RYA Powerboat Level 2

Gain knowledge and experience over two days with this intensive training program involving practical and theoretical upskilling needed for capable and safe powerboating. You will learn to drive our ex-police, rigid inflatable rescue craft.

RYA Powerboat Level II is regarded as an international small boat driving licence accepted in much of Europe and is a legal requirement for anyone driving the tender to a superyacht or working as an RYA windsurfing, dinghy sailing instructor or Australian Sail Master.

The qualification entitles the holder to apply for an International Certificate of Competence for powerboats under 10m.

Course content

Day 1 – Learn to drive the boat

Powerboat theory

• • Personal equipment (clothing, lifejackets etc)
  • Parts of the boat (basic terminology)
  • Types of craft  (hull types, engines, fuel)
  • Basic weather (forecasts, sea state, effect of wind and tide)
  • Buoyage, basic collision regulations (IRPCS)

Practical skills

• • • Safety and preparation (kill cord, life jackets, communications, crew position and safety)
    • High-speed handling (trim, stability, driving position, crew safety, waves, quick stop)
    • Low-speed handling (close quarters, standing off, wind and tide)
    • Seamanship skills (anchoring, berthing, handling lines, mooring buoys)
    • Emergency situations (types of emergency, man overboard recovery, marine radio distress calls)

Day 2  – Plan and execute a safe passage

Powerboat theory

• • • Intro to marine charts  and navigation
    • Pilotage and passage planning
    • Engine and fuel management
    • GPS (waypoints and route planning)
    • legal responsibilities and obligations.

Practical skills

• • Pilotage and passage-making/crew roles
  • High-speed handling/low-speed handling
  • Seamanship skills (anchoring, berthing, handling lines, mooring buoys)
  • Rules of the road (application of basic IRPCS whilst underway)
  • Emergency situations (basic towing)