RYA Powerboat Courses

Whether you are new to powerboating or looking to operate professionally, our RYA powerboat courses give you the skills and confidence to handle small craft safely in coastal waters. From Level 2 through Intermediate and Advanced, we tailor training to leisure boaters, superyacht crew and chase boat drivers.

At a Glance

Levels: RYA Powerboat Level 2, Intermediate, Advanced
Duration: Typically 2–3 days per course
Location: Coastal waters and harbour areas
Suitable for: Leisure skippers, superyacht crew, chase boat drivers and support vessels

RYA Powerboat Level 2

The essential starting point for most powerboat users. Level 2 provides the core boat handling skills and safety knowledge you need to drive a small powerboat safely in daylight and settled conditions.

Launching and recovery
Low‑speed close‑quarters manoeuvring
High‑speed handling and trim
Man overboard recovery
Basic navigation, tides and pilotage
IRPCS (rules of the road) and local regulations

Intermediate Powerboat

Intermediate Powerboat is aimed at drivers who already hold Level 2 and want to undertake short coastal passages by day. It adds more navigation, passage planning and higher‑level boat handling skills.

Planing in a range of sea conditions
Coastal passage planning and pilotage
Use of electronic navigation and radar where available
More advanced close‑quarters manoeuvring

Advanced Powerboat

For experienced powerboat skippers operating by day and night, often in more challenging conditions or as part of a professional operation. This course prepares you for the RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence.

Operating at night and in poor visibility
Challenging coastal passages with tide and weather considerations
Advanced boat handling at speed in rougher water
Leading and managing a small team or crew

Why Take Powerboat Training With Us?

Our instructors have extensive experience both in leisure and professional powerboat operations, including support and chase boat work for larger yachts.

Family–run RYA centre – personal, approachable and focused on your real‑world needs.
40+ years of yachting & industrial training – including safety and workboat environments.
Professional but relaxed style – we create a safe environment to ask questions and practise.
Training for both leisure and professional applications – from family RIBs to superyacht tenders.

How to Choose the Right Level

If you are unsure whether to start with Level 2, Intermediate or Advanced, we can help you choose the right course based on your experience, the type of boat you will be driving and where you plan to operate.

MT Sail and Power