The aim of this course is "To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats." The following topics are covered during the day:

• Launch & recovery
• Preparation of boat
• Boat Handling
• Picking up and securing to a mooring buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Being towed
   

The shorebased element of the day covers: Personal buoyancy, loading and how this effects handling & performance, balance & trim, crew members, awareness of other water users, application of the collision regulations (IRPCS), local bylaws, accepting a tow and rope work.

No prior boating experience is necessary. The course suits those keen to try powerboating as a taster session or as a 'competent crew' course.

As a general guide most people opt for the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course as this covers both the content of Level 1 and more. The Level 1 course is also suited to younger people from age 8 upwards.

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In practice, Level 2 is about giving you a sound understanding of the basics (boat handling, safety and basic navigation skills) to be able to use a boat safely in areas close inshore undertaking short passages. Its the standard entry point for the vast majority of powerboaters.

The RYA Level 2 course is also known as the 'National Powerboat Course'. It is our most popular course and the two days over which it is run gives plenty of time for both practical instruction and theory. Whilst the syllabus appears very similar to the Level 1 course the extra time available makes a real difference to the depth in which subjects are covered and therefore the amount a student can learn. The following topics are covered:

• Launching & recovery
• Boat Handling including in confined spaces.
• Approaching and securing to a buoy
• Anchoring
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Handling a boat at planing speed
• Man overboard

The shorebased element of the course will cover: The types of craft and their respective advantages/disadvantages, engines & drives, use of power tilt & trim tabs, safety checks, personal buoyancy, awareness of other water users, application of the collision regulations (IRPCS), local bylaws, towing and being towed, communication with other craft, emergency action, distress signals, fire precautions and fire fighting and rope work. On the second day of the course we spend time looking at charts, tides and using a compass. Using these skills we then prepare a passage plan and execute it on a local passage from Portishead into the River Avon and back.

The course appeals to a variety of individuals.

1) Those new to boating keen to ensure that as they start boating they are 'doing it right'. The course focuses on ensuring that you develop a really good base understanding of boat handling, navigation and seamanship able to put this into practice after the course and build on your new found skills.

2)  Those keen to boat overseas and want to achieve their ICC but don't have the theory and navigation experience to undertake an ICC assessment directly. Once you have reached the standard for Level 2 you can go on to apply for your ICC from the RYA. We provide the relevant forms which coupled with a photo and a copy of your certificate will get you your ‘licence’. If you are a member of the RYA then your ICC is free otherwise it costs approximately £39.

3) Those who have boated a while but never received any formal training. Level 2 ensures that you will carry on but doing it the 'right way' ensuring that you use the most efficient methods and with a good understanding of the 'building blocks' of boating. Most people who have previous experience often wonder why they didn't take the course along time ago as they still learn new skills.

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The aim of the Intermediate Powerboat Course is to teach powerboating up to the standard required to complete a short coastal passage by day.

Theory subjects cover: navigation, bearings, bearing & distance, charts & symbols, tides, use of almanacs including secondary ports, principals of GPS, sources of weather forecast information & interpretation of them, use of charts, use of plotting instruments, buoyage, IRPCS, passage planning and waypoint navigation and emergency situations.
 

Practical subjects including: boat preparation including kit, crew preparation, boat handling including effect of waves in rougher conditions, awareness of wind & tide, pilotage, passage making including application of subjects covered in theory section and man overboard recovery techniques.

Candidates should be competent to the standard of Level 2 (inc coastal endorsement). Whilst the course does include time on developing your boat handling we do not have time to develop basic techniques. It is recommended that attendees acquire a First Aid certificate and VHF operators certificate either before or after attending the course.

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The aim of the Advanced Course is to teach boat handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigation up to the standards required to drive a planning powerboat safely by day and night in tidal coastal waters with which the candidate is familiar.

The Advanced powerboat course is aimed at experienced amateur powerboaters and professional users. It is a challenging course and gives students the chance to develop their capabilities and knowledge in a variety of areas. A key aspect of the course is the planning and execution of a night passage, heavy weather handling and practical pilotage.The course is designed to develop the capability of the skipper to manage the crew and vessel in challenging situations.
The following topics are covered on the course::
 

• Preparation for sea
• Boat Handling (inc rough water)
• Passage making
• Pilotage
• Meteorology
• Rules of the road
• Use of engines
• Emergency situations
• Undertaking searches
• Night cruising

The Advanced powerboat course is aimed at those students who can handle a powerboat competently and is intended to advance those skills further. You should be competent to navigate to the standard of the RYA Day Skipper theory course albeit the formal qualification is not a pre-requiste to attending this course.

Click here for further details and course dates.