RYA POWERBOAT, (Level 1&2, Int, Adv)

Covid –  This is a rapidly changing situation so please drop us an email to discuss the availability & current situation.   For some courses such as Intermediate, Tender Op and Advanced, rather than advertising dates we are speaking with each individual booking personally to ensure suitability.  Courses are available but we’d rather chat to you first to discuss the arrangements. 

We run the full range of RYA Powerboat Courses but by far the most popular is the RYA Powerboat Level 2 which we run most weeks and all year round. Please contact us to book or click the tab above and book online. We regularly add extra courses to the schedule and will run a private course for two or more people booking together (or you can pay for one to one tuition at a time to suit you).  If you’re looking for the RYA Powerboat Level 1, the Intermediate, Tender Operators or Advanced please contact us and we’ll schedule a course to suit your requirements.  You do not necessarily need to have worked through the whole scheme in order to move onto the advanced courses.  If you already have boating experience please contact us to discuss the most appropriate level of course to join.

RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course:

This course is an introduction to boating techniques, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment.   It is a one day introduction to powerboating and perfect for those who are unsure about going afloat, those who intend to mainly crew and youngsters from the age of 8.  Please note adults do not have to undertake Level 1 and can instead start at Level 2 if preferred, even as beginners.  

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

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.  There is no requirement to have completed Level 1 and you may start as a beginner at Level 2. It can be taken by those aged 12 and over but those aged 12-16 should book on a young persons course or on a private course with another family member.  The aim at the end of the course is to produce a self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft.

RYA Intermediate Powerboat Course

This is a two day course which develops the skills learnt on the Level 2 Powerboat course.  You will look at more advanced navigation techniques and undertaking coastal passages,  practice and refine close quarter boat handling skills and look at cruising at planning speeds.  In order to gain the maximum benefit from the course your navigation skills should be at the level of Dayskipper Theory standard.  For further information on our Dayskipper Courses please look at our Shorebased Theory courses.  We run these courses on demand so please contact us to arrange a convenient course date.

RYA Tender Operators Course

This course was designed for those operating commercially particularly in the Superyacht Industry.  It looks at skippering boats and the responsibilities towards clients with safety briefings and transfers and also looks at electronic navigation with chart plotters.  Please contact us to discuss course dates.

RYA Advanced Powerboat Course

This is a two day course looking at developing skills further and also looking at search patterns, introducing other styles of craft and night navigation.  Please note the course will involve being afloat in the dark so course times will vary throughout the year.  Your theory knowledge should be at Yachtmaster Theory Standard.  If you need to undertake additional theory training please visit our Shorebased Courses tab for information on courses or contact us to discuss bespoke training.  If you wish to work commercially please note that there is a exam to undertake which is booked separately to the course.  We can arrange this for you if needed but most candidates benefit from taking some time after the course to further develop skills learnt on the course and possibly undertake some  separate bespoke exam prep.

Further Information:

When do the courses run?  How do I find out course dates?

We run the courses to suit you, our client.  Our courses run seven days a week so if you want to book a course with a friend(s) or family just contact us with your preferred dates and we will do our best to accommodate you.  Dorset Marine Training operates all year round.  If you would like to join a scheduled course please have a loo at our calendar for Powerboat level 2 courses and contact us for details of the other courses which we schedule subject to demand.

Why should I choose Dorset Marine Training for my course?

We want people to enjoy being on the water and whilst there is a syllabus and a standard to be achieved, we also want to work with you to ensure you meet your own objectives. Some people want advice on how to get afloat after the course, others how to get started in a career on the water and other people how to take control of the boat if their partner is incapacitated. Whatever your reasons for taking the course we are keen to help you achieve these objectives. Our courses are usually run by either our Chief Instructor or our Centre Principal so you can be assured that you will receive enthusiastic and attentive instruction.

What if I want to book just one place?

There are two options: You are welcome to book the full course for yourself to ensure one to one tuition or to bring along friends or family to take the course with you.  The cost of the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course is given on our prices page.   Alternatively, we run courses each month on which we take individual bookings and for these you may be placed on a course with other students (max ratio 3 students to one instructor).

Do I need my own boat?  What if I already have a boat?

Many of the courses can be taken on our boat or yours.  If taking the course on your own boat then we can train at a location suitable for you and up to three people can be trained at a time.  Your boat may be a RIB or another boat generally under 10m for the powerboat courses. If it is a larger boats please contact us to discuss motor cruising courses.  The price of courses are given on our prices page.  If you don’t have a boat then join a course on our RIB.

Who is the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course suitable for?

This course is suitable for both complete beginners and those who have some experience on the water but wish to develop their skills or obtain a qualification.  Primarily aimed at adults, the course can be taken by those aged 12 and over but they must be mature enough to understand the full syllabus including the theoretical aspects.  Alternatively, you could consider the Level 1 course which has less theory. If in doubt about suitability please give us a call to chat.  Don’t forget we offer bespoke tuition if you prefer during which we can focus on the skills you choose.

How many people will be on a course with me?

We usually run these courses for just two or three people who book together and there is normally just one course running at a time which means we can give you our full attention.  If you have booked an individual place then there may be other students on the course with you (max ratio of three students to one instructor).

Can I obtain an ICC or International ‘License’ via a powerboat course?

Yes the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course does allow you to apply for an ICC. In the UK this is administered via the RYA and you should ensure you meet their eligibility requirements listed here – RYA ICC Info . We are happy to assist with the application at the end of your course if needed.

What if the weather is bad?

It is rare that we have to cancel a course.  We are very lucky with the area in which we operate that we can usually find a protected part of the harbour to train.  In the rare event of inclement weather, we will contact you to discuss.  We can either postpone the training or issue a refund for the course if the training has not yet started.

What if I need to cancel?

Our full cancellation terms are given in our terms and conditions attached to the enquiry email we send out.  Please be assured that we understand that circumstances do occasionally change and we will do our best to work with you to rearrange training if necessary.

Who will be teaching me?

Your course will almost certainly be taught by either our Chief Instructor or Training Centre Principal.  You can therefore be assured that you will receive enthusiastic instruction from an Instructor who is keen to ensure you achieve the most from your training.

Where does the course take place?

We operate from the Port of Poole Marina.  This allows us to get out in the harbour and to our training ground very quickly.  It also means we have easy access to facilities for food stops!  If the training is on your own boat we are happy to discuss other locations.

How do I know what to expect from the course/what to bring etc

It is our belief that people get the most from their course when they are fully prepared.  We plan our courses carefully and you will be a sent an email containing full joining instructions.  If you have any questions at any time we always encourage you to contact us as we are happy to chat through any queries.

Can I find out any more information before booking?

Yes!  Please send us your contact details and we will send out an enquiry email to you with more details.

What boat will I use?

If booking a course on our boat then the courses are usually run on our 4.8m or 585 Ribcraft.  These boats are very capable craft, whilst not being intimidating in size.

Where can I find out information about the course from an independent source?

You can visit the RYA page to find out information about the RYA LEVEL 2 POWERBOATING COURSE  or other courses within the Powerboat Training scheme and to confirm that we are a recognised training centre www.rya.org.uk.