Please Note:
Under the RYA's guidelines the Advanced course can only be run over 2 days, it is not permitted to be a 3 or 4 day course!
If you are training with the intention of taking the RYA Powerboat Advanced Assessment for commercial endorsement, then we can offer familiarisation training with the assessment area and the topics that will be covered by the assessor independently of the course.
We strongly recommended that you do not jump straight into taking the commercial assessment on completion of the Advanced course, in case any weak areas are highlighted during the training; this could be a waste of your money!
To date all our students who have attended a commercial assessment have passed!
We provide the boat(s), fuel, all safety equipment as well as warm waterproof clothing as part of our course, there are no hidden charges!
There is free parking on site and we provide tea and coffee. This is not a residential course but there is plenty of accommodation nearby if required.
Course Duration:
A maximum of 2 days with a 1 Night Navigation Exercise carried out on day one of the course
Course Cost:
£375 per person - Unlike some we will still run the course with only one student, hence we do not offer silly prices.
Prerequisites:
It is strongly recommended that attendees hold a VHF/DSC Operators License & recognised First Aid Certificate and the RYA also recommend you are up to a level of Yachtmaster Theory prior to the course, although not mandatory. Obviously you are expected to be a competent boat handler.
Minimum Age:
17 Years
Certification:
Advanced Certificate
Advanced Commercial Endorsement (Can only be applied for separately on successful completion of the Advanced Course!)
ICC Power over 10m (Applied separately if commercial)
The ratio of students to the instructor must not exceed 3:1 for the advanced Powerboat Training Course, and will include the use of a planning boat. Students are strongly recommended to hold an in date first aid certificate and VHF operators certificate prior to attending the course. The course consists of 2 days and one night passage on day one. The RYA do not permit 3 day courses, so anyone offering a days training prior to the course is not allowed!
Course Topics Practical
Preparation for Sea:
Prepare the boat
Carry out relevant engine checks
Ensure equipment/gear is stowed and secure
Boat Handling:
Has knowledge of the differences for a twin engine vessel
Understands the importance of boat control in waves and adequate seating to minimise possible injury
Understands the characteristics of various hull forms and propeller configurations
Understands what action if to be taken in rough weather
Can demonstrate a practical understanding and correct use of power trim and trim tabs (if fitted)
Can demonstrate an awareness of the effects of wind and tide when manoeuvring including:
Steering to transits and in buoyed channels
Turning in a confined space
Berthing in various conditions using the wind and tide
Picking up and leaving a mooring buoy
Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
Pick up a MOB in differing conditions
Understands the importance of pre-trip planning
Understands the Planning required for making a coastal passage, taking into account the relevant navigational hazards, type of boat and the strengths and limitations of the crew
Understands chart plotters and radar, their advantages and limitations
Can organise the navigation, safety and welfare of the crew during a powerboat passage
Can navigate at higher speed using a range of techniques, for example the 6 minute rule
Can use electronic navigation equipment for planning and undertaking a passage, including the use of way-points, routes, XTE, SOG, COG, BTW and DTW
Pilotage:
Can carry out pilotage plans and pilotage for entry into or departure from harbour
Can use leading and clearing lines, transits, back bearings and soundings as aids to pilotage
Can use GPS and understand its limitations in pilotage
Can Navigate using soundings
Course Topics - Theory
Meteorology:
Understands the terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort Scale and the significance of it to a small craft
Understands the sources of forecast information and interpretation of forecasts including synoptic charts
Understands the significance of meteorological trends
Can interpret a synoptic chart
Can use and interpret forecasts to make decisions about passages
Rules of the Road (IRPCS):
Can apply IRPCS at sea
Use of Engines:
Knows how to change a propeller
Has knowledge of propeller diameter and pitch
Has knowledge of Ventilation and Cavitation
Understands the checks to be made before starting, during running and after stopping for diesel and petrol engines
Understands the importance of periodic checks on engines and electrical systems including spark plugs, water filters and pump impellers, transmission belts and what spares we need to carry
Emergency Situations - Students Understand:
Correct action to take in emergency situations
Fire prevention and fighting
Hull damage and watertight integrity
What to do in a medical emergency
Towing or being towed
Helicopter rescue procedures
How to issue a distress by all available means
Search Patterns
The danger of cold shock and immersion hypothermia
Night Cruising:
Can take charge of a powerboat at night, including leaving and entering harbour
Demonstrate the ability of keeping a proper look-out and identifying lit and unlit positions by night
Advanced Powerboat Course Example Client List: Royal Navy, preferred supplier for Associated British Ports (ABP), Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), Surrey Fire & Rescue.