Rib and Powerboat Training

Power boating is a popular and exhilarating way of getting about on the water. The courses we offer provide those who use small open powerboats with the essential skills for safe and efficient use of their boats, and for use in connection with activities such as sailing or rescue. The courses take place in 4m RIBS and small diesel launches.

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Course length

1 weekend

Pre-requisite experience

none

Course overview

A beginners' course, ideal for those looking to make short daytime trips in powerboats, or those wanting to develop safe driving and handling skills in small motor craft.

The course covers both theory and practical work, including launch and recovery, boat handling under way (including high speed); anchoring, coming alongside, man overboard, disabled craft, launching and returning to pontoons, basic navigation, collision prevention regulations, boat design, engines and drives.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 course syllabus

Launching and recovery

Use of a trailer or launch trolley
Consideration of launching and sea conditions, including hazards and obstructions
Number of persons required to launch/recover
Construction, width and condition of slipway
Steep/slippery slipways, beach launching, lee shores
Care of trailer bearings, hitch, lashings, ties, lights and winch
Trailer parking
Prepare the boat, lines, fenders, safety equipment, fuel tanks, lines and secure gear on board

Boat handling

Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE plate and manufacturer's reccommendation
Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way
Crew members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look out
Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
High speed manoeuvring: planning, trim tabs and power trim
Planning boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low speed handling, tiller/console steering
Carry out pre-start checks, engine starting and stopping
Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
Carry out low speed manoeuvres including s-turns and u-yurns

Securing to a buoy

Preparation of mooring warp
Use of a boat hook
Method of approach
Crew communication
Making fast
Procedure when overshooting
Approach and secure to a buoy

Anchoring

Method of approach in various conditions
Taking way off
Crew communication
Check holding
Depth of water, holding ground, scope required
Types of anchor
Stowage and attachment to boat
Preparation of anchor, chain and warp
Weighing anchor
Approach and anchor correctly
Weigh anchor correctly

Leaving and coming alongside

Preparation and use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage underway
Speed and angle of approach
Wind affect
Method of approach in tidal stream or current
Make fast alongside
Use springs
Leave - ahead or astern

Man overboard

Take immediate action
Observe the man overboard
Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller
Approach and recover the man in the water

Theory

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, 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 bylaws, especially around commercial shipping
Sources of weather information
Awareness of other water users
Communication with other craft
Disabled craft
Emergency action - preventing sinking
Adrift - alternative means of propulsion
Towing and being towed
Fire precautions and fire fighting
Ropework
Distress signals and the mayday call
Apply IRPCS

Coastal

Pilotage and passage planning
Charts, chart symbols, buoyage systems
Tides and tidal streams
Use steering and hand bearing