Which Powerboat Qualification?

Level 1 “Introduction to Powerboating”
Duration: 1 day.
Minimum Age: 8
Subjects covered: Basic boat handling, safety and rules of the road. Launching and recovery.
Ropes and knots.
Suitable for: Beginners with no or limited knowledge.

Level 2 “National Powerboat Certificate”.
Duration: 2 days
Minimum Age: 12
Subjects covered: High-speed handling, manoeuvring, navigation, launch & recovery, & man
over-board. Chartwork, use of a compass and tides.
Suitable for: Beginners
Assumed knowledge: None required.

RYA Intermediate Powerboat Certificate- Powerboat Day Cruising
Duration: 2 days
Minimum Age: 16
Course Content: Pilotage, GPS, high speed navigation and rougher conditions are all included
in his course which was introduced in 2004. It is ideal for candidates who have completed the
level 2 who wish to take their power boating to a more challenging level including coastal
passages by day.
Suitable for: Holders of the Level 2 certificate looking at gaining more experience.
Assumed Knowledge: Candidates should be competent to the standard of the National
Powerboat Certificate Level 2 with coastal endorsement.
Candidates are also strongly recommended to hold a First aid and a VHF Radio operator’s
certificate prior to completing the Intermediate course.

R.Y.A. Advanced Powerboat Course- Day and Night courses
Duration: 2 days + night exercise.
Minimum Age: 17
Course Content: Candidates will be taught how to safely plan for a coastal passage using both
traditional charts and electronic navigation. Search patterns, rough weather handling, night
navigation, emergency procedures, helicopter rescue and safety equipment are some of the
topics included.
Prior knowledge: Candidates should be competent to the standard of the Intermediate
Powerboat Certificate with a thorough knowledge of navigation and chart work to the level of
the Day Skipper Shore based Certificate.
Candidates are also required to hold a First aid and a VHF Radio operator’s certificate.
Examination: Candidates are examined by an independent RYA examiner at the end of the
course. There is an examination fee of Ł130 payable to the RYA