What Is the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course?
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Training on the Thames
In the UK, powerboat training and certifications are voluntary; however, you still need to pass the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training scheme to get started with recreational boating.
While you are not required to pass a driving test and get an official driving license, the RYA certification allows you to drive or even own speedboats locally and abroad.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course ExplaineD
The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course is a training program on driving and handling a powerboat. It provides you with basic powerboating competence, from launching, mooring, anchoring, recovery, and essential boat diving skills. In two days, you will learn everything you need to get started with boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.
The RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2 is a beginner-level course alongside the Level 1 Start Boating Course. Neither of the courses assumes any prior knowledge of boating. While Level 1 covers an introduction on how to drive a boat safely under the supervision of an experienced person, Level 2 allows you to be more independent and self-sufficient on the water. Since each course covers specific aspects of boating, you are not required to complete Level 1 before progressing to Level 2.
Man Overboard Recovery Drill
You can start the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course straight away. With a focus on low-speed close-quarters handling, this course will give you an introduction to driving at planing speed, man overboard recovery, and collision regulations. The specific areas to be covered include:
Launching and recovery
Boat handling and manoeuvres
Man overboard rescue
Parking techniques (anchoring, mooring, and coming alongside) Additional water and boating skills
This course can be taken at a coastal or inland location, and in various boat types for both planing and displacement. If you are in London, NXT Marine Training offers the course in the UK’s most iconic waterways, the River Thames.
Who Can Take the Course?
This RYA powerboat course is suitable for beginners with no prior experience in speed boating or anyone who would like to refine their skills. As a prerequisite for applying for your International Certificate of Competence (ICC), this course serves as a starting point to becoming skilful in powerboating. To enrol for training, one is required to be at least 12 years of age, while a commercial endorsement starts from age 17.
Why Take the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course?
The RYA course is the international gold standard for recreational boating, and its certificates are globally recognised. Taking the Level 2 Course is more than just being certified to drive a speedboat, but an opportunity to explore your true potential in the water. Here are some good reasons to get trained:
You will learn useful skills, such as parking manoeuvres and high-speed boat handling techniques
You will get a lot more enjoyment from your boating by knowing what you are doing.
You will learn how to respond to changes in weather and sea conditions for safe boating.
If you own a speedboat, your insurance premiums and maintenance bills.
You will understand the rules of boating, even the ones you think are obvious.
You will receive a boating certificate that enables you to hire boats on holidays abroad or even take your own boat overseas.
What to Expect from Our Level 2 Powerboat Course?
Learn to Tie a Knot on a Powerboat
The RYA Level 2 Powerboat course provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to handle a speedboat safely and confidently. It empowers you to become a self-sufficient power boater who is aware of your own limitations and those of the craft. This is what the course entails:
1. Theory Instruction
The course starts with classroom-based theory sessions. You learn about issues such as boat handling techniques, safety equipment, weather considerations, navigation rules, and basic engine maintenance.
2. Practical Boat Handling
For the better part of your powerboat training course, you will be involved in hands-on experience with a powerboat in the water. In these expert-led practical sessions, you will learn essential powerboat handling, navigation, and safety skills.
3. Safety Procedures
Safety is one of the major focuses of the RYA certification. This course will train you in maintaining safety while powerboating. You will learn how and when to use items such as fire extinguishers, jackets, radios, and flares. You will also learn to respond to emergencies like engine failure, man overboard situations, and collisions.
4. Navigation and Pilotage
The course also covers the key navigation techniques of driving a speedboat. These include buoyage, chart reading, and the use of navigational aids such as a compass and GPS.
5. Practical Assessment
At the end of the training program, you will be assessed on your boat handling skills, ability to navigate safely, knowledge of safety procedures, and other issues that may affect how you drive a speedboat.
6. Certification
After completing the course and all the assessments, you will be awarded the internationally recognised RYA Level 2 Powerboat Certificate.
Why Get aN RYA Certification?
The RYA certification is essential if you want to drive a powerboat in the UK and beyond. Most insurers expect boat owners to have at least a Level 2 certification or demonstrate that they have equivalent experience in boating. The certification is also the minimum qualification needed to achieve an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), which is needed if you want to drive boats and yachts abroad.
Book YOUR Powerboat Course in LONDON TODAY
Are you ready to start your boating journey? Get your RYA Level 2 Certification with NXT Marine today!
For more info, call us at 020 8050 6628 or drop a message via info@nxtmarine.london.