What Course Do I Need?
This question is often asked so we have set out what we hope is a simple explanation and guide to what course will best suit you.
What size boat?
RYA courses cover two specific schemes, the Powerboat Scheme and the RYA Motor Cruising Scheme.
Powerboat Scheme
The Powerboat Scheme is for those who are looking to buy, have or use a small power driven boat such as sportsboats, RIBS, dories or launches and other boats which do not normally provide accommodation or cooking facilities.
The courses are:
- Powerboat Level 1 – this course provides a practical introduction to boat handling skills.
-
Powerboat Level 2 – a two day course which is the basis for the ICC (up to 10 meters) and no previous experience is required.
- Intermediate Day Cruising – a two day course which is for the boater who has already completed Powerboat Level 2 looking to develop their experience and skills, includes planning to go further afield.
- Advanced – this course is for the more experienced power boater who has a good base knowledge of boat handling and introduces the student to night navigation in both known and unfamiliar waters. Following an exam, this certificate can also be endorsed for commercial use subject to certain conditions. Students looking to do this course should have theory knowledge to the level of the Day Skipper shore based course. The candidate should also hold a valid First Aid certificate and the VHF operator’s certificate.
RYA Motor Cruising Scheme
The RYA Motor Cruising Scheme is for those looking to buy or use larger powerboats – normally over 10 (>34 feet) meters in length and will usually be able to travel longer distances in more adverse weather conditions than can be attempted in smaller boats. They will also have accommodation and cooking facilities onboard.
The courses options available under the Motor Cruising Scheme are:
- The Helmsman’s course – this is a good introduction to motor cruising and done over two days. No previous experience is required.
-
Day Skipper – this course is over four days provides the candidate with a good practical knowledge to enable them to safely navigate a boat in familiar waters and also introduces them to night navigation. Candidates should have completed the Day Skipper shorebased course prior to doing the practical course as there is not enough time to bring candidates up to the theory level required. We do however run the course over 6 days where the theory course has not been done. This does not entitle the candidate to the shorebased qualification.
- Yachtmaster Coastal – this is a 5 day course and is for the more experienced motor boater who has been boating for some time and is looking to hone their skills. Completion of this course will also enable the student to be examined to achieve the Certificate of Competence and will allow the holder to hold a commercial endorsement to use the boat in a paid skippered capacity. It is strongly recommended that all candidates complete the shorebased course to ensure that their theory navigational skills are to the required standard
- Yachtmaster Off Shore – as such there is not a course for this qualification and is for the experienced motorboater who has done a minimum of 2,500 nautical miles.
If you require further advice please call us on +44(0)1489 588977, +44(0)7985 954260
What Course Do I Need?
This question is often asked so we have set out what we hope is a simple explanation and guide to what course will best suit you.
What size boat?
RYA courses cover two specific schemes, the Powerboat Scheme and the RYA Motor Cruising Scheme.
Powerboat Scheme
The Powerboat Scheme is for those who are looking to buy, have or use a small power driven boat such as sportsboats, RIBS, dories or launches and other boats which do not normally provide accommodation or cooking facilities.
The courses are:
- Powerboat Level 1 – this course provides a practical introduction to boat handling skills.
-
Powerboat Level 2 – a two day course which is the basis for the ICC (up to 10 meters) and no previous experience is required.
- Intermediate Day Cruising – a two day course which is for the boater who has already completed Powerboat Level 2 looking to develop their experience and skills, includes planning to go further afield.
- Advanced – this course is for the more experienced power boater who has a good base knowledge of boat handling and introduces the student to night navigation in both known and unfamiliar waters. Following an exam, this certificate can also be endorsed for commercial use subject to certain conditions. Students looking to do this course should have theory knowledge to the level of the Day Skipper shore based course. The candidate should also hold a valid First Aid certificate and the VHF operator’s certificate.
RYA Motor Cruising Scheme
The RYA Motor Cruising Scheme is for those looking to buy or use larger powerboats – normally over 10 (>34 feet) meters in length and will usually be able to travel longer distances in more adverse weather conditions than can be attempted in smaller boats. They will also have accommodation and cooking facilities onboard.
The courses options available under the Motor Cruising Scheme are:
- The Helmsman’s course – this is a good introduction to motor cruising and done over two days. No previous experience is required.
-
Day Skipper – this course is over four days provides the candidate with a good practical knowledge to enable them to safely navigate a boat in familiar waters and also introduces them to night navigation. Candidates should have completed the Day Skipper shorebased course prior to doing the practical course as there is not enough time to bring candidates up to the theory level required. We do however run the course over 6 days where the theory course has not been done. This does not entitle the candidate to the shorebased qualification.
- Yachtmaster Coastal – this is a 5 day course and is for the more experienced motor boater who has been boating for some time and is looking to hone their skills. Completion of this course will also enable the student to be examined to achieve the Certificate of Competence and will allow the holder to hold a commercial endorsement to use the boat in a paid skippered capacity. It is strongly recommended that all candidates complete the shorebased course to ensure that their theory navigational skills are to the required standard
- Yachtmaster Off Shore – as such there is not a course for this qualification and is for the experienced motorboater who has done a minimum of 2,500 nautical miles.
If you require further advice please call us on +44(0)1489 588977, +44(0)7985 954260