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TRAINING CENTRE

(1-to-1 private tuition)

Select course dates below:

Book 3 places and save £96.00 (Discount applied automatically)

Our Standard courses require a minimum of two candidates in order to run. In the event that insufficient candidates book onto a course, we will contact you to arrange a refund or offer you alternative dates (subject to availability). 

Minimum age: 12 years old (candidates under 16 must be accompanied by an adult booking). 

Upon successful completion of the PB2 course, candidates can submit an application to the RYA to obtain an  ICC  (subject to eligibility).

Trusted by professionals

We deliver commercial maritime training, marine services, and RYA instructor courses in London to corporations, charities, HM Forces, professional bodies and university societies. We are licensed by the Port of London Authority for commercial marine services in London on the River Thames, and have RYA Advanced Powerboat instructors on our team with PLA Local Knowledge Endorsements for high-speed boat operations. 

Our team works across the UK and Europe – if you require professional marine services or training, contact us  to discuss your requirements. 

Introducing: Youth courses

We welcome candidates aged 12 upwards onto any of our courses, but to provide opportunity for younger candidates to enjoy the best learning experience we’re currently offering the following dates for candidates aged 12-19 years old : 

On youth courses there will be a maximum of three students (all aged 12-19) per boat. Classroom sessions may be delivered in larger groups with candidates of all ages. For group bookings of 3+ candidates we can also look to run youth courses on additional dates, subject to instructor availability.  Contact us  to find out more…

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Marine vhf radio, film/tv support, rya level 2 powerboat   syllabus, theory topics.

Clothing and equipment

Types of craft

Propulsion systems

Environment

Launch and recovery

Tides and tidal streams

Watchkeeping

Introduction to charts & symbols

Buoyage systems

GPS/Electronic nav

Pilotage and passage planning

Emergency procedures

Distress signals

Cold water shock

Immersion hypothermia

Disabled craft

Advice for restricted visibility

Fire precautions and fire fighting

Man Overboard procedure

Practical syllabus

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 syllabus is suitable for novices, with  no prior experience  required!

Introductory skills

Boat familiarisation 

Slow speed handling

Holding off

High Speed manoeuvres

High speed turns 

Trim tabs & power trim

Close Quarters

Turning in a confined space

Turning using springs 

Leaving and coming alongside in a range of conditions (wind & tide) 

Mooring and Berthing

Approach and securing to a mooring buoy

Mooring alongside a pontoon

Emergencies

Person Overboard – standard approach

Person Overboard – drift-down method

Recovery of Person Overboard into craft

Use of steering compass 

Execute basic passage plan

International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC)

Upon successful completion of our Powerboat training course , candidates may submit an application to the RYA to obtain an International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) for the category of “Power up to 10m” – subject to eligibility (see below). 

The ICC is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries. 

It is issued by the RYA in the United Kingdom to British Nationals and UK Residents (of any nationality), aged 16 or older.

If you are neither a British national nor resident in the UK, check here whether the RYA can issue your ICC  

The RYA currently charge a certificate fee of £55 for issue of the ICC (free for RYA members), which is valid for 5 years. 

The cost of RYA membership is equivalent to (or in some cases cheaper than) the cost of ICC certification; for non-members, it is worth considering RYA membership at the point of application. 

If you require the inland category to be validated on your ICC (this is required for use of inland waterways – rivers, canal systems and lakes in Europe), you will need to complete a CEVNI theory test. For full details, supporting materials/resources, and test bookings, please visit: www.focusmarine.co.uk/cevni

We can conduct own-boat ICC assessments in UK/European waters for the following categories: 

• Power up to 10m 
• Power (unlimited)*

Vessels up to

Accepted in.

We operate from Chiswick Pier, located off Corney Reach Way in London W4.

Please check your joining instructions for detailed information about where to join your course.

No – there's no need to bring a lifejacket with you, we provide candidates with lifejackets and we also have a limited stock of wet-weather shell layers (jackets and salopettes). A full list of what you'll need to bring is included in the course joining instructions – do check the weather forecast and ensure you bring appropriate clothing/layers for a full day outside!

Yes – we offer Solo courses, please  contact us to find out more.

You must be aged 12 years or older to attend an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course.

Candidates under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, unless attending a dedicated  Youth Course  –  contact us  for more information.

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) is a certificate which is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries. It was historically known as the International Certificate of Competence. It’s often required for demonstrating competence when bareboat chartering/renting boats abroad (ie. without a professional skipper/crew).

You can apply for an ICC after completing an RYA Level 2 Powerboat course.

The easiest way to apply for your ICC is to apply online via the RYA website

Lunch isn’t provided, but we do provide refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) and we return to the pier each day for a lunch break.

Candidates are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or head out to cafés/shops nearby (within easy walking distance).

Our training venue is located at Chiswick Pier, which is within a private housing estate with on-street parking restrictions in operation at all times (including weekends and bank holidays).

On Pumping Station Road and Corney Road, Hounslow CPZ hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, so anytime outside of these hours you can park on surrounding roads for free.

Pay & Display parking is available at Chiswick House (10 minute walk). There is also limited on-street parking on Riverside Drive during weekdays.

The RYA Level 2 Powerboat course has no pre-requisites, and there’s no need to have undertaken any training prior to attending.

Candidates under 12 years old may attend a Level 1 course, which is aimed at covering the very basics of boat driving for children under supervision.

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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 at an inland or coastal location. It may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement. The certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place.

None. May be preceded by Level 1 Start Powerboating

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

Predominantly practical but with some classroom elements.

RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus and Logbook

RYA Powerboat Handbook

£18.49

RYA An Introduction to Navigation

£15.99

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats

Duration: 2 Days

Time: 9am to 5pm

Group Size: 3 per boat

Min Age: From 12

Price: £370 to £380

• This course is aimed at
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Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats - General

The RYA Level Two course is our most popular course and the two days over which it is run gives plenty of time for both practical instruction and theory. Whilst at first glance the syllabus appears very similar to the level one course the extra time available makes a real difference to the depth in which subjects are covered and therefore the amount a student can learn.

Prior experience

No prior boating experience is necessary. The course equally suits those new to boating and those who have been boating for years. Most people take Level 2 and bypass Level 1. You do not need to already have Level 1 before you take Level 2.

Course Duration

2 days from 9am to 5pm.

Instructor – student ratio

3 students to 1 Instructor and boat. We often run 2-3 boats per course, the benefit being you get to use different boats and benefit from the interaction with other students. You often will find that you learn as much from watching another student execute a manoeuvre as you do from doing it yourself.

Minimum Age

We are generally happy for a child over 12 to attend a course with their parent/guardian on our boats at any time – please call to discuss. Children over 16 can attend a normal course at any time but we must have the parent/guardian’s specific permission – please call to discuss. If you want a child of under 16 to attend on their own then they must attend one of our dedicated Children’s Courses see the  Children’s Courses section.

Why choose Powerboat Training UK for your Powerboat Level 2 course?

Our boats ~ with two 7.8m Ribcrafts as our main teaching boats we have invested considerably so that you get to use quality kit in great condition. Each RIB is fully equipped for training up to Advanced level and are fitted with Icom and Garmin electronics.

Our location and teaching facilities ~ Poole Harbour is a truly amazing teaching location – so much so that the RNLI and the Royal Marines base their training operations here. Our classrooms are well resourced, professional, clean and tidy.

Likewise our base in Lymington at Aquasafe Powerboat School is at Lymington Yacht Haven which like Cobbs Quay is a large marina with a huge range of craft. Our classrooms are well resourced, clean and professional.

Our Instructors ~ we ensure that our instructors are teaching 100% ‘Best Practice’ and have a process whereby we constantly review their sessions to ensure that you get the most productive experience from your time with us. All teach because they love boating and we work with them to constantly ‘upskill’ their qualifications and experience.

Our history ~ we started the school over twenty years ago and have grown a reputation for delivering on our promises. Our clients range from individuals with their own craft to organisations such as Sunseeker, the RNLI and we were awarded the RYA Training contract by Dorset Police for the London 2012 Olympic events in Weymouth.

What is included in the course price? ~ when you undertake your Level 2 Course on our boats then the price you pay includes Fuel (often charged as extra at the end of courses by schools), and free use of waterproofs (once again often charged as an extra) plus of course free parking. Price includes VAT too – yet another common extra.

Ooops – almost forgot!. Included in the course price you also get the RYA Start Powerboating book and can purchase a copy of the new updated RYA Powerboat Handbook for the reduced price of £15.

Does the course price represent good value? ~ remember in life you pretty much get what you pay for. We don’t pretend to be the cheapest but the course will be on well maintained first rate craft, and run by instructors guaranteed to teach current best practice. We have great facilities in a large marina offering a great all-round experience. Check out the other relevant pages on this website to see what we mean.

Course prices The higher price quoted in the ‘Key Course Details’ section above is the price per head for 1 person, for 2 persons the per head cost reduces by 2.5% and for three people by 5%. The price shown is inclusive of VAT.

If you are interested in training on your own boat then follow this link – Powerboat Level 2 on your boat

Some of the offers available when buying this course include…..

Special Offer No 1!!

If you sign up to the VHF course when you book your Level 2 then the VHF Course will be significantly discounted to only £90 (including course pack). (Usual cost is £120, you also need to pay the RYA Fee which is £70). Alternatively you can choose the Online version of the VHF course for £70 – you will still need to come in for the assessment. We run VHF Courses every two weeks so fitting you in will never be an issue – we run these courses in Poole.

Special Offer No 2!!

We also offer the opportunity to book the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course for £110 when booked alongside a Powerboat Level 2 course. This is a great course to develop your understanding of charts, tides, buoyage and navigation onto the next level after the course.

Updated Aug 24

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats - The Course

The RYA Powerboat level 2 course is aimed both at those new to boating and those that have boated a while that want to improve their boat handling.

Your instructor will cover the following topics with you during your time with him/her:

• Boat Handling including in confined spaces
• Approaching and securing to a mooring buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Handling a boat at planing speed
• Man overboard
• Launching & recovery
• Navigation to include charts, tides, buoyage
• Undertaking a passage
• The ‘Collision regulations’

The vast majority of the time on this course is spent on the water and out of the classroom.

The time that you do spend in on theory will cover: the types of craft and their respective advantages/disadvantages; engines & drives; use of power tilt & 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.

On the second day of the course we spend time looking at charts, tides, buoyage and using a compass. Using these skills we then prepare a short pilotage plan and execute it to put into practice the skills developed it in the classroom.

Essentially day one of the course is aimed at developing your ability to competently handle the craft in close quarter situations whilst day two develops the ability to navigate and then puts this into practice ensuring you have the ability to undertake short inshore passages.

Once you have reached the standard at which we can award the Level 2 certificate should you wish you can go on to apply for your ICC from the RYA. The relevant form can be downloaded ( here ) which coupled with a photo and a copy of your certificate will get you your licence. If you are a member of the RYA then your ICC is free else it costs approximately £45. Coincidently joining the RYA costs about the same so we would generally advise that you join then get the ICC free. If you intend travelling abroad shortly after your course and thus require your ICC to be issued quickly we advise that you join the RYA a few weeks before your course and then call the relevant department to try to ensure a quick turnaround for your application my own only took a week.

In certain situations the Level 2 certificate can be attained without attending the full course. This is known as Direct Assessment and takes half a day. (Call us if you feel that your experience is suitable and you are interested in this way of obtaining Level 2).

A further consideration when attending a level 2 course is where you take it. Although coastal endorsements no longer exist, training at a busy coastal location such as Poole Harbour can be incredibly beneficial when you are boating elsewhere. Generally speaking if you intend using your boat in coastal waters ensure that you undertake a course with a coastal school.

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats - This course is aimed at

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course appeals to a wide variety of individuals from those new to powerboating to those who may have boated for many years.

Some examples of the sorts of people that the Level 2 course is best suited to:

• Those new to boating keen to ensure that as they start boating they are doing it right. The course focuses on ensuring that you develop a really good base understanding of boat handling, navigation and seamanship. After the course you can then bolt on more practical experience to really cement the knowledge gained on the course.
• Those keen to boat overseas and want to achieve their International Certificate of Competence (‘ICC’) undertake the Level 2 course which then allows them to apply for the ICC using a copy of their Level 2 certificate.
• Those who have boated a while but never received any formal training. Level 2 ensures that you will carry on but doing it the ‘right way’ ensuring that you use the most efficient methods and with a good understanding of the ‘building blocks’ of boating. Many of the people falling into this camp tend to wonder before a course how much they will gain from the course as they have been boating so long yet after the course wonder why they never did it sooner. Indeed for some it really reinvigorates their boating leading them to seek out new places to go with a greater confidence.
• For those thinking about buying a boat the course serves as a great way to become a more educated buyer. Our bases in Poole and Lymington are in large marinas so you will be able to see a huge number of craft during your time with us. Being around so many boats and able to discuss the pros and cons of the various styles with the Instructors really helps when it comes to assessing the huge number of craft out there to buy.

The course is relevant whether you have your own boat or don’t ever intend owning your own craft.

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats - Syllabus

Aim:  “To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. Minimum age 12, those aged 12 to 16 will receive a Level 2 Certificate endorsed “The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult.”

Please note (From PTUK): The vast majority of time on the course is spent on the water boat handling. Therefore the volume of text dedicated to the topics below should not be taken to indicate the time spent on each of these areas.

Within the RYA Powerboat Scheme the course contents of each course are taught to one of three levels. These levels are:

Knowledge of:  The subject will be briefly explained. Familiarisation during the course and where to find out more after the course.

Understands:  The subject will be covered in greater depth and you will be asked to demonstrate a basic understanding and go away from the course able to develop your own skill in this area.

Can:  The subject will be covered in great depth, including background theory, demonstrations by the instructor and repeated practice by yourself until you can demonstrate good skills in the subject.

Launch & recovery Knowledge of:

• Use of a trailer or launching trolley
• Consideration of launching and sea conditions, including hazards and obstructions
• Number of persons required to launch/recover
• Construction, width and condition of slipway
• Steep/slippery slipways, beach launching, lee shores
• Care of trailer bearings, hitch, lashings, ties, lights and winch
• Trailer parking
• Prepare the boat, lines, fenders, safety equipment, fuel tanks, lines and secure gear on board
• Prepare to go afloat
• Tie relevant knots

Boat Handling Knowledge of:

• Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE Plate and manufacturer’s recommendation
• Handling characteristics of displacement boats, rudder steered craft and shaft driven vessels

Understands:

• Crew members: minimum number in faster craft, keeping a look-out
• The importance of boat control in waves and adequate seating to minimise the possibility of back injury
• Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
• Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
• Handling a boat at planing speed, trim tabs and power trim
• Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, planing and displacement speed handling, tiller/console steering
• Carry out pre-start checks, engine starting and stopping
• Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
• Carry out low speed manoeuvres including: turning in a confined area, effect of wind on bow and holding off. Demonstrate an awareness of the danger of flooding when going astern

Securing to a buoy Understands:

• Preparation of mooring warp
• Use of a boat hook
• Direction of approach
• Taking way off
• Crew communication
• Making fast
• Procedure when overshooting
• Approach and secure to buoy

Anchoring Knowledge of:

• Types of anchor
• Stowage and attachment to boat
• Preparation of anchor, chain and warp
• Weighing anchor
• Correct approach in various conditions
• Check holding
• Depth of water, holding ground, scope required
• Approach and anchor correctly
• Weigh anchor correctly

Leaving and coming alongside Understands:

• Preparation and use of lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
• Speed and angle of approach
• Wind effect
• Method of approach in tidal stream or current
• Make fast alongside
• Use springs
• Leave – ahead or astern

Man overboard Knowledge of:

• Recovery or man overboard
• Cold shock and immersion hypothermia
• How and when to raise the alarm
• Take immediate action
• Observe the man overboard
• Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller
• Approach and recover the ‘man’ in the water (Small weighted buoy to be used)
• Demonstrate both drift down and into wind approach method
• Switch engine off

Knowledge of:

• Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping  ability
• Seating arrangements
• Stepped hulls
• Engines and drives: advantages and disadvantages of outboard, inboard and outdrive units, single and twin screws, choice and use of fuels
• Siting of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring, fire extinguishers
• Routine engine maintenance checks, basic fault diagnosis
• Close down procedure
• Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters
• Use and limitations of GPS/Chartplotters
• Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping
• Sources of weather information
• Awareness of other water users
• Communication with other craft
• Disabled craft
• Emergency action, preventing sinking
• Adrift – alternative means or propulsion
• Actions to be taken by disabled craft and being towed
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Distress signals, means of issuing distress, DSC and the Mayday call
• Advice for vessels in restricted visibility
• Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 12-18
• Byelaws and local regulatins
• Boat registration schemes
• Pilotage and passage planning
• Charts, chart symbols, buoyage systems
• Tides and tidal streams
• Use steering and hand bearing compasses.
• Undertake practical handling on tidal waters

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats - Reviews

Whatever we may think of our courses what really counts is what others think, below are a selection of comments taken directly from the Feedback Forms that we ask are filled in at the end of each course.

I’m now back in London after this fantastic time in Bournemouth and Poole. Thank you to the entire team for the welcome and the quality of content delivered! Marc

Hi – thanks so much for loaning us Brian for the last 2 days. I wanted to feedback how incredibly dedicated and detailed he was. He has nerves of steel which I fear me and the kids must have tested to the absolute limit. He remained calm, jolly and resolute throughout. Well done Brian – we learned loads. With my best wishes, Sarah

I just want to say thank you so much for a great course for the boys last weekend. Even in the rain they loved it. Sammy is a great teacher and Viv organised everything perfectly. They have already been raving about it to their friends so you may be getting more bookings! Thanks so much.. Justin

Absolutely loved it. I genuinely can’t stress enough how great John was. My girlfriend and I have both now explained to our respective parents how lucky we were to have had him all to ourselves. An unbelievable weekend with a lifelong skill at the end of it, made even more special by the fun, informative and patient captain we had on boards. A million thank yous! Xander

PAUL was brilliant. Very calm and he gave reassuring instructions. You didn’t really feel you were learning and then you just realised you could control your boat. I would recommend this training to anyone getting into motor boats or even up sizing. It is well worth the time and money. Jim

I thoroughly enjoyed the course and feel encouraged to learn more starting with the online navigation course. Rupert

Paul was fantastic I would definitely use you again! Andy

We would just like to say thank you for the great service and care you and your team delivered to us during our 2 day Power Boat level 2 training. Thank you to Tony for explaining everything so well, keeping us safe and being so patient, he is a credit to Powerboat Training UK. When the time is right we will be back for more training in the near future as we have the power boat bug. Frank and Joanna

Just a quick e-mail to thank you for a great couple of days I had completing the level 2 course over the weekend. Having going from not knowing a thing about boating to knowing a whole lot more! As I am looking to buying my first boat I found the information given go a long way to vastly increase my confidence on the water. Please also would you pass on my sincere thanks to Robin, who was my instructor for the two days, I found his guidance and patience made me feel relaxed and at ease, and his knowledge of boaty things made learning fun! Looking forward to more training when i get my first boat. Mark

Thanks Viv, the level 2 course was brilliant and as I’m sure you already know, Robin made it, he is a great guy and is a huge asset to your operation. I don’t praise people who just do their job, but Robin went the extra mile, fantastic guy. George

Just wanted to let you know what an excellent 2 days I’ve just enjoyed at Lymington on the Powerboat Level 2 course with Philip! The course content and pace was just perfect and Philip presented it in a very knowledgeable and enjoyable way. It has certainly given me the best possible introduction to Powerboats. I’m already looking forward to the VHF course next Saturday! Also, wanted to thank you both for your patience and understanding in providing me with an alternative course following my personal issues. David

We completed our Powerboat level 2 course over the weekend and all 3 of us enjoyed ourselves immensely as well as learning a great deal. Would you please pass on our sincere thanks to both Paul and Phillip who were both excellent teachers and very patient with us whilst we struggled to learnt about something that was totally new to us. Their understanding & knowledge made the whole process a lot easier! Bernard

IT WAS BLOODY BRILLIANT! I can’t tell you how nice Robin is as a coach and person he made the whole thing so enjoyable and the knowledge we both walked away with has set us up perfectly. I can’t speak highly enough of Aquasafe and the whole set up. Elizabeth was dreading it but came away really happy and pleased she did it. I think Robin played a massive part in making Elizabeth feel safe and gave her confidence. Two great days of learning and I will be recommending to my friends and family. Thank you so so much and hope to see you soon when I get some time to book up the other courses. Joshua

On behalf of myself and everyone who attended the course over the last couple of days, I just wanted to say thank you very much. Everyone was impressed with the instruction and the course as a whole. Arron

Just to say thank you very much for Saturday, we both enjoyed it and got a lot out of the training. I am hoping we will have some opportunities to put it into practice over the next few weeks. Thanks for your help, I hope we can come back and do some more training before too long. Alison

Hello Viv. A quick note while I remember to say thank you for organizing the course for James and I. We enjoyed it very much and Alan was very professional and affable. I feel very confident now to take a boat out and also realize how little I knew and also how little I still know! Sammy is a very pleasant young man too. All Best Wishes. Mark

I completed my PB level 2 course over the weekend under Anthony. The course was great and very well delivered, so I offer strong complements to the company and to Anthony as an individual. Sam

Hello there. I just wanted to send a quick email to thank you for the Powerboat Level 2 course in Lymington last Thursday and Friday, that myself, my son Sonny and my father, Dave completed – even despite the hilariously horrendous weather on Friday! Our instructor, Philip, was absolutely brilliant with all three of us. Very professional, patient, knowledgeable, kind and great company; he pitched the course content brilliantly well for both the 12 year old level and the 71 year old level and everything in between! Please pass on my greatest thanks to Philip and looking forward to getting lots of practice in and doing some future courses with you. With warmest wishes Juliette

Hi Viv Just to let you know how fantastic we thought the training was and how useful it has proved to be. Olly was skippering our Boston Whaler on Saturday on his own and the engine cut out near Old Harry. He had to make an emergency call to the coastguard after doing all the the things he had been trained to do on the course. He didn’t panic, he carried out checks and eventually made it to Swanage where the coastguard met him and we got Sea Start to him. Between them they worked out what the problem was and he ended up racing Sea Start back to Studland 🙂 The incident is mentioned in the Echo today. He kept in touch with us by phone and we didn’t panic either because we knew he was confident and able to handle the situation. All the adults he came into contact with were really impressed with the way he handled himself and the boat. So – thank you – and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this course to anyone, whatever their age. Cheers, Julie x

“Hi Viv, just to say thanks for providing Paul for our course. He took us from complete novices to competent power boat handlers. He was also brilliant with our 15 year old son Lyall. So many thanks for the course.” Best wishes Mandy

“I would like to thank the team very much for a most enjoyable Level 2 Course. Paul, Dom and Nye created a great atmosphere in the classroom and on the boats and did a great job of getting everyone to work as a team. Questions were encouraged and no-one was made to feel out of place for asking – Paul came to my assistance when I couldn’t quite fathom how to get the lifejacket on and even managed to keep a straight face! Dom took our group of three for the practical sessions and really made the course come alive. His enthusiasm for powerboats clearly rubbed off and I have now decided to get a RIB! Our group didn’t have a lot of experience with handling boats before and Dom was great at seeing where we were going wrong and adjusting the pace to suit our needs. I would definitely recommend Powerboat Training UK to anyone considering getting on the water, even with little or no experience. I look forward to taking my Intermediate Course at some point in the future after I’ve practiced what I’ve learnt a bit more.” Martin

“Just wanted to write to thank you for a great course at the weekend. Alyn was incredibly patient and responded to our million and one questions with enthusiasm every time. Before buying a boat I had never realised that there were so many things to think about and now a few days on I really struggle to see how we would have managed to boat safely without doing the course.” Joe & Ann (and son Ben) after spending two days with Paul and their new 28ft Bayliner sportscruisier.

“Thanks for taking the extra time with us at weekend to help us ensure we could do the launch and recovery part of boating during our Level 2 course. It was really helpful to do it a couple of times during the weekend and if you are okay with it we will take you up on your offer of assistance the next time we come down to launch.” Jon after spending a couple of days undertaking Level 2 with his 7m RIB where we dedicated specific time to practicing launch and recovery with his vehicle/trailer/boat to ensure it was handled safely and he was happy with the process.

“I enjoyed all aspects of both theory and practical work, there was lots of time on the water giving me plenty of the time at the helm. Good student to Instructor ratio.” Stephen commenting on his Level 2 course.

“I enjoyed all aspects of the course, a great friendly Instructor who covered everything in brilliant detail. I got plenty of practice at everything and he answered every question I had.” Mike commenting on his Level 2 course.

“Great instruction, clear concise theoretical work and good practical. Overall brilliant – great Instructors.” Charles commenting on his Level 2 course.

“Gave me confidence to go boating.” Mario commenting on his Level 2 course

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats - Gallery

Powerboat Level 2 – on our boats - Book Now

Thank you for your interest in this course.

Hopefully the dates that we have scheduled work well with your availability. If the dates don’t quite work then we are always keen to be as flexible as possible so please contact us and we’ll see what we can do.

We’re always really keen to chat to you when you’re booking a course as whilst we are happy to take bookings through this system for your convenience – nothing beats chatting about boats and courses!

Don’t forget too that if you are an individual or company/organisation booking a few people onto courses then we may be able to schedule dates around you. Equally, for bookings some time in the future we can usually juggle our course dates if what we have scheduled doesn’t quite work for you.

For information… When you make a booking using this system please be aware that we allocate you the places but the booking is provisional and subject to confirmation. We will review your booking and then you will receive a payment request from us, the payment you make will secure your place. You will receive confirmation from us at the latest during the next business day. For all courses we have a minimum required number for the course to go ahead.

Also… We have an automatic cutoff built into this system that doesn’t allow you to book within 48 hours of the course starting. We may still have places though – use the contact button to alert us to your interest.

And finally… Once you have finished the process you will receive a variety of emails. If you do not get any then please check your spam folder and if there is nothing there then please let us know.

Get in touch

Where to find us...

Powerboat Training UK Ltd, The Slipway, Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

T: 01202 686666 E: [email protected]

Aquasafe Powerboat School, Lymington Yacht Haven, Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3QD

T: 01590 678809 E: [email protected]

Marine Education, Port of Poole Marina, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ

T: 01202 406066 E: [email protected]

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Register your interest in this course

At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as full. However it may be that we are able to add additional people to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this date is of particular interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

Request a last minute space

At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as closed due to it being very close to the course running. However it may be that we are able to add you to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this is is of interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

• RYA First Aid Course
• RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities Course
• RYA VHF radio (SRC) Classroom Course
• VHF pre-course learning
• RYA VHF/SRC exams
• RYA CEVNI ICC (inland waterways)
• RYA Safeguarding 'Safe & Fun' course
• Navigation Theory Refresher
• RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Classroom Course
• RYA Day skipper shorebased theory classroom course
• RYA Coastal skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore theory classroom course
• Online courses - FAQ
• Online test page
• RYA Jet ski (PWC) Proficiency Course
• Planning a Jetski Adventure
• Safety & Patrol Jetski Operator Training
• RYA Jet ski (PWC) Instructor Course
• RYA Jet ski (PWC) Instructor Conversion Course
• RYA Powerboat level 1 course
• RYA Powerboat level 2 Course
• International Certificate of Competence
• Youth RYA Powerboat Courses
• Private Powerboat Lessons
• Private RYA Powerboat Courses
• RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course (Own Boat)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course (Own Boat)
• Bespoke Tuition (Own Boat)
• Introduction to Night Powerboating
• RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course
• RYA Tender Operator Course
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Course
• Advanced Powerboat Exam CoC
• RYA Powerboat instructor Skills Assessment
• RYA Powerboat instructor Course
• RYA Yachtmaster Instructor to Powerboat Instructor Conversion Course
• RYA Advanced Powerboat instructor Course
• RYA Jetski (PWC) instructor Course
• RYA Powerboat to Jetski (PWC) instructor conversion Course
• RYA Powerboat Instructor Workshops
• RYA Jetski Instructor Workshops
• RYA Jetski (PWC) proficiency /licence course
• Onboard PWI Booking & Terms
• PWI student page
• Student details
• Working on a Superyacht
• Superyacht Jetski Lifting Slings
• Commercial Boating
• RYA Course Gift Vouchers
• Christmas Gift Vouchers
• Our Location
• Teaching craft
• Customer Reviews
• Our RYA Training Team
• Local Accommodation
• Poole Harbour Boating Guide

frequently asked questions:

Powerboats:, how do i get a powerboat licence.

In the UK the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate is the equivalent to a powerboat licence. If you want to drive a powerboat in Europe once you've completed your RYA Powerboat Level 2 , you can then apply for an International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.)

Do you need a licence to drive a speedboat in the UK?

No, you do not need a licence to drive a speed boat or powerboat in the UK. However you are legally required to abide by the laws such as the International Regulations of Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) and in some areas insurance is also required. If you intend to drive a powerboat in Europe you will need an International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

Can I drive a boat without a licence?

Yes, in the UK you can drive any leisure boat without a licence. In most countries in Europe you will need an International Certificate of Competence . 

Does RYA Powerboat Level 2 expire?

No, this certificate does not expire, however if you are rusty or haven't driven a powerboat very much since your course you may wish to consider doing a refresher session with an instructor.

Do I need a licence to drive a powerboat abroad?

Yes, most countries in Europe (& worldwide) require a licence to use a powerboat. You can get this by completing a one day RYA Powerboat level 2 course at an RYA training centre then apply for the International Certificate of Competence . 

RYA Powerboat level 2, what can I drive?

Any powerboat up to 10 metres in length with any horsepower engine. 

What's the minimum age to take an RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course?

12 years old

What previous experience do i need to take a powerboat level 2 course?

None, the RYA powerboat level 2 course assumes no previous experience. 

What flares do I need on my powerboat?

This will depend on where you intend to do your boating. If you're boating in harbours and close to shore then 2 x red hand held and 2 x orange smoke (known as an inshore flare pack ) may well be adequate. If you're looking at travelling further afield then check out the Coastal Flare Pack

How do I get a Jet ski Licence?

In the UK this is called the RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate, you can gain this by completing a one day RYA PWC Proficiency Course . 

Do you need a Licence for a jet ski?

No, in the UK you do not need a licence for a jet ski, however like any activity it is not a bad idea to get some training. Some areas however do specify that you must hold an RYA Jetski (PWC) certificate. The benefits of completing a jet ski course is that you will not only gain confidence but also have the knowledge that is legally required such as the rules of the road on the sea. 

In Europe most countries do require that you have a jet ski licence, this can be gained by completing the RYA PWC Proficiency Course then applying for an RYA  International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.)

How much is a Jet ski licence?

For UK jet ski certificates courses taken at Marine Education the course fee, including certificate & book is £250.00, if you wish to obtain the International Certificate this is an additional £45.00

Do I need a licence to jet ski abroad?

Yes, most countries in Europe (& worldwide) require a licence to use a jet ski. You can get this by completing a one day RYA Jet Ski (PWC) proficiency course at an RYA training centre then apply for the International Certificate of Competence. 

What do you need for a jet ski?

• Kill cord / Safety Lanyard + a spare one in case you lose it!
• Dry case or box for your phone - because most phones aren't waterproof! 
• Jet ski Anchor - for when you're launching or want to stop near a beach for a break
• Tow line - incase you break down !
• Whistle or fog / air horn - in case you need to attract attention
• Knife - serrated blade is the best to cut away fishing line, rope etc
• First Aid Kit - for any nicks & cuts or greater injuries! 
• Flares - 2 x red handheld (used if you get stuck out in hours of dusk/darkness) & 2 x orange smoke (used in the day)
• Fire Extinguisher - because you just never know
• Dry bag or box to store your gear in - because noone likes wet gear when its supposed to be dry.. 
• Water - for when you're thirsty :)
• VHF Marine Radio - though be aware you must have a VHF licence to legally operate this. 

What do I wear on a jet ski?

• Impact Buoyancy Aid - 50 Newtons is the best and most common. 
• Wetsuit / Drysuit or at least something on your bottom.. (read the warning labels on the jet ski for why this is so important!!)
• Footwear - wetsuit boots or wetsuit shoes so you don't cut your feet when walking around the slipway, beach etc
• Sunglasses or googles - to stop the spray going in our eyes and reduce the possibility of UV damage from the sun & reflection on the water
• Suncream - to make sure you don't go home looking like a tomato. 

What's the youngest age to take a jet ski course?

12 years old is the minimum age to attend an RYA jet ski course

Do I need previous experience to take a jet ski course?

No, previous experience is not required to complete or attend an RYA PWC (jetski) proficiency course

RYA Instructor courses:

How long does an rya instructor certificate last for.

5 years , assuming you retain a valid first aid certificate. 

What can a RYA Jet Ski (PWC) Instructor teach?

A qualified RYA Jet Ski (PWC) Instructor can teach the RYA PWC Proficiency course at land based RYA Training Centres and when working onboard a Superyacht that is an RYA Training Centre they can teach the RYA Introduction to PWC Safety Course to the Owners and Guests onboard. 

How long is an RYA Jet Ski Instructor Course?

This is a 3 day course that teaches you how to deliver the RYA Jet Ski (PWC) Proficiency course . You must already be a competent jetskier and hold the RYA PWC Proficiency certificate and a valid First Aid certificate prior to attending. 

The RYA Jet Ski Instructor course is run by an RYA PWC Instructor Trainer and an RYA Moderator will join you on the final day of the course. 

What can an RYA Powerboat Instructor teach?

A qualified RYA Powerboat Instructor can teach the RYA Powerboat Level 1 and RYA Powerboat Level 2 course at land based RYA Training Centres. If you hold the RYA Safety Boat Certificate you will also be able to teach this course. 

How long is an RYA Powerboat Instructor Course?

This is a 3 day course that teaches you how to deliver the RYA Powerboat Level 1 and level 2 (& safety boat) courses. You must already be a competent powerboater and hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate and a valid First Aid certificate prior to attending. You will also need to complete an RYA Powerboat instructor skills assessment before attending the instructor course.

The RYA Powerboat Instructor course is run by an RYA Powerboat Instructor Trainer and an RYA Moderator will join you on the final day of the course. 

VHF Marine radio licence

Do you need a licence to use a vhf radio.

Yes, the marine radio short range certificate (SRC) is a legal requirement to use a marine VHF. You must hold an operators licence and the radio itself must have a licence which is called the Ships radio licence . This is similar to owning a car or motorbike, you must have a driving licence and your car / motorbike must be registered with the DVLA. The operators licence is called the RYA VHF/SRC Marine radio certificate and can be completed via an online or classroom course, both require you to pass a face to face exam after course completion.  

Do you need a licence for a handheld VHF?

Yes, the licensing rules for Marine VHF apply whether you have a fixed VHF set or handheld VHF. You will need an operators licence and a ship portable radio licence . The operators licence is called the RYA VHF/SRC Marine radio certificate and can be completed via an online or classroom course, both require you to pass a face to face exam after course completion.  

How long does a VHF licence last?

Forever.. ship radio licences last a lifetime, but must be revalidated every 10 years. 

How do I get a VHF licence?

From Ofcom at this link:  https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/ships-radio/ship-radio-terms-conditions

boating inland in europe

What is cevni.

Code Européen des Voies de Navigation Intérieure (CEVNI) is the code governing navigation on the interconnected European inland waterways.

How do I get a CEVNI certificate?

There is no individual CEVNI certificate. However if you pass the RYA ICC CEVNI eTest this will allow you to add the Inland category on your International Certificate of Competence. 

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