LEVEL 1 - INTRODUCTION TO POWERBOATING

Aim:
To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats. The course may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement, and the certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type(s) of boat in which the training took place

Duration: 1 day

Minimum age: 8 years old.

8 to 11 year olds will receive the Level 1 certificate which will be endorsed Ð The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult on board the craft.

12 to 16 year olds will receive a Level 1 certificate which will be endorsed Ð The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult.

LEVEL 2 - NATIONAL POWERBOAT COURSE

Aim:
To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.

The course may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement, and the certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type(s) of boat in which the training took place.

Duration: 2 days

Minimum age: 12 years old.

12 to 16 year olds will receive a Level 2 certificate which will be endorsed Ð The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult

INTERMEDIATE - POWERBOAT DAY CRUISING COURSE

Aim:
To teach powerboating up to the standard required to complete a short coastal passage by day

Assumed knowledge:
Candidates should be competent to the standard of National Powerboat Certificate Level 2 with coastal endorsement. The course will be conducted on a planing boat

It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a first aid certificate and a VHF operator's certificate.

Duration:
2 days

Minimum age:
16 years old.

ADVANCED POWERBOAT DAY & NIGHT COURSE

You are required to hold a first aid certificate and a VHF operator's certificate.

Aim:
To teach boat handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigation up to the standards required to drive a planing powerboat safely by day and night in tidal coastal waters with which the candidate may be familiar. The course will be conducted on a planing powerboat with lights conforming to IRPCS. Students must wear a minimum 150 Newton lifejacket with a DoT approved light for the night exercise

Assumed knowledge:
Candidates should be competent to the standard of the Intermediate Powerboat Certificate with a thorough knowledge of navigation and chartwork to the level of the Day Skipper Shorebased certificate.

Duration:
2 days

Minimum age:
17 years old.

SAFETY BOAT COURSE

Aim:
To introduce the techniques used in powerboats escorting racing fleets of dinghies and windsurfers, providing safety and rescue cover for training fleets, and assisting in race management. Techniques for canoes/kayaks and kite surfers should also be discussed. It is strongly recommended that a member of the rescue crew should hold a first aid certificate (or should have experience of first aid)

Eligibility:
RYA Level 2 National Powerboat Certificate

Duration:
2 days

Minimum age:
16 years old.

YOUR POWERBOAT CHECK LIST

Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return and inform them when you have returned
Listen to the weather forecast - if in doubt, don't go out

Before going afloat check
o Personal and boat buoyancy
o Alternative means of propulsion o Anchor, chain and warp
o Bucket, bailer or bilge pump
o Fuel, including reserve tank
o First aid kit o Sharp knife
o Engine emergency spares
o Fire extinguisher
o Flares as appropriate
o VHF radio
o Compass, electronic aids and charts when necessary
o Car and trailer are properly parked

When afloat
o Keep a good lookout at all times
o Don't overload your boat
o Obey speed limits in harbours/estuaries etc
o Keep to the right in rivers/narrow channels
o When crossing a channel, cross quickly at right angles
o Keep clear of swimmers, fishermen, canoeists, dinghy sailors, windsurfers and boats/small buoys flying Code Flag A (I have a diver down)
o Think how your wash will affect others
o Look out for deteriorating weather conditions

On the road remember
o Secure boat to trailer and stow all loose gear
o Cover your propeller with a prop bag
o Trailer lights must repeat those on the rear of the car, inc. a rear fog light if fitted to the car
o The maximum speed limits are 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways
o Never use the third lane on motorways
o Allow extra braking distance if your trailer is unbraked
o Corner and reverse with care
o Park your car and trailer clear of slipways and above the high water mark
o Use the correct number plate

A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Helmsmen. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.

Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Syllabus

Coastal Skipper Practical Course Syllabus

Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Syllabus

This is a course in astro-navigation and world-wide meteorology which also reveals the mysteries of the sextant. It assumes a knowledge of all subjects covered in the other shorebased courses.

RYA/MCA Basic Sea Survival for Small Craft

The course - The aim of the course is to give an understanding of how to use the safety equipment carried on small boats, including a practical session in launching and boarding a liferaft. The instructor will have attended a RYA or other approved training course. The maximum number of students will be twice the liferaft capacity (normally 12 to 16). Course duration - The course duration is one day including a two hour practical session with a liferaft in the water.