rya powerboat 2 syllabus

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Aim: To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.

• Launching and recovery 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
• Boat handling Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE Plate and manufacturer's recommendation Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way Crew members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look-out Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream High speed manoeuvring: planing, trim tabs and power trim Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low speed handling, tiller/console steering Carry out pre-start checks, engine starting and stoppping 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 Carry out high speed manoeuvres including S-turns and U-turns
• Securing to a buoy Preparation of mooring warp Use of a boat hook Method of approach Crew communication Making fast Procedure when overshooting Approach and secure to buoy
• Anchoring Method of approach in various conditions Taking way off Crew communication Check holding Depth of water, holding ground, scope required Types of anchor Stowage and attachment to boat Preparation of anchor, chain and warp Weighing anchor Approach and anchor correctly Weigh anchor correctly
• Leaving and coming alongside Preparation and use of painter, lines and fenders, attachement 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 Recovery or man overboard Take immediate action Observe the man overboard Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller Approach and recover the man in the water
• Theory Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping  ability 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 Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping Sources of weather information Awareness of other water users Communication with other craft - hand and sound signals Disabled craft Emergency action, preventing sinking Adrift - alternative means or propulsion Towing and being towed Fire precautions and fire fighting Ropework Distress signals and the Mayday call Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5,7,8,9,12-19
• Coastal Pilotage and passage planning CG66 Small Craft Safety Scheme Charts, chart symbols, buoyage systems Tides and tidal streams Use steering and hand bearing compasses Apply Section A on coastal waters

Yacht crew: RYA powerboat level 2 course syllabus

The RYA Powerboat level 2 course is broken down into three sections: Practical, theory, and coastal. See below for the complete syllabus.

Section A - Practical

Launching and recovery.

Students will gain 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

Students will be able to:

• Prepare the boat, lines, fenders, safety equipment, fuel tanks, lines and secure gear on board.

Boat handling

• Loading: Effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE Plate and manufacturer's recommendation
• Displacement boats: Handling ahead and astern, carrying way

Students will understand:

• Crew members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look-out
• Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
• Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
• High speed manoeuvring: planing, trim tabs and power trim
• Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low 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
• Carry out high speed manoeuvres including S-turns and U-turns

Securing to a buoy

• Preparation of mooring warp
• Use of boat hook
• Method of approach
• Crew communication
• Making fast
• Procedure when overshooting
• Approach and secure to buoy
• Types of anchor
• Stowage and attachment to boat
• Preparation of anchor, chain and warp
• Weighing anchor 
• Method of approach in various conditions
• Taking way off
• Checking holding
• Depth of water, holding ground, scope required
• Approach and anchor correctly
• Weigh anchor correctly

Leaving and coming alongside

• Preparation and use of painter, 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

• Recovery of man overboard
• Take immediate action
• Observe the man overboard
• Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller
• Approach and recover the man in the water

Section B - Theory

• Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping ability
• 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 and
• Close down procedure
• Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters
• Use and limitations of GPS
• Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping
• Sources of weather information
• Awareness of other water users
• Communication with other craft - hand and sound signals
• Disabled craft
• Emergency action, preventing sinking
• Adrift - alternative means of propulsion
• Towing and being towed
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Distress signals and the mayday call

Students will be able to: Apply IRPCS (International Rules for Prevention of Collision At Sea), principally rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 12-19

Section C – Coastal

• Pilotage and passage planning
• CG66 Small Craft Safety Scheme
• Charts, chart symbols, Buoyage systems
• Tides and tidal streams
• Use steering and hand-bearing compasses
• Apply section A on coastal waters

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RYA PowerBoat Level 2

1 day of shore-based theory 1 day of practical skills (or less depending on skill level).

All you need to know for self-sufficient powerboating at a basic level. RYA powerboat courses are for those using small powered craft under 9m such as RIBs and sportsboats that don’t generally undertake long or offshore passages.

The course includes launching, mooring, anchoring and recovery plus all the boat driving skills required for basic competence in a powerboat

Contact us about RYA PowerBoat Level 2

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Hout Bay Yacht Club Marina Harbour Road, Hout Bay Cape Town, South Africa, 7806

+27  (82) 854-9789 [email protected] All images on this site are of our boats and students while training

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

Rya powerboat level 2.

Improve your powerboat driving and handling techniques. If you’re new to powerboating, this practical course will prepare you with the safe driving and handling skills you need to complete short day trips in your powerboat.

About the course

Covering the theory and practical skills needed to become a competent powerboat driver, the course focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, driving at planning speed and collision regulations.

All food and accommodation is included.

Other courses you may also be interested in:

• RYA Powerboat Instructor course
• Powerboat and Personal Watercraft Courses

International Certificate of Competency (ICC )  Application

If you would like to add on your ICC to you booking please inform our advisors at time of booking. There is a direct fee to the RYA for this, for more information please contact us .

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus is taught with a ratio of (3:1) students to instructor and covers the following:

• Launching and recovery
• Boat handling under way (including high speed)
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard
• Displacement craft
• Leaving and returning to pontoons
• Basic navigation
• Collision prevention regulations
• Boat design
• Engines and drives

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification.

Dates and pricing

Register your interest.

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Need help finding the right course for you?

Speak to an advisor on +44 (0)1983 203001 or email us

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course 307

This RYA Accredited 2 day classroom theory and hands on practical training program is perfect for individuals interested in improving their hands-on powerboat and tender operating skills. This course is great for beginners or seasoned tender operators! The practical portion of the course utilizes MPT’s powerboat and tender fleet up to 8 meters.

Preparing for RYA Powerboat Level 2

Course video.

Course Description

2 day class in fort lauderdale, required materials.

PASSPORT for Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Pen, Highlighter, Bathing Suit/Shorts, sunscreen, hat, boat attire, towel, boat shoes, weather attire (optional), one passport (40mm x 40mm) photograph for certificate (available here in ships store)

Course Photos

Testimonials

The class is very practical--wish it were longer! Rachelle, Saturday May 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great class. Nice boat and very informative instructor. Pedro, Friday February 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Keep up all the good work. It’s much appreciated. Zoe, Friday August 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great Instructor! Very professional and knowledgeable, thank you. David, Friday January 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Very well done !!!! Very happy to be here with you !!!! Tnks!!! Cruz, Wednesday January 2014 RYA Powerboat Level 2

This was an amazing course. Would recommend it to anybody Eric, Friday May 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

PBLII was a good course. Jeff was very patient during the on-water-training, and overall good instructor. Jennifer, Wednesday April 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

you guys are great! Zachary, Thursday July 2012 RYA Powerboat Level 2

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

Site map | privacy notice | cookie policy | accessibility notice, 1915 south andrews avenue, fort lauderdale, fl 33316 +1-954-525-1014 +1-888-839-5025 (toll free).

• RYA Powerboat Level 2

About the course:

A 2-day course providing hands on powerboat instruction plus classes in theoretical seamanship.

The course is intended to benefit those with no previous experience of handling a boat, provide the candidate with the theoretical and practical know-how to safely take charge of a small planing or displacement craft in tidal conditions.

Covering the theory and practical skills needed to become a competent powerboat driver, the course focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, driving at planning speed and collision regulations.

The course culminates in a short practical test together with an assessment of the candidate’s theoretical knowledge.

Pre requisites / Pre course experience:

None. May be preceded by Level 1 Start Powerboating

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus is taught with a ratio of (3:1) students to instructor and covers the following:

• Launching and recovery
• Boat handling under way (including high speed)
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Man overboard
• Displacement craft
• Leaving and returning to pontoons
• Basic navigation
• Collision prevention regulations
• Boat design
• Engines and drives

Qualifications:

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification.

Testimonials:

Information

Course details

• Full course price £340 (inc VAT)
• Course duration 2 days
• No previous experience necessary
• Minimum age 12
• Max 3 students per course
• Course materials provided: RYA Start Powerboating Handbook

Contact us to discuss booking

This 2 day course is provisionally scheduled on the following dates subject to 3 students reserving a place:

• 19-20 August
• 23-24 September
• 14-15 October
• 18-19 November
• 2-3 December

If any of these dates are unsuitable to you please contact us to discuss your requirements. We have 2 boats and can offer dates for your convenience subject to minimum numbers.

• RYA Powerboat Level 1
• RYA Powerboat - Intermediate
• RYA Powerboat - Advanced
• RYA Shorebased Courses
• RYA Interactive Online Courses

RYA Powerboat Level 2

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus

Launching and recovery.

• 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

Boat handling

• Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE Plate and manufacturer's recommendation
• Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way
• Crew members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look-out
• Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
• Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
• High speed manoeuvring: planing, trim tabs and power trim
• Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low 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
• Carry out high speed manoeuvres including S-turns and U-turns

Securing to a buoy

• Preparation of mooring warp
• Use of a boat hook
• Method of approach
• Crew communication
• Making fast
• Procedure when overshooting
• Approach and secure to buoy
• Method of approach in various conditions
• Taking way off
• Check holding
• Depth of water, holding ground, scope required
• Types of anchor
• Stowage and attachment to boat
• Preparation of anchor, chain and warp
• Weighing anchor
• Approach and anchor correctly
• Weigh anchor correctly

Leaving and coming alongside

• Preparation and use of painter, 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

• Recovery or man overboard
• Take immediate action
• Observe the man overboard
• Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller
• Approach and recover the man in the water
• Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping ability
• 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
• Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping
• Sources of weather information
• Awareness of other water users
• Communication with other craft - hand and sound signals
• Disabled craft
• Emergency action, preventing sinking
• Adrift - alternative means or propulsion
• Towing and being towed
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Distress signals and the Mayday call
• Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5,7,8,9,12-19
• Pilotage and passage planning
• CG66 Small Craft Safety Scheme
• Charts, chart symbols, buoyage systems
• Tides and tidal streams
• Use steering and hand bearing compasses
• Apply Section A on coastal waters

RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a popular entry level course that provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat at speed and in close quarters. It also enables the holder to obtain an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). ​Courses are held on our Highfield 6m RIBs, (new 2022 - 2023).

This two-day course is based at our training facilities in Swanwick Marina, where you will spend most of the first morning. Once out on the water, the busy Hamble River provides ample opportunity to practice close quarters boat handling and we’re minutes away from the central Solent where driving at planing speed and high-speed manoeuvers can be taught in open water. You will also focus on man overboard recovery, and cover the collision regulations as they apply to powerboats.

Powerboat Level 2 is an excellent confidence-builder. Whether you’re planning to do high speed day trips with friends, or simply exploring rivers further upstream with the kids, this course equips you with skills and knowledge needed to be safe and have a good time out on the water in a powerboat.

What’s Included

You’ll be based at our well-equipped training facilities in Swanwick Marina and included in your course price is:  

• RYA Start Powerboating handbook
• Tea,coffee and water throughout the course
• All mooring fees
• All fuel costs
• Use of Urban Truant’s high quality wet weather gear and safety kit
• RYA certification for all successful students

Course Dates

Below are listed our available dates. If you cannot see dates that you require, please get in touch with us and we may be able to to arrange a more suitable date.

Take advantage of our Combined Learning Packages

Powerboat level 2 combined.

RYA Essential Navigation

RYA Short-Range Certificate (SRC) VHF Radio

Powerboat level 2 combined 2.

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Learn how to drive a powerboat safely. This 2-day course includes learning skills such as close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations all on coastal waters. Our experienced powerboat instructors guide you through the course to ensure you feel confident with your powerboating. It is also a pre-requisite powerboat qualification for the RYA Dinghy Instructor course.

Course syllabus

Close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations all on coastal waters and passage planning

Example day

Morning session

Typically run from 9:30, you will be welcomed by our team for registration. Please ensure that participants have been signed in by staff before you leave the site. At the course start time the instructors will come and meet the participants.

Once all participants are happy and fully equipped with all the clothing they need, then the activity sessions will get underway!

Everyone will break for lunch midway through the day*.

Afternoon session

After lunch, activity sessions will resume.

At the course end time, typically 16:30, please ensure that all participants are signed out with a member of staff, before leaving the site.

Course overview

Duration: 2 days

Prices from £ 280

Ability level: Beginner

What's included

Wetsuit Buoyancy Aid Spray Top and Trousers Helmet

What you need to bring

Swimwear Towel Drinks Suncream Weather appropriate clothing Spare pair of shoes to wear in the water (closed-toe) Lunch and snacks Water bottle

Prerequisites

Check availability & book online, preferred centre locations, available course dates.

To search for available bookings within a date range, click to select a start and end date. Alternatively, click to select a specific highlighted date to view available courses.

* Secure your place now with just a £50 deposit

For courses more than a month in advance, deposit payments are only applicable for courses above £50.

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Need help finding the right activity?

Speak to our Centre team or send them a message, outlining what you might be interested in and they will be able to recommend some courses or activities, or help create something bespoke.

Call our central team

Call us on +44 (0)300 124 0449 , Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. Outside of these hours you’re welcome to leave a message.

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Drop us an email with your details at [email protected] and let us know how we can help. We aim to respond to emails the next working day.

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• RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2)

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Level 2 powerboat handling course, would you like to learn to drive a powerboat or rib confidently and safely in just 2 days.

Develop your skills behind the wheel of a powerboat to become confident and competent in handling a powerboat or RIB. This hands-on course will provide you with the safe driving and handling skills necessary to execute short day trips in your powerboat if you are new to the sport of power boating. In addition to the new skills gained you will also be presented with your powerboat licence (Powerboat Level 2 Certificate) and the option to apply for your international power boat licence – ICC.

Course Duration: 2 Days in Southampton

(Or shorter Powerboat Level 2 Direct Assessment evaluation sessions for seasoned drivers (up to one day).

Minimum Age - 12

(The minimum age to enrol in the Level 2 Powerboat Handling course is 12, although a commercial endorsement cannot be achieved until the student reaches the age of 17.)

Book Your Powerboat Level 2 Course Today

Individual bookings, list price £360.00 per person.

Winter seasonal discounts now available, see individual dates for offers.

(We do not charge extra for VAT, Fuel or a Fuel Surcharge)

Late Availability

From £255 per person, online bookings.

(All availability and pricing is in realtime – check for late availability & special price courses)

1-2-1 Bookings

For 1-2-1 Powerboat Level 2 courses please phone or use the Chat Box in the bottom righthand side of the screen.

We accept UK debit cards and VISA/Mastercard credit cards. (NO Charge for paying on debit or credit cards)

(Special Offers and Special Prices apply to new bookings only) To request further information on any Course please use the Chat Box at the bottom of this screen

The powerboat level 2 handling course not only teaches students the skills and foundational knowledge necessary to operate a powerboat competently, but it also serves as the foundation for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) your international powerboat licence.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Syllabus is delivered mainly out on Southampton Water with some topics presented in a classroom setting with a student-to-instructor ratio of three attendees to one instructor, and it covers the topics listed below:

• Launching and recovery
• Powerboat handling
• Securing to a buoy
• Leaving and coming alongside
• Safety equipment
• Man overboard
• Leaving and returning to pontoons
• Basic navigation
• Collision prevention regulations
• Boat design
• Engines and drives

Our boats ~ with 7m 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 the latest powerful 200HP Suzuki outboard motors, Icom VHF Radios and Garmin electronic chart plotters.

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 and enjoyable 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 sea school over twenty two years ago and have grown a reputation for delivering on our promises. Our clients range from individuals with their own craft to large national corporates and UK based marine companies.

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) plus of course free parking on an availability basis. We do not charge extra for VAT.

Coastal endorsement ~ As we are a coastal based school, we are able to award powerboat licences with a coastal endorsement with all our courses being held at Ocean Village Marina, Southampton SO14 3XB UK (near Shamrock Quay Marina & Ocean Quay Marina) and in the Solent area.

Why choose the Powerboat Level 2 course?

The qualification known as “Powerboat Level 2” is also often referred to as “Powerboat Handling Level 2.” Those who have obtained their Powerboat Level 2 certification are eligible to submit an application to the RYA for their Powerboat ICC ( International Certificate of Competence ), which is valid for boats up to 10 metres in length.

The RYA Power Boat Level 2 course is the gold standard of powerboat education, and its length of two days allows students ample time in both hands-on powerboat instruction and theoretical navigational study. The purpose of a powerboat level 2 course is to instil the necessary skills for operating and operating a powerboat safely. While the course content may seem comparable to that of Powerboat Level 1 at first look, the additional time allows for a far more in-depth examination of each topic, greatly increasing the student’s potential for organisational learning.

What does the course involve?

Theory time will be spent learning about different types of boats and their advantages and disadvantages, different types of engines and drives, how to use power tilt and trim tabs, how to perform safety checks, how to stay afloat, how to recognise other boaters, how to apply the collision regulations (IRPCS), how to comply with local ordinances, how to tow and be towed, how to communicate in an emergency, how to send and receive distress signals, how to prevent fires, and how to fight fires.

The first day of the training focuses on honing your skills in handling the vessel in tight quarters, while the second day teaches navigation and gives you plenty of practise time to put your newfound knowledge to use.

Our second day of training focuses on navigational basics including reading maps, calculating tides, identifying buoys, and navigating with a compass. We next put our newly acquired knowledge to use by creating a brief pilotage plan and carrying it out.

If you choose, you can apply for your ICC from the RYA once you have attained the level at which we can grant the Level 2 certificate. Once you obtain the necessary paperwork, and when you submit it along with a photo and a copy of your certificate, you will be issued a licence. Your ICC is free if you are a member of the RYA; otherwise, it costs about £50 per person. Coincidentally, joining the RYA costs nearly the same, so we normally recommend joining first to receive the ICC for free. If you join the RYA before attending your course please enter Joining Point Code No 920082657 on your application.

The Level 2 certificate can occasionally be obtained without completing the entire course. This process, called Direct Assessment, takes a half-day to one day. (Let us know if you interested in pursuing Level 2 in this manner.)

What is covered in the course?

This powerboat course teaches you the basics of handling a powerboat including safety and navigation. It essentially provides you with the skills you need to charter a powerboat on your next trip away or abroad.

When you take the PB2 course with Duck-2-Water, qualified RYA instructors will provide training on a modern and fully-equipped powerboat. Your instructor will cover the following topics with you during your 2 days with him or her:

The  RYA theory  element of the Powerboat Training Level 2 course will cover the types of craft and their respective advantages and disadvantages, engines and drives, use of power tilt and 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.

Depending on how an individual powerboat instructor structures the course, the second day may involve a practical assessment of boat handling capability. This will involve undertaking manoeuvres learnt earlier in the course. This test can be taken on its own without undertaking the Level two course. This is known as Direct Assessment and can lead to the award of a powerboat level two certificate.

A further consideration when attending a powerboat level two course is where you take it. Coastal based schools award certificates with a coastal endorsement. This means that the student has learnt in conditions where tides and currents must be considered. Generally speaking, if you intend using your boat in coastal waters ensure that you undertake a level 2 course with a powerboat coastal school.

What are the level 2 course requirements

You do not need to have attended a Powerboat Level 1 Course in order to do this course. If you have already attended a  Powerboat Level 1  course you will find that a benefit, however, no prior boating experience or  powerboat training  is necessary or essential if you want to take the course, and it is open to anyone over the age of 12.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 ICC Course suits both those with extensive boat handling experience and those who have never stepped onto a boat before.

A further consideration when attending the RYA Powerboat Level 2 ICC Course is where you take it

We are allowed to give certificates with a coastal endorsement because our school is located on the coast, and all of our classes are hosted at Ocean Village Marina, Southampton SO14 3XB UK (near Shamrock Quay Marina & Ocean Quay Marina), as well as other locations throughout the Solent region.

This means that the student has learnt in conditions where tides and currents must be considered. Generally speaking, if you intend to use your boat in coastal waters, ensure that you undertake a course with a coastal school.

Benefits of having a level 2 RYA powerboat certification

This is a criteria that is commonly required by employers as a bare minimum. After obtaining this degree, students have the opportunity to continue their education and earn their International Certificate of Competence (ICC), which is a necessity for working with boats in other countries.

Your development of a solid foundational understanding of boat management, navigation, and seamanship will be the primary focus of the training you will get. Following the completion of the course, you will be able to “bolt on” additional practical experience in order to properly solidify the knowledge that you received during the course.

The RYA PBL2 course is an excellent approach for anyone considering purchasing a boat to develop into a more “informed buyer.” When evaluating the vast array of vessels available for purchase, being surrounded by so many boats and having the opportunity to debate the benefits and drawbacks of the various models with the Instructor is really helpful.

If you own a boat and want to insure it through the Royal Yachting Association , holding the RYA powerboat 2 qualification could help you save money on your premiums.

Does RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate expire?

Will the RYA Powerboat Level 2 license expire?

No, the Powerboat level 2 license does not expire . However, if you have not handled a powerboat or RIB for some time then we also offer refresher sessions or mile building experience days. These PB2 refresher days are also a fantastic way to build on your skills should you not have access to a RIB or powerboat having completed your powerboat training.

Please email, WhatsApp or phone Duck-2-Water for more information on these PB2 refresher/Solent orientation days.

What is the duration of a Powerboat Level 2 Course?

The powerboat level 2 course (PB2 handling course) runs over 2 consecutive days or shorter as a direct assessment for experienced drivers.

You can book your 2 day course securely via the online calendar on our website.

For the powerboat level 2 direct assessment option please email, WhatsApp or phone Duck-2-Water .

What is the minimum age to attend the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course?

For the Level 2 Powerboat course the minimum age is 12 , but a commercial endorsement cannot be obtained until the age of 17. It is recommend all Powerboat drivers under the age of 16 are supervised by an adult who holds the same Powerboat qualification as a minimum.

What Comes After Powerboat Level 2?

Do i require any previous experience to take a powerboat level 2 course.

No, the RYA powerboat level 2 course also known as the PBL2 assumes no prior experience . The powerboat level 2 course is a great foundation Powerboating course and can be attended by anyone aged 12 or older.

What is the Student/Instructor ratio on a Powerboat Level 2 Course?

The maximum student to instructor ratio on a Powerboat course is 3:1 per powerboat or RIB .

What powerboats can I drive with a RYA Powerboat level 2 Certificate?

This is dependant upon the local laws of the country you are driving your powerboat or RIB in but typically you can drive any powerboat up to 10 metres in length with any horsepower engine.

How do I replace a Lost RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate?

Please contact the RYA Certification Department who will advise you the process to obtain a replacement Powerboat Level 2 Certificate.

Is the powerboat level 2 the equivalent to a UK boat license?

Yes , the powerboat level 2 is the equivalent to a UK boat license.

This licence is mandatory to ensure that you are aware of the safety procedures and can operate the vessel confidently.

After successfully completing the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, you can then apply for an International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.) if you plan to operate a powerboat in Europe.

International Certificate of Competence

ICCs are required in many European countries when using or chartering vessels. It shows your competence and is essential to skipper a boat in the Mediterranean or European waters. The Powerboat level 2 course suits those with extensive boat handling experience and those who have never stepped onto a boat before. Once you have successfully completed your Powerboat Level 2 course with Duck-2-Water you can apply to the RYA for your ICC at the following webpage  ICC Application

How do I apply for an ICC

On successful completion of your Powerboat Level 2 course Apply to the RYA at the following webpage for your powerboat licence up to 10m in length; ICC Application

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Why choose Duck-2-Water?

Our aim is to provide a full and comprehensive service to boating enthusiasts. If you would like to buy your first boat, we are here to listen to what you are trying to achieve and give completely impartial advice, so that you purchase the right yacht charter for you. When you need to gain confidence or qualifications, our RYA Sea School can help at all levels.

RYA Training Courses

Powerboat Level 1

Powerboat Level 2

Intermediate Powerboat Training

Advanced Powerboat Training

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• Certificates of Competence

RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA's Powerboat Logbook (code G20) available from the webshop.

Boats used for exams

You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below.

The vessel must be capable of a minimum of 12 knots, equipped with the following:

• lights conforming with IRPCS
• VHF radio (may be portable)
• GPS (may be hand held) or plotter
• depth sounder
• anchor, chain and warp
• basic tool kit and spares
• heaving line
• paddles or additional means of propulsion
• flares: 2 hand held, 2 orange smoke
• bilge pump or buckets/bailer
• first aid kit

Additionally if not on the boat, you will need to bring to the exam:

• laminated or waterproof charts
• GPS set (may be hand held)
• tide tables
• pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc
• plotting instruments.
• Photographic ID card or document, such as a passport or driving licence

Advanced Powerboat exam pre-requisites

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• can provide a boat
• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• hold a VHF Radio Operators License or Short Range Certificate
• hold a valid first aid certificate
• have read the syllabus in RYA publication G20
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

Candidates should be familiar with all the equipment on board the vessel, as they may be asked to use this during the examination.

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed .

Useful links

Arranging your exam, commercial endorsements, exam payments service, mca manning requirements, professional qualifications.