rya powerboat level 2 what to expect

What to expect in our RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course?

Wed 28th February 2024

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle a powerboat safely and confidently in a variety of situations. Here's what you can generally expect from the course:

Theory Instruction

You'll start with some classroom-based theory sessions covering topics such as safety equipment, boat handling techniques, navigation rules, weather considerations, and basic engine maintenance.

Practical Boat Handling

A significant portion of the course will involve hands-on training on the water. You'll learn how to control the boat in different conditions, including docking, mooring, anchoring, and maneuvering in confined spaces

Safety Procedures

Safety is a key focus of the course. You'll learn about essential safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, radios, and fire extinguishers. You'll also learn how to respond to emergencies such as man overboard situations, engine failure, or collision.

Navigation and Pilotage

You will cover basic navigation techniques, including chart reading, buoyage, and using navigational aids like GPS and compass.

Practical Assessment

Towards the end of the course, you'll undergo a practical assessment where you'll demonstrate your boat handling skills, knowledge of safety procedures, and ability to navigate safely.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, you'll receive the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, which is recognized internationally and allows you to operate powerboats in many locations around the world.

Overall, the course is designed to give you a solid foundation in powerboat handling and safety, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills. It's an exciting and rewarding experience that will equip you with the confidence to enjoy powerboating safely.

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-RYA Powerboat Level 2

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RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

Provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course can be taken inland or on the coast and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly. 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 of boat in which the training took place.

Assumed knowledge: None. May be preceded by Level 1 Start Powerboating Minimum duration: 2 days Minimum age: 12 (candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate) Course content: Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard Ability after course: Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of the craft

Course material included are : Logbooks G20 & G48 and certificate upon completion

2024 Courses: June course is now full & 19th and 20th October

Cost: Members: GBP190 Non members ; GBP 290 Max number per course is 9

Instructor to student ratio 1:3

PB2 online booking form .

Poster and paper based booking form are in the downloads section below.

Pre-course information here .

Last updated 14:24 on 9 August 2024

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Late notice spaces available for selected courses - click here for details

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Price: from £299 (Finance now available)

Location: Starts from our base at Premier Gosport Marina

Duration: 2 days

The perfect introduction to Powerboats & Ribs, the two day RYA Powerboat Level 2 practical powerboat course will give you the best building blocks to kick-off your powerboat adventure from!

Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course!

Booking details

Please select your preferred start date below.

• Saturday 31st August 2024 (0 spaces)
• Saturday 14th September 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 28th September 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 12th October 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 26th October 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 9th November 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 23rd November 2024 (3 spaces)
• Saturday 7th December 2024 (3 spaces)

Course Information

Joining Instructions: Please click here for course joining instructions

Recommended Reading: Sailing magazines and newspapers, but this is not essential 

Course Prerequisites: No assumed knowledge

Minimum Age: No minimum but Under 16’s must be accompanied by adult. Persons aged 16+ can be unaccompanied subject to other pre-requisites having been met

Who is the course for:

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is designed for anyone who wants to start their exciting and adventurous powerboat journey the right way!

With little or no prior knowledge of being on a RIB, the two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course will give you the building blocks you need to start your journey.

With training from qualified RYA instructors on board our boat, this 2 day beginner / novice friendly course runs all year round at our RYA Training Centre with immediate access to the open water of the Solent

What we cover on the course:

This course is perfect for when you go on holiday and hire a small powerboat to nip from port to port, or explore those secluded beaches and bays in those hot climates.

This course teaches the basics of boat handling, safety and navigation, and skills at planing speed.

The Powerboat Level 2 course gives you a comprehensive grounding and a good skill-set that will put you in good stead to skipper a powerboat on your next boating trip.

Our RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses have a ratio of three students to one Instructor.

During the course you will cover:

• Collision regulations and rules of the road
• Knowledge of safety equipment
• Turning in confined spaces and close quarter handling
• Coming alongside a pontoon and securing to a mooring buoy
• Man overboard techniques
• Planing speed manoeuvres
• Pilotage and passage planning

This course is suitable for anyone with or with out boating experience as this covers the basics of what you need to safely take you and your family / friends out for a days powerboating.

In the UK or abroad with the Powerboat level 2, it will allow you to convert the certificate into the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) which is what you need to charter a boat outside of the UK.

It’s the perfect course for getting into boating and putting a toe in the water.

Course formats & details:

Courses run in a choice of two formats:

• 2 consecutive days – Between Monday – Friday
• Weekends – Saturday & Sunday

Fancy going VIP and having your own exclusive private course for you and your friends or family? You can book the whole powerboat just for your own exclusive course from only £299 per person. Enjoy the course in style, with up to three persons on the boat being taught by one of our friendly, experienced RYA qualified Instructors! What a way to start your powerboat adventure!

Our Chief Instructor says this about the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course:

This is the perfect course for getting into the world of powerboating.

The course will give you the ability to charter a powerboat, or just get some all-important confidence to venture out on your own.

Learning the basics of navigation and boat handling, this is the best course to start with.

Once you have this under your belt, you can hire powerboats and take family and friends out for the day.

It allows you to explore the coastlines and harbours.

Why not pop down to our Gosport Marina base, hire a powerboat, then head to the Isle of white and have a nice lunch at some of the amazing restaurants that the island has available for you to sample.

This really is a gateway ticket to powerboating and getting you out there on the water.

Related courses

Rya powerboat advanced.

Coming Soon!

RYA VHF/SRC Radio

The RYA SRC/VHF Radio Course is minimum qualification required by law to operate the VHF or VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel carrying a radio.

Take a look at our live course calendar  for dates for the RYA SRC/VHF Radio course!

Petrol Engine Maintenance

The Petrol Engine Maintenance Course is a great introduction into maintaining your boats petrol outboard engine, and understanding how it works. A must have for any sailor looking to buy a boat, or already has one!

Take a look at our live course calendar  for dates for the Petrol Engine Maintenance course!

Customer reviews

A fantastic weekend of sailing, almost 130 NM in all, with a relaxed, but fully engaging skipper. Great set up and brilliant on the admin. Thanks Stef, Tom et al!

I did a weeks coastal skipper course getting ready for my yacht master and I have to say it was one of the best training weeks I’ve had - our training instructor was superb, exactly the sort of person that you want. He could inspire, provide discipline and impart knowledge as well as let you learn through your own mistakes. Tom and Steph run an excellent operation there and I highly recommend it. They’re flexible and very helpful when it comes to your journey into being a qualified sailor.

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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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RYA Powerboat Level 2 course (own boat tuition)

The  RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course  is the perfect course for you whether you have no previous experience or have been powerboating for a while and want to brush up your skills. An added bonus is if you want the option to hire or use a powerboat whilst you're on holiday in Europe you can also gain the  International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.)  after completing this course, without doing anything further, all you need to do is complete the I.C.C. application form & pay the certificate fee! If you're looking at using this certificate for work then you can also move towards gaining the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Commercial Endorsement. 

Maximum Group Size:  3

Previous Experience:  None

Minimum Age:  12 years 

Maximum Powerboat Size:  10m

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course Syllabus:

• Launching & recovery
• Boat handling at low & higher speed
• Securing to a buoy
• Man overboard recovery techniques
• Leaving & coming alongside (marina handling)
• Turning in a confined space
• Basic Navigation & passage planning
• IRPCS (rules of the road)
• Weather & Tides

What's included?

• RYA Powerboat Instructor for 2 days
• RYA Start Powerboating eHandbook
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate (assuming successful completion)

Course Fees (2021):

Own boat tuition kit requirements:

Interested? Contact us today on:

Call: 01202 406066 or Email [email protected]

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RYA Powerboat Level 2

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The RYA Power Boat Level 2 is the most popular powerboat training course and the two days over which it is run gives plenty of time for both practical instruction and theory. Powerboat level 2 course aim is to teach powerboat handling and seamanship in powerboats. The course costs £90 to MYC members, and upon completion of the course you will be able to use all three club safety boats. There is then a follow on course available to members to give instruction on operating a powerboat, RYA Safety Boat.

What Is Covered in the Course?

This course teaches you the basics of handling a powerboat including safety and navigation. It essentially provides you with the skills you need to use a Powerboat in coastal waters or charter a boat on your next holiday.

When you take the course, qualified RYA instructors will provide training on a modern and fully-equipped powerboat. Your instructor will cover the following topics with you during your 2 days with him or her:

• Launching and recovery
• Powerboat handling
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard

The RYA theory element of the PB Level 2 course will cover the types of craft and their respective advantages and disadvantages, engines and drives, use of power tilt and 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. This is a classroom based element.

International Certificate of Competence

ICCs are required in many European countries when using or chartering vessels. It shows your competence and is essential to skipper a boat in the Mediterranean or European waters. The Powerboat level 2 course suits those with extensive boat handling experience and those who have never stepped onto a boat before. On completion of the Powerboat Level 2 course you can apply for your ICC.

Course Requirements

You do not need to have attended a Powerboat Level 1 Course in order to do this course. No prior boating experience or powerboat training is necessary or essential if you want to take the course, and it is open to anyone over the age of 12.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 ICC Course suits both those with extensive boat handling experience and those who have never stepped onto a boat before.

A further consideration when attending the RYA Powerboat Level 2 ICC Course is where you take it as MYC a coastal based club we are able to award certificates with a coastal endorsement. This means that the student has learnt in conditions where tides and currents must be considered.

Attached is the RYA outline of powerboat courses.

• PB2 Theory (17 May, 18:00 - 20:30)
• PB2 Practical (18 May, 10:00 - 17:00)

Last updated 13:17 on 10 February 2024

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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.

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Course information.

Powerboat Training - National Powerboat Certificate

The course will be conducted in our 7.5m Humber RIB with a Yamaha 200 4 stroke

Aim: To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. Duration: Two days Instructor to student ratio: 1:3 Times: The start time is 09:30 with an anticipated finish at around 17:00

RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2 is a practical course with a small amount of classroom work. However, with the aim of the course in mind, we endeavour to complete 80% afloat. At the end of the course you will be issued with the RYA 'Start Powerboating' publication. The contents cover everything you will have learnt over the 2 day course.

What to bring with you on the course

Warm clothing. Suitable footwear for being on board a high speed craft such as deck shoes, sailing boots (not gardening wellies please or old trainers). If you wish to use your own foul weather gear, please bring it. A change of clothing, in case of emergency.

Lifejackets and waterproofs are provided.

Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of the craft.

Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard. More information of course content can be found in the RYA logbook (G20).

Copyright © Guardian Marine Training Services Ltd. 2024

This two-day entry level boat training course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat

RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2

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We have courses running every week, all year round

Complete the simple form to enquire about a course or request a specific booking. We will reply promptly with the detail you need. If you request a specific booking we will make the reservation and our booking system will send you an email, with a link to follow, to complete the process easily online. You’ll be asked to create or update your profile, confirm acceptance of terms and conditions and then make a payment online. When you complete the payment you’ll receive an email with confirmation and joining instructions for the course. Prefer to enquire, book and pay over the phone? That’s fine too.

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RYA POWER BOAT LEVEL 2

Launch and recovery (Trailers, ramps, slipways, preparations, problems etc).

Boat handling under way (this constitutes the majority of the course).

Slow manoeuvres (securing to a buoy, coming alongside in various conditions/circumstances, anchoring (including various types), dealing with disabled craft – both your own craft and others, trim, loading, propeller angles etc).

High speed manoeuvres (planing, steering controls, S turns, U turns, power trim, emergency stop, man overboard).

During the course, we will also be looking at:

• Different types of craft, engines and drives, ancillary and safety equipment, dealing with potential emergencies.

Finally, we will need some time ashore to deal with:

• The buoyage systems, basic understanding of charts and compass, basic understanding of tides and tidal streams

Why you should choose Sea Training International Ltd?

We are an established company with a large and well respected client list., we have a long and success record of projects completed on time and within a budget., we develop outstanding solutions. check out our portfolio, client list and newsletter., we are your single point for all of your needs related to training and support, on and off the ocean.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

Rya powerboat level 2.

Improve your powerboat driving and handling techniques. If you’re new to powerboating, this practical course will prepare you with the safe driving and handling skills you need to complete short day trips in your powerboat.

About the rya powerboat level 2 course

Covering the theory and practical skills needed to become a competent powerboat driver, the course focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, driving at planning speed and collision regulations.

All food and accommodation is included.

Other rya powerboat training courses you may also be interested in

• RYA Powerboat Instructor course
• Powerboat and Personal Watercraft Courses

International Certificate of Competency (ICC )  Application

If you would like to add on your ICC to you booking please inform our advisors at time of booking. There is a direct fee to the RYA for this, for more information please contact us .

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus is taught with a ratio of (3:1) students to instructor and covers the following:

• Launching and recovery
• Boat handling under way (including high speed)
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard
• Displacement craft
• Leaving and returning to pontoons
• Basic navigation
• Collision prevention regulations
• Boat design
• Engines and drives

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification.

Dates and pricing

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RYA Powerboat Level 2

This 2 day course is the benchmark for powerboating qualifications across the world. No existing skills are needed. This course will help you become a fully self sufficient powerboater.

About the course

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) National Powerboat Scheme is for drivers of craft up to 33ft (10 metres), without a galley or toilet on board. These qualifications are recognised around the world and can be beneficial if you’re looking to drive commercially.

You do not need any prior knowledge of boat handling to join this Level 2 course. Our instructors will introduce you to a range of slow and fast manoeuvres and help you to get comfortable with how the craft handles.  

After completing this course, you’ll be a self-sufficient powerboater. You’ll be comfortable reading the conditions, and handling the craft within its limitations and your own. You’ll also be able to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) , allowing you to operate boats and pleasure craft abroad.  

Powerboat Level 2 courses run on a maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 3 students.

What to bring with you

• warm clothing
• comfortable closed toe shoes that can get wet or wellies if it’s predicted to rain
• lunch and any snacks (the canteen is not open at weekends)
• water bottle
• sunscreen and sunglasses

What we provide

• life jackets
• waterproof jackets and trousers
• certificates upon successful completion

Logbooks are available to purchase.

Dates and times

All courses are taught on a Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

• 13 and 14 July
• 27 and 28 July
• 10 and 11 August 
• 24 and 25 August 
• 14 and 15 September 
• 28 and 29 September
• 12 and 13 October 
• 26 and 27 October 
• 16 and 17 November
• 7 and 8 December
• 11 and 12 January 
• 8 and 9 February 
• 22 and 23 February 
• 8 and 9 March 
• 15 and 16 March
• 22 and 23 March 
• 5 and 6 April 
• 10 and 11 April 
• 19 and 20 April 
• 24 and 25 April 
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• 8 and 9 May 
• 31 May and 1 June 
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• 4 and 5 October 
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• 18 and 19 October 
• 23 and 24 October
• 1 and 2 November 
• 15 and 16 November 
• 20 and 21 November 
• 29 and 30 November
• 13 and 14 December 

Our courses are available to everyone, but Southampton Sport members can book at a discounted rate.

Membership type

Southampton Sports Membership

Mayflower Member, Sports Pass or Non-Member

Booking a course

Book your course online

You can also:

• book by phone : +44 (0)23 8059 2119
• book by email : [email protected]
• book in person at Jubilee Sports Centre

Cancelling or rescheduling a course

You can cancel or reschedule a booking by contacting the Jubilee Sports Centre . Your options depend on how much notice you give us. Notice periods are based on the date of your booking, not on the start time.

Notice given

Refund options

7 days or more

Full refund or reschedule to another date

Between 48 hours and 7 days

Full refund if you present a doctor’s note stating why you can't complete your booking

Less than 48 hours

No refund available

When we might cancel your booking

We might need to cancel a booking if:

• the weather means we cannot safely run a course
• staff members are sick and their absence cannot be covered
• we cannot meet our minimum student-instructor ratio

If we need to cancel your booking, we’ll always try to give you at least 24 hours' notice. We’ll also offer to reschedule your booking.

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RYA Powerboat Level 2

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RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is a great and easy start in maritime navigation. It teaches the basic skills of powerboat handling and safety. The PB2 license allows crew members drive superyacht tenders and advance their career at sea. The course is highly recommended for both deckhands and stewards/stewardesses entering the superyacht industry. 

What you need to know

All our courses are conducted in English.

Place: 06220 Golfe-Juan                                                                                        Classroom Address: 405 Chemin du Gaz Pre-study:   Read "RYA Start Powerboating" handbook (you will be provided with an e-book or paper copy) Duration: 2 days Price: 460 euros

We recommend you take the  RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship  online course before attending Powerboat Level 2 training. 

About the course

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a two-day comprehensive course that we run in the picturesque area of Golfe-Juan, next to Antibes in the South of France. The course has both theoretical and practical aspects to it and covers all aspects of power boating, boat handling, safety and pilotage.

The practical training for this course is carried out on the 6.5m Capelli tender. 

The RYA Powerboat Level Two certificates are recognized by the UK  Coastguard and are used as a Tender License on board larger yachts.

Getting ready for the course

In winter, make sure to keep your feet warm with deck shoes. In summer, you are welcome to come barefoot. The RYA Start Powerboating handbook should be read befor joining the class. We advise you to look up online  useful knots . . All the knots you need to learn are mentioned in the hand book.

Pack offers

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a valuable qualification for those looking to secure a job on a superyacht. Therefore, Seascope France offers this course as a part of different Get Started on Yachts packs which include mandatory STCW Basic Safety Training , Jet Ski/PWC , and Yacht Steward/ess training : 

• Tender Pack:   STCW Basic Safety Training + Powerboat Level 2
• Jetski Pack:   STCW Basic Safety Training + Jet Ski /PWC 
• Full Tender and Jetski Pack:  STCW Basic Safety Training + Powerboat + Jet Ski
• Basic Interior Pack:  STCW Basic Safety Training + Yacht Steward/ess Training
• Full Interior Pack:  STCW Basic Safety + Yacht Steward/ess Training + PB2

Customer Reviews

This is a great course to start getting some sea experience, a lot of tender drive, Max made it very entertaining and give us a lot of valuable advice and make us feel confident docking and driving in a safe manner! Thanks Seascope you are a great team !

So much more to driving a tender than I had anticipated. Excellent course taught by Sammi who made me confident by the end of the 2 days that I was ready

Her experience on the water made it so interesting and knowledgeable! Amazing days on the water

We got the e-book via e-mail to study beforehandm but we also got the book in class which is great, because I learn better with real notes. I understand all the learning outcomes. I just have to practice a little more to get more confident !

Felt very safe with Hughs instructions and guidance! He made the course so informative and fun!!

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All our courses are conducted in English. A sufficient level of understanding and speaking is required in order to successfully complete the course. Contact us if you have any questions.

Pay a 50% deposit option available

Just select this opton in the checkout instead of PayPal.

Before booking the course, please make sure you read the terms and conditions and cancellation policy .

Tackling RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

Former rya 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. I have watched and admired the skills of our RIB drivers as they whizz around racecourses keeping ahead of the action and manoeuvre effortlessly into 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 to 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), 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 were your expectations or concerns for the course?

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’m a practical person and learn best by doing. My biggest concern was the possibility of 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!

James: I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but being a novice on the water I was concerned about the pace of the course and if I’d be able to keep up with the boating terminology.

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 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 into 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 classroom 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 where 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. 

Emma: Much like Chris I really enjoyed the hands-on part of the course, 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 or harder than you thought?

Emma: Surprisingly I 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.

Chris: I think it was 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.

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 you 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 be 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 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 2-day course that provides the skills and background knowledge needed 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.

Find out more about RYA Powerboat Level 2 and other RYA courses .