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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.


None. May be preceded by Level 1 Start Powerboating
None
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
Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft
2 day course or shorter assessment for experienced drivers (half to one day).
For the Level 2 Powerboat Handling course the minimum age is 12, but a commercial endorsement cannot be obtained until the age of 17

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COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT

All the information you need on obtaining a commercially endorsed Powerboat Level 2 license, covering required RYA courses, medical fitness certificates, and experience prerequisites.

As a recognised RYA training centre, we are delighted to offer Commercial Endorsement for Powerboat Level 2. Explore below and find out how we can help you to achieving this milestone in your career! 

Powerboat Level 2

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

Parameters of the Powerboat Level 2 Commercial License

Is this the right license for you? Explore the definitive boundaries set in place with the level 2 commercial license.

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

The maximum distance allowed is 3 nautical miles from a designated departure point e.g. Seahouses to Crumstone Island. 

3 nautical miles

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

Under the UK Small Commercial Vessel Codes of Practice, the number of passengers must never exceed 12. 

12 passengers

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

You can operate commercial vessels up to a length of 24 meters.

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

You can only operate during daylight hours. This refers to the period between sunrise and sunset. 

Daylight hours

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

Boaters' perceptions of 'favourable' weather vary based on factors like experience, vessel type, size, and planned route.

Favourable conditions

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

To sea, within 3 miles of a nominated departure point and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight.

Working beyond any of these parameters? Then you need an Advanced Powerboat Commercial License .

License Requirements

To obtain a commercially endorsed Powerboat Level 2 license, candidates must fulfil requirements including completion of specified RYA courses, possession of a medical fitness certificate, and demonstration of relevant experience in powerboat operation.

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

In order to apply for a commercial license, you must have met the following requirements:

RYA Courses:

RYA Powerboat Level 2

RYA Sea Survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques

RYA SRC (VHF) or GMDSS General Operators Certificate

RYA First Aid or STCW First Aid or Seafish First Aid

(You'll have to provide all paperwork/licenses)

A valid ML5 or ENG1

(Please make sure your medical fitness certificate is in date. We cannot provide you with an ML5 or ENG1 medical. However, we recommend looking at the list of UK based MCA approved doctors . The average cost is around £100.)

At least one season (minimum 100 hours) as crew or skipper on a boat

(While providing sea time evidence like a logbook is not mandatory for the Powerboat Level 2 commercial license, possessing relevant experience is highly recommended)

Minimum Age:

17 years old

(Although you can take the Level 2 course at age 12, the minimum age for a commercial endorsement is 17 years old)

Commercial Endorsement Calculator

Calculate days, progress, and cost for courses and sea time. Receive feedback and suggested next steps.

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

Recommended

How much will it cost, at seaforce powerboats, we're dedicated to making your journey to obtaining a commercial license smooth and transparent. with our commitment to upfront pricing, you'll always have clarity on costs. your investment in a commercial license is an invaluable step towards a rewarding career on the water., explore your potential with confidence using our free calculator, tailored to your progress. let's navigate your path to success together.

Our consultation coincides with the calculator we've developed. It's designed to help you narrow down exactly what you need to gain commercial endorsement. Once submitted, book your consultation at a time that suits you. ​

Discuss the field of work you're looking  to get into/purpose of the license

Establish which license you need, start booking dates for courses and begin your journey asap, discuss and plan sea time building options if required, and which route is most cost effective, and any other questions you may have.

Jobs that typically require a commercial boating license include:

Boat trip operators

Charter fishing boats 

Harbour patrol launches

Small ferry or water taxis

Water sports instructors

Construction site safety boats

Getting started

Seaforce Powerboats has trained numerous individuals to attain commercial endorsement over the years, leveraging our extensive expertise. To initiate collaboration for commercial training, we recommend scheduling a consultation beforehand, ensuring a streamlined process to reach your goals efficiently.

rya powerboat level 2 commercial endorsement

Commercially Endorsed

Advanced powerboat, operate in category 3 waters., up to 20 miles from a safe haven., day or night passages., rough weather..

Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

RYA commercial endorsement

What certificates can i commercially endorse.

Commercial Endorsement is required to  work , as skipper, on a British flagged vessel that takes “paying passengers”. A commercial vessel can be defined as:

“A motor or sailing vessel in commercial use (i.e. Charter) for sport or pleasure, carrying no cargo and not more than 12 paying passengers.”

You are able to apply for a Commercial Endorsement on any of the following qualifications:

  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • RYA Advanced Powerboat   Certificate of Competence
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical (Power or Sail). You must have completed RYA Day Skipper Theory too
  • RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

How do I apply for commercial endorsement?

Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:

  • ENG1 or ML5 medical .
  • Your original certificate that you intend to get commercially endorsed.
  • Professional Practices and Responsibilities course , known as PPR. Note, that the PPR qualification lasts for life.
  • Commercial endorsement  application through the RYA.
  • Sea survival certificate

Note: If you hold STCW Basic Safety Training certificates then by sending in STCW plus 1-4 above

STCW upgrade to Master 200GT

If you hold all four  elements of the STCW Basic Safety training modules (Fire Fighting, Sea Survival, Elementary First Aid and PSSR) then you can apply for the STCW Master 200 endorsement. With an STCW endorsement your certificate of competence will be endorsed with the term “Master of Yachts 200GT”. With the STCW endorsement  your qualification allows you to skipper a UK registered vessel upto 200GT, which could be larger than 24m.

How long does commercial endorsement last?

All commercial endorsements are  required to be renewed every five years . To renew your commercial endorsement please use this link . You will need to be in the possession of:

  • A valid ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate
  • Your original certificate
  • Passport photo

If you have any questions relating to RYA Commercial Endorsement then feel free to  contact us

What can I do with my Commercial Endorsement

Once you have commercially endorsed your RYA certificate, you are able to use the certificate commercially. The following describes what you can do with each certificate:

Powerboat level 2 – Allows you to work in Category 6 waters: within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s) and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight

Advanced Powerboat (with 12 months of relevant experience) – Allows you to work in Category 6 waters, within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s) and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight

Advanced Powerboat (with two years of relevent experience) – Allows you to work in Category 6 – 3 waters, up to 20 miles from a safe haven, day or night.

RYA Day Skipper Practical & Sail (Power or Sail): Allows you to work in Category 5 and 6 waters, within 20 miles from a nominated departure point in favourable weather and daylight.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal : Allows you to work in Category 6 – 3 waters, ip to 20 miles from a safe haven, day or night.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore : Allows you to work in Category 1 waters, up to 150 miles from a safe haven

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean : Allows you to work in Category 0 waters, Unrestricted service