RYA Powerboat Courses
What kind of boats are covered?
The scheme focuses on vessels that are:
- Small, open, and fast
- Typically under 10 metres in length
- Equipped with planing hulls for high-speed performance
- Without cabins, or with minimal protection from the elements
Examples include:
- RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats)
- Sports boats
- Tenders
- Small rescue boats
- Inflatables with outboard engines
Ideal for those new to powerboating, this course requires no prior experience and offers two days of practical, hands-on training on the water. You will learn low- and high-speed handling, manoeuvring, launching, and recovery, while also covering essential safety procedures, basic navigation, and the rules of the road. By the end of the course, you will have developed the confidence and practical skills needed to operate a powerboat safely and responsibly.
This course focuses on planning and undertaking coastal passages by day, helping you develop the skills needed to navigate with confidence. You will build practical knowledge in navigation, pilotage, weather awareness, and passage planning, while also practising more advanced boat handling at planning speed. The course is designed to help you feel comfortable operating in unfamiliar coastal areas, and is delivered by experienced RYA instructors in a practical, supportive learning environment
Ideal for those with solid boat handling and navigation experience, this course focuses on undertaking both day and night coastal passages, often in more demanding conditions. It develops advanced skills in navigation, boat handling, seamanship, and managing emergency situations at sea.
Designed for those operating tenders to and from yachts, both by day and night, this course is particularly well suited to crew working in the superyacht industry. It focuses on close-quarters boat handling, passenger safety, navigation, and night operations, while also covering the planning and execution of short passages in busy or confined waters. The training places strong emphasis on professionalism, communication, and responsibility, and is delivered by experienced RYA instructors with valuable insight into real superyacht operations.
Feeling all at sea picking the right course?
We get you!
Finding the right level can feel a bit like navigating without a chart. Whether it’s your first RYA course or you’ve sailed before and aren’t quite sure where to start, we’re here to help. Drop us a message or book a quick 1:1 video chat, we’ll point you in the right direction from day one.
