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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chris: I'm thinking about doing the Advanced or Safety Boat courses next.
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.
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.
None. May be preceded by | |
2 days | |
12. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate | |
Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard | |
Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of the craft |
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 .
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:
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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Plymouth Sailing School and Plymouth Powerboating have RYA Recognition for the following courses: RYA Powerboat Level 2 - 2 days, cost £300. 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 ...
Powerboat Level 2 Milly Jinks 2024-01-03T16:56:02+00:00. ... Book on a RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses below. ... Price: £350 Previous Experience: None Assumed Knowledge: None Duration: 2 Days Minimum Age: 12 Location: Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, Devon, UK. Course Content: Launching & Recovery; Boat Handling; Securing to a Buoy;
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. ... RYA Powerboat Handbook (Book) (G13) £18.49. Add to Basket . RYA An Introduction to Navigation (Book ...
Powerboat Level 2. None. May be preceded by Level 1 Start Powerboating. All you need to know for self-sufficient powerboating at a basic level. Course includes launching, mooring, anchoring and recovery plus all the boat driving skills required for basic competence in a powerboat. 2 day course or shorter assessment for experienced drivers (half ...
This two-day course builds upon Level 2 Powerboat Handling skills, focussing on short-handed operations, passenger safety and comfort. ... Test your skill, knowledge and experience as a powerboat skipper by taking the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat exam. Find out more. Find a training centre. Search by location Or find a training centre by name.
RYA Powerboat Training Vicky Jinks 2020-04-15T16:33:45+01:00. Powerboat Courses. Powerboat Level 2. ... the RYA training scheme provide a carefully structured and controlled series of logical stepping stones towards a high level of competence. However, they are not the only way to progress and many of our customers are happier to have periods ...
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.
Plymouth Powerboating has courses running throughout the year. Please see below for upcoming course dates, duration and prices. ... RYA/MCA Powerboat Courses: RYA/MCA Powerboat Level 2: £300: 2 days: COURSE DATES: RYA Tender Operator course: £350: 2 days: ... RYA Powerboat Instructor pre-skills assessment: £100: 1/2 day: COURSE DATES: RYA ...
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.
Plymouth Powerboat School. RYA Powerboat Level 2. Queen Anne's Battery marina, Plymouth, Devon. PL4 0LP. 280 £ Enquire. Course Details; Useful Information; Enquire; School Plymouth Powerboat School. Location. Queen Anne's Battery marina, Plymouth... Duration. 2 day(s) Dates Contact for more info.
Plymouth Sailing School was set up in 1957 and is one of the UK's longest established sea schools with only a couple of changes of owner, and a recent resurrection of our old RYA Training name of Plymouth Sailing School and Plymouth Powerboating. We are proud of our reputation for safety conscious fun and professionalism. We work hard to ...
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course Syllabus: • Personal Clothing & Equipment • Boat Safety Equipment • Launching and Recovery General Powerboat Handling: • Familiarisation & slow speed handling • Holding off • Approach & Securing to a Mooring Buoy • Anchoring • Use of Steering & Hand Bearing Compasses
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 ...
Powerboat Level 2. None. May be preceded by Level 1 Start Powerboating. All you need to know for self-sufficient powerboating at a basic level. Course includes launching, mooring, anchoring and recovery plus all the boat driving skills required for basic competence in a powerboat. 2 day course or shorter assessment for experienced drivers (half ...
MCA RYA Yacht Training. Plymouth Sailing School & Plymouth Powerboating is now part of the SeaRegs training group and is an RYA recognised centre for providing all manner of Sail Training for both groups and individuals, we can often tailor our instruction to meet your specific requirements. ... This is an endorsement to the 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 ...
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Duration: 3 days (+1 day for pre-skills assessment) Useful Books: G20 RYA Powerboat Logbook, G19 RYA Power Schemes Instructor Handbook. Location: Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, Devon, UK. Costs include: Lunch & Refreshments. Use of Waterproofs if necessary. Courses are non-residential so accommodation is required in one of the many hotels or guest ...
Webcam Online. Perm Krai (Russian: Пе́рмский край) is a federal subject in Russia (Krai), spanning from the east of the East European Plain to the western part of the Middle Ural Mountains. The live webcams will show around this region, renowned for its first-class ballet, and the significant collection of ancient art including the ...
Anybody undertaking this course should have practical skills of Intermediate Powerboat level and navigation standard to RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Theory. Book on RYA Advanced Powerboat courses below. Future dates are available, please contact the office for details. Price: £395 inc VAT for 2-day Course Completion.
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.