note multi person discounts apply for one booking, one payment. 

With a curated list of recommended accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets, the Ocean Sports Tuition team are more than happy to find you a place to stay for the duration of your visit. For more information about where we are located, contact us, call 02381 242159 or email [email protected] .

• Please check your eligibility to be issued with an ICC.
• Group discounts:  applies when one booking one payment is taken.
• Group discounts do not apply during extra peak season – i.e., Bank Holiday weekends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?

• Mooring Fees
• Loan of branded waterproofs
• Use of our modern MCA inspected 5.8, 6.8 or 7.8  metre Rib (Ribcraft)
• Rib fuel costs
• RYA Start Powerboat Handbook
• ICC UK assessment (sometimes referred to as ICC international certificate of competence, an RYA powerboat licence or boating licence, as it is required in some European waters in order to operate a powerboat), including ICC application form
• RYA Power Boat Level 2 certificate
• Free refreshments including Tea and Coffee

As well as teaching general boat safety, diligence and boating knowledge, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course includes a free ICC UK assessment! If you are looking to drive a boat in European waters or the Mediterranean, it’s essential to carry the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), as this demonstrates that you are competent to charter a vessel.

NEXT STEPS AFTER POWERBOAT LEVEL 2

Once you have completed the RYA PB2 course, you will be awarded the RYA power boat licence which, alongside your ICC completion certificate, demonstrates your competence on the water. As some of the most highly commended power boat courses in the UK, the RYA powerboat courses practice techniques, manoeuvres and best practices to keep you safe.

If you are looking for further RYA powerboat courses (sometimes referred to as RYA level 2, RYA PB2 course, RYA Motorboat courses, boat driving courses in the UK, national powerboat certificate, power boat licence or Powerboat 2 course), Ocean Sports Tuition offers an extended range of RYA Powerboat Courses as well as RYA Rib Courses (also known as rib boat licence, as it is preferred by some insurers and navigation authorities that a boat owner has undergone training).

You can experience further RYA powerboat training courses through the following RYA powerboat courses:

• RYA Tender Operator Course
• RYA Intermediate Powerboat Course (RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course)
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Course

On completion of the course and gaining your RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, you can bareboat charter from us and take advantage of an exclusive discount for undertaking your training with us.  Please see our Bareboat Charter page for details.

What is the Difference Between Powerboat Level 1 & Powerboat Level 2?

What Should I Wear For My Powerboat Level 2 Course?

OWN BOAT TUITION

We can also deliver this powerboat course with an RYA instructor on your own boat.  For further information, please contact us on 02381 242159 or email [email protected] .

Book Your Powerboat Level 2 Course Here

Book online below, or call on 023 81 242159 .

If there are no courses listed below, please email us to enquire about availability:  [email protected].

You can book your boat training in Southampton from only £249 per person, with group discounts available.

Our powerboat training centre is located in the heart of Southampton in Saxon Wharf Marina. You can find  directions to our location here . If you are in Southampton or the surrounding areas and looking for powerboat courses near me, our powerboat training UK sessions and range of boating theory classes are the perfect choice.

During your training, you will be learning to charter our 7.8m rib craft boat, capable of 40 knots. Our powerboat instructors are with you every step of the way to equip you with the knowledge and experience to handle this vessel confidently.

Suitable for those with no previous boating experience, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course is a fantastic opportunity to learn on a 1-2-1 basis with an instructor, with anyone over the age of 12 able to take part.

The terms speedboat and powerboat are often interchangeable, usually referring to a small, fast boat that is powered by an engine. When using your licence, it is important to recall if your qualification is limited to a certain size vessel to avoid fines.

Yes! If you are looking for Powerboat Level 2 in Portsmouth, Southampton or the surrounding areas, Ocean Sports can help! We offer expert RYA training on the Solent which is easily accessible from Portsmouth, Southampton, Hamble and the surrounding areas. For more information, complete our contact form or getting in touch using our email address [email protected] .

Our minimum age to take part in our RYA Powerboat Level 2 course in Southampton is 12 years old.

If you are looking to complete your speed boat licence test, want to learn how to operate a jet ski, or want to become a commercial powerboat skipper, we can help! You can browse our range of RYA courses in Southampton  here .

Our RYA Powerboat Level 2 course provides comprehensive handling and manoeuvring skills, including knowledge of:

• high speed manoeuvres

The outcome of your Powerboat Level 2 course is based on continuous assessment over the course of 2 days. It is our instructor's job to ensure that you are given the support and knowledge needed to successfully complete your qualification, and our training team are dedicated to providing the best level of instruction to ensure that you can confidently complete the course.

Following the Powerboat Level 2 and the Powerboat Intermediate course, some people choose to complete the  Advanced Powerboat qualification.  Throughout the Advanced course, you will learn how to confidently venture further afield or deal with different or adverse conditions by day and night.

Your powerboat licence (also known as the ICC), is valid for 5 years, and will need to be renewed via the RYA. 

Your RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification does not expire, but if you haven't been on the water for a while or feel rusty, it is recommended that you consolidate your knowledge with a course.

The next practical step after completing your Powerboat Level 2 training  if you want to increase your boating knowledge and confidence would be to take the  RYA Intermediate Powerboating course . In this course, you will develop your existing safety and boat handling to the standard required for longer passages in more complex scenarios.

Our 2-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course provides all of the training needed for you to confidently plan your daytime charters.

We Can Also Help With...

Jet ski club, boat charter, safety boat services.

• RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course
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RYA Powerboat Level 2 course (own boat tuition)

The  RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course  is the perfect course for you whether you have no previous experience or have been powerboating for a while and want to brush up your skills. An added bonus is if you want the option to hire or use a powerboat whilst you're on holiday in Europe you can also gain the  International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.)  after completing this course, without doing anything further, all you need to do is complete the I.C.C. application form & pay the certificate fee! If you're looking at using this certificate for work then you can also move towards gaining the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Commercial Endorsement. 

Maximum Group Size:  3

Previous Experience:  None

Minimum Age:  12 years 

Maximum Powerboat Size:  10m

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course Syllabus:

• Launching & recovery
• Boat handling at low & higher speed
• Securing to a buoy
• Man overboard recovery techniques
• Leaving & coming alongside (marina handling)
• Turning in a confined space
• Basic Navigation & passage planning
• IRPCS (rules of the road)
• Weather & Tides

What's included?

• RYA Powerboat Instructor for 2 days
• RYA Start Powerboating eHandbook
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate (assuming successful completion)

Course Fees (2021):

Own boat tuition kit requirements:.

Interested? Contact us today on:

Call: 01202 406066 or Email [email protected]

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