RYA Helmsman Course

Take Your First Step in Motor Cruising* in Athens

Start your training in Greece with top-tier RYA courses

The RYA Helmsman course aims to provide individuals with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to safely handle a motor cruiser.*

It focuses on basic boat handling, safety procedures, and essential engine maintenance. The course is particularly useful for new motor cruiser owners, helping them understand the potential hazards of maneuvering a boat, especially in marinas.

*What is a motor cruiser?

In contrast to speedboats, motor cruisers are larger motorboats up to 24m in size, typically with two inboard engines and accommodation facilities, meant for multi-day trips.

You will gain fundamental knowledge needed to operate a twin inboard engine motor cruiser, while becoming familiar with the specific characteristics of this type of vessel for future charters or potential purchases.

Key Course Information

Course Name

RYA Helmsman Course

Location

Departs from: Kallithea Marina, Athens
Sails in: Saronic Gulf

Duration

4 full days (usually 10:00 – 18:00) with disembarkation at the end of each daily session (no onboard accommodation)

Level

Beginners

Prerequisites

No previous experience on motor cruisers required.
Experience on small powerboats (speedboats) with outboard engine or RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course highly recommended.

Minimum Age

12 years

Group Size

Maximum 4 students per yacht

Student-Instructor Ratio

4:1 (maximum)

Format

Shared training, private tuition or own-boat tuition

Instructor

RYA Cruising Instructor onboard

Language of Instruction

English

What You Learn

Navigation, safety, passage planning, skippering skills, skipper mindset

Course Outcome

RYA Day Skipper Motor Certificate
ΙCC (endorsed for power) available for eligible nationalities

Season

Courses available year-round

Costs

€1500 per person

Related Courses

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
RYA SRC VHF Course

Next Step

RYA Day Skipper Motor Course

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

· Beginners: No prior boating experience is required, making it suitable for those new to motor cruising.
· New Boat Owners: Individuals who have recently acquired a motor cruiser and wish to understand the potential hazards of boat handling in marinas and at sea
· Regular Crew Members: Those who wish to become more involved in the operation of the vessel and contribute more effectively during trips.
· Aspiring Skippers: Individuals looking to progress to more advanced qualifications, such as the RYA Day Skipper course, by first gaining practical experience in boat handling.

Why take this course with Seven Seas?

More than just certification – Our goal is to provide meaningful training, helping you build real skills and lasting confidence on the water, not just a piece of paper.

Experienced and supportive instructors – You’ll be guided by a team of highly skilled RYA instructors with years of experience and a deep understanding of the local waters.

What will I learn?

The RYA Helmsman Course is designed as an entry-level programme for those wishing to move from crew to taking the helm with confidence. It focuses on developing essential boat-handling skills and a solid understanding of safe day-to-day operations on board a motor vessel.
During the course, participants will concentrate on the following key areas:

Preparation for sea and basic seamanship
Introduction to navigation and pilotage
Collision Regulations (Rules of the Road)
Basic weather awareness
Elementary passage planning and monitoring
Routine boat checks and basic engine awareness
Emergency procedures (passive and active safety) and basic use of VHF radio
Boat handling under power in harbours and at sea
This course provides a strong foundation for safe boating and is an excellent stepping stone towards more advanced RYA skipper qualifications.

Who will I be sharing the boat with?

The cap for participants on any RYA motor cruising course is set at 4, ensuring optimal learning and practice opportunities for each attendee, along with dedicated attention from the instructor.

Rather than relying on automatic booking systems, we prioritize direct communication with all prospective participants. This approach allows us to thoughtfully create groups with individuals who are compatible.

Our groups comprise individuals from diverse cultures worldwide, creating a vibrant and dynamic social environment.

Can I book this course as private training?

Yes, you can!

We offer the option to run this course as private training, tailored to your schedule, your own boat (if applicable), and your specific learning needs. It can be organised for individuals, couples, families, or small groups who prefer a more personalised experience

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, you will!

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive the RYA Helmsman Certificate. This certificate demonstrates that you have gained the essential practical skills and knowledge required to helm a motor vessel safely in familiar waters and under the guidance of a more experienced skipper.

Available Yachts

Jetcraft P10

CHRISTIE

Availability

Check availability for this course

Calendar

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