rya powerboat level 2 plymouth

Maritime Training & Consultancy

Rya powerboat courses.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 - 2 days, cost £350 This two-day course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It includes close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations.

Course fee includes lunch, certificate and RYA Start Powerboating book.

Our scheduled course dates for the Level 2 can be found on this page .

RYA Tender Operator - 2 days, cost £395 Originally intended for operators responsible for ferrying passengers between Superyachts and the shore, this course is very useful for anyone operating a powerboat day or night with responsibility for carrying passengers.

Course fee includes lunch and certificate.

Our scheduled course dates for the Tender Operator can be found on this page .

RYA Intermediate Powerboat - 2 days, c ost £375 A 2 day course covering the practical use of pilotage and passage planning by day on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic navigational techniques. During the two days you also cover more advanced boat handling. It is recommended for anyone considering moving on to the Advanced course.

Our scheduled course dates for the Intermediate Powerboat can be found on this page .

RYA Advanced Powerboat course including Certificate of Competency - 3 days, cost £550 (plus RYA exam fee) This is the 2-day course completion, for leisure and professional boaters wanting to undertake more adventurous trips. It includes navigation by day and night, weather and other aspects of skippering a small boat on more challenging passages in coastal waters. Anybody undertaking this course must have the practical skills of the Intermediate course and knowledge of navigation to at least the standard of the Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore shorebased course. Also included is an extra day of consolidation / exam prep before starting the Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence exam.   Students taking the Advanced Powerboat CoC Exam need to hold a VHF/SRC operators certificate and a valid / in-date first aid certificate, and have 2 years relevant experience including night pilotage. As a guide, 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours. If you hold an RYA Advanced Powerboat Course Completion Certificate the seatime is reduced to: 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 miles, 12 night hours. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam. Once successfully passed, the CoC can then be commercially endorsed.

If you already hold the 2-day course completion certificate and only need the prep day and exam, please contact us. 

Course fee includes lunch and course completion certificate but not the exam fee.

Our scheduled dates for the Advanced Powerboat can be found on this page . Please note we only tend to run these courses between September and April, due to needing hours of darkness for night navigation.

Powerboat Instructor courses Please follow this link for more information.

Power, Navigation and Charter

Now operating with searegs training at turnchapel wharf, barton rd, plymouth pl9 9rq, welcome to plymouth powerboating.

Plymouth Sailing School & Plymouth Powerboating is an RYA Training Centre established in 1957 and is one of the UK’s longest established sea schools. We are proud of our reputation for safety conscious fun and professionalism. We work hard to accommodate all of our customers requirements from the complete beginner to the Professional Yachtmaster.

Following a recent merger with SeaRegs Training, the school has relocated just along the water to Turnchapel Wharf in a new purpose build training centre. We have 3 air conditioned classrooms including a Navigation simulator suite and a fully equipped workshop for Diesel Engine courses.

This Plymouth Sailing School and Plymouth Powerboating website concentrates on the Power and Motorboat schemes, we also have a Plymouth Sailing website dedicated to the Yacht scheme or the SeaRegs Training website for MCA, SQA & RYA  commercial qualifications.

We hope that you can find the information you require on the website but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. For our address and a map of how to find us, please visit our Contact Us page.

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Plymouth Powerboat School

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Queen Anne's Battery marina, Plymouth, Devon. PL4 0LP

• Course Details

Useful Information

School Plymouth Powerboat School

Dates Contact for more info

Accommodation None Included

Regarded by many as the ‘driving licence' for powerboats, our RYA Powerboat Level 2 course offers a thorough introduction to powerboat handling.

Launching and recovery

Confined space manoeuvring

Man over board procedure

Engine checks

High speed handling

Collision regulations

Basic chart work and navigation

Communication afloat

Emergency procedures

This certificate can also be exchanged for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for vessels up to 10 m / 33 ft. The ICC is only available to people aged 16 years+ who are either British Residents or British Passport holders. We also offer the CEVNI (European inland waterways theory) test FREE of charge to anyone taking a practical course with us.

There is a direct assessment option for those students with at least one seasons prior experience and is only available on a one instructor per student basis.

Entry requirements

Minimum Age

Course Duration

2 days 09:30 - 17:00

1 day for direct assessment

£280 per person sharing with other students

£520 per person with 1:1 tuition

£450 own boat, up to 3 people

£320 direct assessment

Special Offers

Book 2 places, save £10 per person

Book 3 places, save £20 per person

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Awareness

160.00 GBP (£)

About Plymouth Powerboat School

Queen Anne's Battery marina, Plymouth, Devon. PL4 0LP [ view on map ]

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Rya powerboat level 2, course description.

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course is 85% practical and taught on a 6.5 RIB with 3 persons maximum per course

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

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If you have any questions about this course, do not hesitate to contact us. Simply submit the form below.

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Phone: +33 493 33 34 04, email: [email protected].

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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.

• Tackling RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

Tackling RYA Powerboat Level 2 Powerboat Handling

RYA Senior Communications Officer and Editor of InBrief, Emma Slater, shares her experience of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course ... 

I don’t profess to be an amazing sailor but I have completed a few courses and have some sea miles under my belt. However, when it comes to power boating I’m a complete novice. Working for the RYA's communications team, I’m often out in RIBs working with the RYA’s video producer, interviewing boaters and taking photos - and have watched and admired the skill of our RIB drivers as they whizz around race courses keeping ahead of the action, manoeuvre effortlessly in to what sometimes appear to be the tiniest of gaps and gently apply the throttle for a smooth ride.

After numerous outings holding on at the back I decided it was time I got my hands on the throttle, so, along with my colleagues James and Chris, I signed up to tackle the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course and get some skills of my own.

Hear how James, Chris and I got on when we visited one of our local training centres, Southampton Water Activity Centre (SWAC) in Southampton, where our instructor Jon Kirby put us through our paces and honed our skills to claim our PB Level 2 certificates.

Why did you want to take the course?

Chris: It’s a course that I have wanted to do for a while as a sailor with access to RIBs, as it gives you an understanding of using powerboats but more importantly, for me, access to an  ICC .

Emma: I wanted to take the course so that when I’m out on the water doing interviews if I needed to take control of the boat I would know what to do. Also I think it’s a really useful skill to have.

James: As the RYA’s video producer I’m often out in RIBs so I needed to know how to drive one in case of an emergency.

What expectations did you have for the course? What did you think it would involve? Anything you were concerned about before doing it?

Emma: I was hoping that we would have lots of time actually doing the skills. I knew there would be classroom elements to the course but I am a practical person and learn best by doing. My biggest concern was the possibility of me doing something wrong and crashing the boat!

Chris: Truthfully I wasn’t expecting so much hands-on experience. I was expecting a fair amount of it to be classroom based, so was surprised at the amount of time we had in the boats. I knew the course was about boat handling skills and safety, as I have friends that have done the course. The only concern was how cold the weather was going to be!

Chris (left) in the classroom

Can you talk us through what you did on the course?

Chris: The course I did at SWAC was a 2 day course. Firstly we were introduced to the RIB. We were shown around all areas of the RIB explaining what things were and what they did, but most importantly the kill cord and grab bag. After this is we talked through and then launched the RIB from a trailer. It was then out on the water where we did some basic manoeuvres so we knew how the boat would handle, figure of 8’s forwards and backwards etc. Then it was in to the classroom to talk about weather and first aid. From here it was back out on the boat to do some tight space handling, followed by some slow speed approaches to a mooring buoy. We also discussed ColRegs in the class room and when we were on the water.

On the second day we were using a bigger RIB with twin engines. To start the day, as a group we did some navigation work, planning where we were going and the length of time it would take. We were then off to the RIB, where we started with some slow speed handling in confined spaces to get used to how this bigger RIB handled. It was then time to fuel up which involved tackling a lock. From here we started our passage plan and did some high-speed turns. The emphasis here was about the whole boat communicating and being part of what we were doing. After lunch we did the return passage, when we did a lot of man-over-board practice. We finished our time on the water with some final coming alongside practice and close quarters handling. It was then back to the classroom for a bit of rope work.

Emma: As you can see from Chris’s account it was a pretty full on two days but great fun. Our instructor was excellent at answering any questions or concerns we had and giving us all plenty of time to really get to grips with what we were learning. One thing I did find surprising was when we launched the RIB for the first time how easy it was to push the trailer with the RIB on it and manoeuvre it to the water, easily managing to do it on my own!

James: I was pleased that before we did anything we had a briefing with our instructor so he could establish what level of experience we all had.

What part of the course did you enjoy the most?

James: I loved that the course was very practical and even when you’re not driving the boat you are always busy helping the driver and learning from the instructor.

Chris: I think the most enjoyable part was all of the boat handing I did. It was great to have someone there telling you what you needed to do, but also not being so involved that you weren’t feeling that it was all in your control. Probably the best part is when you complete your first small space manoeuvre.

Chris at the throttle

Emma: Much like Chris I really enjoyed the hands-on part of the course, actually taking control of the throttle and making the decisions about how to manoeuvre the boat, park it, and turn it around.

What elements of the course did you find difficult?

Chris: I did have a bit of difficulty doing some of the slower manoeuvres like approaching the buoy, but the more time I spent doing these, the more and more confident I got.

James: The most difficult aspect of the course for me was the rules of road, but John explained it really clearly to me and kept reinforcing what he was telling me when we were on the water which made things much easier to understand.

Was it easier / harder to do than you may have thought?

Emma: Surprisingly I actually found it easier than I thought it was going to be, even when we moved into the larger RIB which did have me quite worried the first time I saw it. But having John close by did help build my confidence.

James: It was easier than I thought. Once you have a basic understanding of piloting the RIB it then becomes more about the rules of the road and how the tide and wind will affect your passage.

James getting some instruction before we get underway

Chris: I think it was actually harder than I was expecting, some of the slower speed handling was very difficult to start with.

What did you learn from the course?

James: Tons. It was a real eye opener.

Chris: I learnt a lot, the main thing being that you always wear a kill cord, but also some great techniques and skill of boat handling in confined spaces.

Chris and I listen closely to Jon’s instructions

Emma: I learnt loads, especially the skills needed for manoeuvring in small spaces and bringing the boat alongside and the importance of always wearing a kill cord and communicating with others on board.

Why do you think this is a good course to do?

James: I think anyone that’s thinking about putting themselves at the controls of a RIB needs to go on this course, for their own safety and the safety of their passengers.

Emma: The course gives you a really good appreciation of how important it is to know what you are doing when out on the water and build knowledge and confidence handling your boat.

Chris: It’s a great way for people to learn about using RIBs and powerboats and gain experience and knowledge that will make them safe on the water. I personally think all boat owners should have a qualification like this.

How will you be using the skills your learnt?

Emma: It means that when we have to go interview, film or photograph people on the water I can drive one of the RYA RIBs and not always have to rely on a third party to take us.

Chris: I have gained an ICC so I will hopefully using my PB2 qualification when on honeymoon this year, but mainly, it’s to support the team when they have filming/interviewing duties on the water.

James: The general understanding I have gained from attending the course has given me the basic skills to drive the RIB and what to do in an emergency situation and how to avoid those situations in the first place.

Will you be doing any more PB courses?

Chris: I'm thinking about doing the  Advanced  or  Safety Boat  courses next.

What would you say to someone else thinking about taking the course?

Emma: Just do it. You’d be surprised what you can achieve in just two days. The course is full on but loads of fun and you’ll come away with loads of new skills.

Chris: Do it, it’s a lot of fun and a great way to learn something on the water in two days that gives you an internationally accepted qualification.

Want to know more about RYA Powerboat Level 2?

The RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling course is a two day course that provides the skills and background knowledge need to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

The course includes close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations and can be taken on inland or coastal waters, with your certificate being endorsed accordingly.

Course overview

Our instructor, Jon Kirby from Southampton Watersports Activity Center (SWAC), shares his top tips for powerboat handling.

Find out more about RYA Powerboat Level 2 and other RYA courses at:  rya.org.uk/training . 

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Sail, Power, Navigation and Charter

Rya intermediate powerboat.

This course covers the practical use of pilotage and passage planning by day on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic navigational techniques. During the two days you will cover cruising at planing speed and more advanced boat handling. It is recommended for anyone considering moving on to the Advanced course.

Book on a RYA Intermediate Powerboat course below. Future dates are  available, please contact the office for details. 

Price: £375 Previous Experience:  Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent Assumed Knowledge: Day Skipper Theory or equivalent level is recommended Duration: 2 Days Minimum Age : 16 Location:  Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, Devon, UK

Course Content:

• Planning a Day Cruise
• Boat Preparation
• Boat Handling
• Passage Making
• Man Overboard Recovery

Costs include use of waterproofs if necessary, refreshments. Courses are non-residential so accommodation is required in one of the many hotels or guest houses near the Centre. We can provide a list of recommendations.

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