RYA Powerboat Level 2 - your Essential Boating Qualification

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is a globally recognised certification that equips you with the skills to operate a powerboat safely and confidently. Typically completed over two days, this practical course is ideal for those seeking to skipper small powerboats in both tidal and non-tidal waters during daylight hours.

The 2 day practical RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is generally considered being the licence for powerboat drivers.

What You'll Learn

Achieving confidence in close quarters boat handling in harbours is an important element of this course. In addition, we will teach you driving at planing speed and doing high-speed manoeuvres on open water. You will also practice man overboard recovery, and cover the collision regulations as they apply to powerboats.

This course is available as 2 consecutive days.

Amongst other you will learn theory and practical skills including:

• Launching & Recovery: Master the safe launching and recovery of your boat, including beach and slipway techniques.
• Boat Handling: Gain proficiency in low and high-speed manoeuvres, including turning in confined spaces, planing, and handling in various sea conditions.
• Mooring & Anchoring: Learn to secure your boat to a buoy and anchor effectively, considering different weather and tidal conditions.
• Man Overboard Recovery: Develop the skills to respond swiftly and safely to a man overboard situation.
• Coming Alongside: Practice approaches to and departures from docks and other vessels.

• Boat Types & Engines: Understand different hull forms, engine types, and their advantages and limitations.
• Safety & Maintenance: Learn about safety equipment, routine maintenance checks, and emergency procedures.
• Navigation Basics: Get introduced to basic navigation, including tides, weather, and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS).

How to prepare yourself for this course

In order to get the most out of your course, we offer you the possibility to do our online pre-course knowledge quiz. The quiz helps you to test your knowledge and to assess whether you need more preparation in some areas. 

Ability after the course

Upon successful completion, you'll be a self-sufficient powerboater, confident in your ability to handle a small powerboat in familiar waters under normal conditions. This qualification is also a prerequisite for obtaining a commercial endorsement, allowing you to operate boats up to 24 meters in length for commercial purposes.

Supporting courses

We recommend attending the RYA Essential Navigation shorebased theory course before following the Powerboat Level 2 practical course.

What's included

• Expert Tuition: Learn from our experienced RYA-certified instructors.
• Pre-Course Quiz: Assess your knowledge with the C-MASTERS pre-course quiz.
• Sandwich lunch and refreshments: Enjoy complimentary coffee or tea ashore.
• All-Inclusive Fees: No hidden costs—mooring and fuel fees are covered.
• Free Parking: Convenient parking available at our premises.
• Personalised Certificate: Receive your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate of Competence.

Next steps

After completing the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, consider advancing your skills with our shorebased navigation courses, such as the RYA Day Skipper theory course. Enhance your qualifications by obtaining certifications like the SRC (Short Range Certificate), Sea Survival, or First Aid.

For those aiming for a professional career, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate of Competence can be commercially endorsed, enabling you to work as a professional crew member.

As you gain experience with daytime passages, it's time to tackle more challenging conditions. Join our RYA Powerboat Intermediate or Advanced courses to learn how to navigate longer passages, including night-time operations.

What a great powerboat !

The instructor is very experienced and the powerboat is just great. This was worth every minute and every euro spent.

I strongly recommend this training centre to anyone considering doing a powerboat course.

-- Paul --