Certification validity: Although this qualification holds no expiry date it is recommended that if you have gone through a prolonged period without driving a boat you attend a skills refresher for both your safety and peace of mind.

Certification: Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat Level 2 National Certificate with Coastal Endorsement.

Location: Meeting point Portishead Marina.

  • Day 1: Portishead Marina –  Newfoundland Way, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7DF (0900hrs – 1700hrs)
  • Day 2: Bristol Channel (Timings will vary dependant on tide times)

Prerequisites: A minimum age of 12. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate stating that they must be accompanied by an adult.

Duration: 2 days

Cost: £315 per person inc vat. This includes all manuals and certification.

RYA Powerboat Level 2

What is the RYA Powerboat level 2 course?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course in Portishead Marina, run by South West Maritime Academy,  is aimed as an introduction to power boating with the course covering a much wider range of topics than the level 1 course.

The Level 2 course now only covers the basics of boat handling, mooring and harbour etiquette but also leads onto manoeuvres at speed and man overboard recovery, making it both thorough and practical for anyone wishing to use or hire a powerboat for personal use or on a holiday.

There are no pre-requisites for the course but it aims to provide a good, broad base of experience for anyone who wants to take a powerboat out on their own.

As with all of our courses the days will be mainly practical and hands on to give you the best experience, skills and confidence in the handling of powerboats.

Looking for a great gift for a birthday, Christmas or special event? We have Powerboat Level 2 gift certificates available to purchase, with course dates available as a later choice for the recipients. Just select the ‘RYA Powerboat Level 2 Gift Certificate Open Date’ option from the drop down course dates menu.

10% off your complete booking if you book 3 or more spaces in one booking

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

£315.00

(35 customer reviews)
Category: SKU: 18754-1-rya-powerboat-level-2

Additional information

RYA Powerboat Level 2

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Gift Certificate Open Date, 4th – 5th February 2023, 11th – 12th February 2023, 18th – 19th February 2023, 20th – 21st February 2023, 25th – 26th February 2023, 4th – 5th March 2023, 11th – 12th March 2023, 18th – 19th March 2023, 26th – 27th March 2023, 1st – 2nd April 2023, 8th – 9th April 2023, 15th – 16th April 2023, 22nd – 23rd April 2023, 29th – 30th April 2023, 6th – 7th May 2023, 13th – 14th May 2023, 20th – 21st May 2023, 27th – 28th May 2023, 10th – 11th June 2023, 17th – 18th June 2023, 24th – 25th June 2023, 1st – 2nd July 2023, 8th – 9th July 2023, 15th – 16th July 2023, 22nd – 23rd July 2023, 29th – 30th July 2023, 5th – 6th August 2023, 12th – 13th August 2023, 19th – 20th August 2023, 26th – 27th August 2023, 2nd – 3rd September 2023, 9th – 10th September 2023, 16th – 17th September 2023, 23rd – 24th September 2023, 30th September – 1st October 2023, 7th – 8th October 2023, 14th – 15th October 2023, 21st – 22nd October 2023, 28th – 29th October 2023, 4th – 5th November 2023, 11th – 12th November 2023, 18th – 19th November 2023, 25th – 26th November 2023, 2nd – 3rd December 2023, 9th – 10th December 2023, 16th – 17th December 2023

35 reviews for RYA Powerboat Level 2

  1. John Davies –

    Very enjoyable

  2. John Davies –

    Last minute booking, just the day before, I was really impressed with the way the course was run and the practical activities. I would definitely recommend this to other people in my network.

  3. John Davies –

    Good mix of practical and theoretical work, interactive and interesting course.

  4. John Davies –

    Very enjoyable, learned a huge amount in a short space of time – progress from the first morning to second day was amazing.

  5. Glenn L –

    The difference in my confidence and ability from the beginning of the course to the end was night and day, great experience.

  6. I Higgs –

    Really well run course and Stuart made us feel confident with handling the boat and made sure we received all the knowledge going forward into our next adventure.

  7. Charlie S –

    I had a great time, awesome boat and facilities. Instructor Stuart was brilliant.

  8. J Wright –

    Gained the knowledge I needed to progress in my career, thank you

  9. K Adams –

    Didn’t know what to expect, challenged myself and proved I could gain reasonable confidence of tasks with knowledge that a lot made sense. There was a good combination of encouragement it sticks!

  10. G Adams –

    highly practical course that gave above the basic requirements expected.

  11. Louise B –

    Great course, very capable instructor, fun and well paced.

  12. C Firkins –

    The course was well thought out and you felt very relaxed as the instructor took time to get to know you during the weekend. . Could not have been better!

  13. S Legge –

    Instructor was very calm and collective and the pace of the course was perfect.

  14. R Watson –

    Instructor has amazing patience and explains in detail. Explains thoroughly on questions asked.

  15. J Price –

    Good fun, learned loads feel 100 times more confident on a power boat now. Highly recommend!

  16. I Danks –

    Tailored to mine and the other students needs, gave me confidence and identified areas for improvement and where to go from here.

  17. L Boulton –

    Content had more than expected, which has increased my knowledge. Trainer very clear and experienced, thanks

  18. D Nicholls –

    The instructor, Stuart was very professional and gave me as much support as possible.

  19. C Stratton –

    Stuart was supportive but firm – drilled the tasks until he was satisfied it was ingrained, perfect approach – giving confidence and stretching me too – GREAT!

  20. Ewan Murdoch –

    Excellent trainer, lots learnt at a great pace. Lots of informative advice.

  21. Mike Raven –

    Great hands on training, very knowledgeable instructor. Achieved more than I expected and feel very confident now. Excellent!

  22. Iain Kennedy –

    Although it was a short course, I felt in charge of the boat for periods during the second day. The routing was not only good experience but an impressive view too!

  23. Christine Fraser –

    I feel confident after this course that I could take a powerboat out safety. I really enjoyed learning such a variety of skills.

  24. Stuart Reynolds –

    Stuart clearly knows his stuff and ensures you feel comfortable and safe while operating the boat. The lessons were well paced, allowing us to go back over any areas of weakness leaving me feeling confident in my ability.

  25. Kyle Jones –

    Instructor was extremely calm and straight forward. Right balance of fun and serious. Clearly very knowledgeable and experienced. Teaching style was very hands on and instructor was very open to suggestions, questions and a chat. Excellent 2 day course getting real hands on with a powerboat. Going from nervous at the wheel to confidently manoeuvring the vessel in tight spaces and at speed.

  26. Tudor Sartain –

    Stuart was incredibly calm and instilled confidence with his approach and knowledge. The course gave us great hands on problem solving opportunities. A great course that instilled confidence and was fantastically taught. Lots of practical hands on experience and Stuart could answer anything we asked. Would definitely recommend!

  27. Sam Ford –

    Calmly taught, allowed us to make errors but guided us how to resolve and avoid making the same mistakes again. Very knowledgeable.
    Right level of chatty to seriousness. Happy to answer any questions no matter how silly we thought they were.
    Great course. Stuart is a credit to SWMA. Took me from never being at the helm to comfortably doing 180 degree turns in a small area, making pilotage plans and negotiating estuaries.

  28. Charles Elderton –

    Very professionally taught by Stuart. Felt pushed but in a very encouraging way. great to share experiences + learn from each other. Keep up the great work.

  29. Guy Fletcher –

    Instructor has a very good style of teaching – kept us at ease whilst supporting us to understand. He was very experienced – came through in the training. Learned a lot in 2 days thanks to Stuart’s help – I made mistakes but felt I learned from them & now feel confident I could take the CSAC RHIB out to continue my experience/practice.

  30. Dan Nurse –

    Instructor understood our needs as divers and met our needs. He was very professional but also kept the course fun and exciting. Down to earth and respectful. Superb instruction and boat. Gave us time to perfect each skill and allowed time for questions and explanations. Thank you A+++

  31. Andrew Rice –

    Very knowledgeable + professional. Gained a lot of confidence from the course. it was nice that the course was tailored for our needs with diving in mind. Many thanks.

  32. Bruce Watson –

    Thoroughly enjoyable, accessible + steady paced. Stuart’s expertise are both educational + reassuring.

  33. Piotr C. –

    Great course.

  34. Daryl Harada –

    Great course with a great instructor!

  35. Sam Packman –

    Excellent course.
    Our instructor was a credit to South West Maritime Academy. He was full of knowledge, he fully explained everything that we needed and more importantly made it fun.
    Can’t recommend enough!!!

Add a review

You may also like…

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course Content

  • Launching and recovery: Going through the step by step actions needed to ensure the safe launching and recovery of the vessel.
  • Boat handling: Basic boat handling skills, familiarizing you with the controls and maneuverability of the vessel
  • Securing to a buoy: Learn the safe method to approach and secure to a mooring buoy
  • Anchoring: Learn the safe methods of anchoring a vessel and its recovery. The use of different anchor types for different conditions.
  • Leaving and coming alongside: Learn how to safely approach a pontoon, slip or even another vessel.
  • Man overboard: Learn a number of techniques should you be faced with an emergency at sea
  • Can apply IRPCS:  Understand the practical application of the basic “Rules of the Road”
  • Can produce a Passage plan, understand Chart Symbols, and Buoyage – along with using a hand bearing/steering compass.
  • Distress: Understand how to use Distress signals and DSC.
  • Where to find information on bylaws that may affect you.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2/ICC is the perfect entry level certificate for people working on wanting to work onboard Superyachts. 

Why choose South West Maritime Academy?

We are a leading provider of RYA powerboat courses for all levels of experience and ability, from complete novices to competent professionals and those looking to enhance their career prospects or update required industry specific qualifications.

Our specialist team of instructors are selected due to their extensive experience across emergency medicine, military and maritime environments – this ensures that all participants benefit from our direct personal experience of their instructors.  Participants therefore master the required skills and knowledge through a combination of independent study, instructor led skills development and scenario practice sessions.  Instructors can also provide additional relevant information to meet specific industry, workplace or local training requirements.

People who have booked on this course have also booked:

RYA VHF Radio course

RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (Online)

STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques (Sea Survival)

RYA National Powerboat Level 2 – Direct Assessment

The half day is to assess your powerboat handling to the standard of the National Powerboat Certificate Level 2. The assessment can take place using a number of different boat types including both planning and displacement. If you are successful your certificate will be endorsed to show the type of vessel the assessment took place in.

Course Duration: 1/2 day

Minimum Age: 12 years old – 12 to 16 years old will receive a Level 2 certificate which
will be endorsed – “The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a
responsible adult”.

The direct assessment will follow the guidelines as described in the G20 Logbook and is a Pass / Fail
assessment. You should note that this is an assessment only and candidates should ensure they are
prepared for a practical and theory assessment.

If you are concerned about the assessment please contact us to arrange a bespoke ½ day revision day going through skills required prior to the assessment in the afternoon.

You will be assessed on the following elements:

PRACTICAL – Section A

  • Boat Handling – Low Speed
  • Securing to a buoy
  • Leaving and coming alongside
  • Man Overboard
  • High Speed
  • Turning in a confined Space

THEORY – Section B

  • Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect
    to sea keeping ability
  • Engines and drives: advantages and disadvantages of outboard, inboard and
    outdrive units, single and twin screws, choice and use of fuels
  • Siting of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring and fire extinguishers
  • Routine engine maintenance checks, basic fault diagnosis
  • Close down procedure
  • Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters
  • Use and limitations of GPS
  • Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping
  • Sources of weather information
  • Awareness of other water users
  • Communication with other craft – hand and sound signals
  • Disabled craft
  • Emergency action preventing sinking
  • Adrift – alternative means of propulsion
  • Towing and being towed
  • Fire precautions and fire fighting
  • Rope work
  • Distress signals and the Mayday call
  • Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5,7,8,9, 12-19

International Certificate of Competence - ICC

Many European countries require the skipper of a vessel to be able to provide evidence of his or her competence. In practice documentary evidence may seldom be inspected, but it is generally useful and in some countries essential to carry an ICC.

So is the ICC required or recommended?

The requirement is solely dependant on the country you are visiting. You may find that some only require it for inland waters where others only require it for coastal waters. However you will find some require it for both.

In very general terms an ICC is required for the inland waterways of Europe and for inland and coastal waters of Mediterranean countries. For the coastal waters of Northern Europe the ICC is generally not required, however to all of these generalisations there are exceptions.

Further information can be found on the Evidence of Competence Abroad page. RYA members will find more specific information in the individual country pages.

Eligibility

Minimum Age

The ICC cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 16. Therefore please only apply for the ICC if you are age 16 or over.

Nationality

The RYA is permitted to issue the ICC to British nationals and residents. You are a British national if you are one of the following:

  • A British citizen
  • A British Overseas Territories citizen
  • A British overseas citizen
  • A British national (overseas)
  • A British subject
  • A British protected person

Evidence of residency is required for non-nationals this is usually a photocopy of a driving licence, utility bill, Council Tax bill, bank statement or similar. Further authenticated evidence of residency may be requested.

How to apply

To apply simply download the form from the link below, complete it and send it to the RYA along with any supporting evidence required. This is free of charge to RYA members. We can also help you complete the form whilst on your RYA Powerboat Level 2 course if required.

International Certificate of Competency application form

Do I need any previous experience?

No both level 1 and 2  powerboat courses are suitable for complete novices. The instructor will take you through everything one step at a time working at your pace.

Can I use my own boat for the course?

Yes we can instruct using your own boat which will have to be suitable for the course, insured and carry all the correct safety equipment. Pricing for this is calculated on one instructor and an additional fee per student.

Can I wear my own waterproofs and lifejacket?

Yes – As long as the clothing or equipment is fit for purpose and serviceable. The instructor will make the choice on the day upon inspection. You may be asked to wear one of ours if there is any doubt in the serviceability of what you have brought.

Contact us

Please contact us if you require any further information about this course or wish to book on behalf of a company:

Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com

Normal office hours are (UK time):
Monday  – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00

Please be aware that online bookings will be confirmed with course joining information within one working day of the booking being made. Confirmation of payment will be received by email.

There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre to suit everyone’s budget. For a list of local accommodation please click here.