powerboat level 2 hamble

Pure Latitude

RYA Powerboat Level 2

We offer bespoke RYA powerboat level 2 courses that are tailored to fit your previous experience and personal goals. Train on a powerful and well maintained 6.5m rib with experienced RYA instructors and low student ratios.

Our RYA training centre in Hamble, on the Solent (near Portsmouth and Southampton), offers the full range of RYA courses including the RYA powerboat level 2 course.

About this course

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course is run on the coast in tidal waters and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 course details

Location :  Port Hamble Marina, Hamble, Southampton

Duration :  2 days (You choose the dates)

Student ratio : Shared courses offer a max student to instructor ratio of 2:1. Private tuition offers a 1:1 student to instructor ratio or you can bring family and friends at no extra cost.

Minimum age : 12 years. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued an endorsed certificate.

Course prerequisites : None.

What’s in the RYA Powerboat level 2 course syllabus?

Low and high speed boat handling, securing to a mooring buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard, coastal pilotage and passage planning, emergency situations.

Pricing : Shared courses with a 2:1 instructor/student ratio cost from 50 points or £700 per persons. Contact us for private course rates.

Ability after the course : Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of your own limitations and those of the craft.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Courses on the Solent (Hamble)

Why train with pure latitude boat club.

Pure Latitude is not just a powerboat school. We deliver high quality RYA Powerboat level 2 courses on our powerful club rib – with a focus on bespoke support and development through our training membership plans.

Our RYA powerboat level 2 courses are tailored to your previous experience and boating goals. Low instructor – student ratios ensure a high quality learning experience focused on your specific strengths and weaknesses. The bespoke nature of our courses ensures you maximise your training time – you can also bring family and friends at no extra cost.

Our base in Hamble offers immediate access to the Solent – the heartbeat of UK boating. Situated between Southampton and Portsmouth, we are easily accessed by road or rail. The Solent is a beautiful and demanding training location, with beautiful bays and harbours, varied pilotage options, challenging winds, complex tides and busy waterways. RYA powerboat level 2 courses completed in the Solent are held in high regard worldwide – it’s often said if you can navigate safely in this Solent you can go boating anywhere.

The RYA powerboat level 2 course is just the start of your journey as a skipper

Why train as part of pure latitude boat club .

Learning doesn’t finish at the end of the course. The same could be said for any discipline, but when it comes to boating, experience is everything.

Skippering boats is an ongoing journey, not just a destination. The formal RYA powerboat level 2 syllabus ensures you have the range of knowledge needed, but it’s having a way to practice, test and develop your skills each you get afloat that turns knowledge into expertise.

We provide the environment for members to spend whatever time they need skippering, be that on their own, on a 1:1 basis with an instructor or in a small group setting joining one of our popular events. In all cases, they focus on the specific things that matter to them – and that makes them more experienced boaters.

We developed our boat share club to make bespoke learning accessible, hassle-free and affordable. Add in our unique mix of sail and power boat training options and you have the perfect blend.

Thank you to all of you for your help and support. I and the crew feel really proud of our trip to France. My first across the channel and also my first as skipper.

I’d like to thank everyone at Pure Latitude for helping to enable what would have seemed an impossible dream only 3 years ago.

Peter D, member since 2014

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Our Courses

Develop your skills and confidence afloat with our range of RYA Powerboat Syllabus courses. From Powerboat Level 1 to Advanced Instructor there's a course to help you reach your goals.

Solid theory knowledge is the cornerstone of developing your skills and confidence on the water. From fundamentals such as RYA First Aid and VHF SRC marine radio, through RYA RADAR to the advanced Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory there is a wide range of options to underpin your training.

If you've already made the investment and bought the boat of your dreams, you already have the platform to undertake training that helps make you more competent and confident afloat. Own Boat courses with Marine Power Training can be tailored around your needs.

The RYA's amazing range of Online study courses can be booked here; from RYA VHF SRC marine radio, Essential Navigation and Seamanship and the Professional Practices and Responsibilities, these user friendly courses will help take you further in your training journey.

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Training: What you learn on an RYA powerboat Level 2 course

Our News Editor recalls what he learnt on his first weekend of formal training at Mendez Marine on the River Hamble

While there’s no replacement for raw boating experience, there’s quite nothing like a weekend of boat training to drive home what you do and don’t know.

Having cut my teeth inland on much larger boats, refining the basics aboard a 5.8m RIB on Southampton water to get my RYA Powerboat Level 2 licence was an experience of fine margins and precise handling.

My hosts for the weekend were Hamble-based training centre Mendez Marine, which runs a range of courses for boaters of every level.

RYA Level 2 Powerboat is where many boaters start their training and while it is suitable for beginners, it’s no walk in the park.

In a group of three, alongside a 20-year veteran RYA Yachtmaster, I quickly embraced my role as the dunce of the class, regularly asking the stupid question.

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We began with the basics of wind and tide, and using these elements as your brakes when performing slow-speed manoeuvres. Next came Met Office forecast terminology and a quick rundown of the local bylaws.

Our instructor Kieran belied his years with two pieces of sage advice that I would later wish I had tattooed onto the inside of my eyelids: “Steer before gear, and keep one hand on steer and one hand on gear”.

The classroom section was necessary but mercifully short – the July sun was beating down and we’d come here to do some actual boating.

Out on the water

Kieran introduced us to Kake , our vessel for the day, with the fondness and respect that reflected his years growing up with boats of all sizes.

This Ribcraft powerboat was fitted out with GPS, VHF, a 140bhp outboard and a windscreen, which would come in handy during the high-speed thrills of day two.

After a quick orientation we cast off into a particularly strong spring tide and set about proving our mettle with some basic manoeuvres.

Holding off behind pylons and picking up a mooring buoy proved straightforward enough, but coming alongside was particularly challenging as the tide raced in.

The best way I can describe it to a non-boater is: imagine parallel parking a car on a slow-moving treadmill.

Kieran’s patient and encouraging attitude ensured we could all tick this off eventually, even if I took a few attempts to perform the manoeuvre without ferry drifting or bashing a sponsom against the pontoon.

Stopping for lunch back at base halted our progress up the Hamble, but we were relived to sit on a more comfortable seat.

While Kake was fitted out with everything we could need from a technical point of view, she was not built for comfort and the narrow seats meant that we were staggering like John Wayne after a two-hour stint on the river.

The afternoon’s activity started with turning in a confined space – a drill that really brought the whole ‘steer before gear’ principle into focus when the penalty for failure was bumping into a £2m superyacht.

The blazing sunshine had brought local river users out in their droves, and we were constantly reminded of the rules of the road as we navigated past sailboats, canoes, motorcruisers and paddleboarders.

Through it all Kake was highly responsive, much more so than I was expecting: it took a while to realise that small adjustments would be enough to change our course sufficiently.

With all our drills complete, we nipped back to our pontoon as low tide approached, thankful for our trim tilt and skeg-adjusted depth sounder as less than 1m of water remained at HQ.

We went our separate ways for the night, and while my boating skills had been given a thorough workout, I knew that the real fun had all been saved for day two.

Thrills and spills

A mercifully overcast second day saw us head out onto Southampton water for some high-speed action, and as Kake hit 4,000rpm and rose up onto the plane, I was reminded why I was doing this in the first place.

Nothing quite compares to the raw thrill of piloting a RIB at 25 knots. With the responsiveness of a rollercoaster and excitement to match, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular gateway to motorboating.

Kake ‘s unique characteristics came into play, as she smoothly turned to starboard but put up much more of a fight when turning to port.

The urge to grab the wheel with both hands was hard to resist, but Kieran’s second mantra ensured that we were never allowed to let go of the throttle for very long.

S-turns and powered U-turns were followed by tighter U-turns and P-turns, as we rode the considerable wash thrown up by sportsyachts and catamarans.

Once Kieran was satisfied that we knew how to do the fun stuff, we dropped anchor at Hythe for a lunch break and quick buoyage quiz.

One of the most useful things you can learn on a training course is what to do in an emergency and the man overboard procedure brought together everything we had learned so far.

Using a fender and a bit of clever distraction, Kieran simulated this worst case scenario and we were required to perform a P-turn before approaching upwind with the utmost precision to retrieve our tiny target.

The side-on drifting approach was also covered, by which time our sensei was satisfied that we could cope with a real-life MOB.

Hatching a plot

With chartplotters so commonplace these days it can be easy to neglect more traditional navigation skills, but this course ensured we could cope without such modern fripperies.

Classroom theory was put into practice as we took bearings from a compass to determine our exact location on the chart before following bearings that we’d mapped out in the morning to buoy hop our way back to the mouth of the Hamble.

Coming off Southampton water and back onto the river with its six-knot speed limit felt like turning off a motorway, and this led some to resort to impatient overtaking as we patiently cruised back to our berth before low tide.

I certainly felt a great deal of pride upon being presented with my certificate, and even though it is not a legal requirement unless your boat is more than 24m long, a course like this should be seen as an essential primer for any self-respecting skipper. I’m only ashamed I didn’t do one sooner.

Mendez Marine offers boat training ranging from VHF courses through to Yachtmaster exams. For more information, visit mendezmarine.co.uk or call 01489 588977.

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' First for sail and power.'

Welcome to Hamble River Sailing Club. We have been a recognised RYA Training Centre since 2005. The Centre runs dinghy sailing and powerboat courses; and certain shore-based courses including first aid. We can provide both the youth and adult dinghy sailing pathway in our club dinghies which include: Visions; Feva's; Fusions; Toppers; and Optimist's. We also offer the RYA powerboat scheme and you can qualify for your Powerboat Level 2 Certificate and then your International Certificate of Competance (ICC) to rent a boat out abroad.

All of our available courses are visible on our website so please feel to browse and perhaps book yourself a slot. To book a course got to: https://www.hrsc.org.uk/booking . We are competitevly priced and can even consider bespoke course delivery, private lessons coaching or just offer sailing and powerboating experiences including team building and RYA Onboard opportunities for school groups, businesses etc. Details of our courses can be found on the links to the left of this page.

The minimum age for training courses is 6 years old for sailing and 8 years for powerboating (Level 1).

The minimum age for a Powerboat Level 2 is 12.

To participate on a Stage 3/4 or adult level 3 course attendees MUST have completed a Stage 1/2, and attended regular sailing sessions either at HRSC or another club. In some cases prior assessment will be made by the Chief Instructor before a course place is assured, as without regular training attendees are unlikely to have the required experience to complete these stages.

When making a booking online or through the office payments must be made in full at the time of booking. Please see the HRSC Terms and Conditions http://www.hrsc.org.uk/training/booking-conditions

HRSC requires all attendees to be members of the club. All non-members will be charged an additional fee making them a temporary member for the duration of the course or the day of their activity.

Please see our 2023 Calenda r or visit the Training pages listed on the left, which details all the RYA courses HRSC offers. If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact the office on: 023 8045 2070, or email [email protected] where we are able to offer bespoke tailor made courses or boating experience to suit your needs.

All published dates are subject to change or cancellation.

Last updated 10:41 on 10 July 2023

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RYA Powerboat Training

Rya powerboat training courses.

Learning to master the techniques during powerboat training is both exciting and rewarding. We offer a full range of both RYA practical powerboat training and RYA theory courses, catering for complete beginners right through to experienced boaters. All courses are run in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with the emphasis on ensuring that you gain confidence and a full understanding of the skills and techniques required.

Powerboating combines the calmness of a cruise with the excitement of speeding over the open sea. With the knowledge and abilities gained through your RYA training, you’ll be able to navigate the water with ease safely and make the most of your time on the water at your own speed.

RYA powerboat certifications are used by professional open boat skippers who need to demonstrate their competency or require professional qualifications for work, in addition to being utilised by leisure boaters.

Powerboat Courses

RYA Powerboat Level 1

Course overview.

The Level 1 Powerboat Course particularly suits kids and children or those adults who are keen for a basic introduction to power boating.

RYA Powerboat Level 2

This is the most popular powerboat training qualification and is also known as the ‘Powerboat Handling Level 2’. Those gaining their Powerboat Level 2 can then apply to the RYA for their ICC (International Certificate of Competence).

International Certificate of Competence

For individuals interested in using their powerboat charter or chartering abroad where proof of competence is required by obtaining their ICC.

Intermediate Powerboat Training

The Intermediate Powerboat Course suits those possessing Powerboat Level 2, a reasonable level of boating experience, a season or two, and a keenness to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to plan and undertake short coastal passages. This course is sometimes referred to as the RYA Powerboat Level 3 Course.

Advanced Powerboat Training

The Advanced Powerboat Training Course suits both keen amateurs and professional users alike. Participants should possess a number of years experience and already be very capable powerboat handlers as it is assumed that attendees can perform all of the elements of the Powerboat Level 2 course with ease.

No matter if you utilise powerboats for pleasure, employment, or in conjunction with anything else (like sailing or rescue boats), we have a course that will suit your needs.

Each and every one of our powerboat training courses is led by an experienced and certified RYA instructor. During the span of the two-day training course, we intend to impart to you as much information as we possibly can. Our significant knowledge and passion for powerboat training always rubs off on our students, and we make it a point to make the course as engaging and entertaining as we possibly can.

Own Boat Tuition  can be conducted in Southampton, Hampshire, Hamble, Portsmouth, Lymington, Chichester, Cowes, Poole, Isle of Wight, or anywhere on the South Coast, else where in the UK or in the Europe

Private and highly personalised powerboat training is available on a one to one basis.

You can start your training at our well-equipped facility in Southampton, which is located on the Solent. From there, you can advance through the RYA powerboat programme, taking any of the following shore-based courses along the way, including RYA Powerboat Level 2 , RYA Intermediate Powerboat , and RYA Advanced Powerboat . Day Skipper Theory , Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory , Marine VHF Radio/SRC and RYA First Aid .

Scheduled courses are held at Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 3XB UK and in the Solent area .

What License Do I Need to Drive a Powerboat in the UK?

In the UK, if you want to drive a powerboat, you will need to obtain a Powerboat Level 2 qualification or higher. The Powerboat Level 2 qualification is a two-day course that covers basic boat handling and safety, including launching and recovery, anchoring, and picking up a mooring.

If you plan to use a VHF radio on your powerboat, you will also need to obtain a Short Range Certificate (SRC). The SRC is a one-day course that covers basic radio operation and communication procedures.

It’s important to note that the requirements for driving a powerboat in the UK may vary depending on the size and type of boat, as well as the location and purpose of its use. It’s always a good idea to check with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) or other relevant authorities to ensure that you have the appropriate qualifications and licenses before operating a powerboat in UK waters.

What Kind of Powerboat Training Do I Need?

There are several types of powerboat training available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Online Powerboat Training

Our online powerboat training courses are a popular option for those looking for flexibility and convenience. These courses can be completed at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. The online powerboat training covers the basics of powerboat operation, navigation, and safety. However, online courses do not provide the hands-on training that our in-person courses offer.

In-Person Powerboat Training

In-person powerboat training courses provide a hands-on approach to training and instruction. These courses cover a much broader range of topics, including boat handling, docking, and navigation. In-person training also provides the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more interactive learning experience.

On-The-Water Powerboat Training

On-the-water powerboat training is another popular option for those looking for hands-on training. These courses take place on the water at our powerboat school located in the Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 3XB and provides the opportunity to practice your skills in a real-world setting. On-the-water training is an excellent option for those who prefer a more practical learning experience.

Can I Learn to Operate a Powerboat on My Own?

While it is possible to learn to operate a powerboat on your own, it is not recommended. Operating a powerboat involves a certain level of knowledge and skill that can only be obtained through proper training. Without this training, you run the risk of causing accidents, damaging your vessel, and putting yourself and others in danger.

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Our aim is to provide a full and comprehensive service to boating enthusiasts. If you would like to buy your first boat, we are here to listen to what you are trying to achieve and give completely impartial advice, so that you purchase the right yacht charter for you. When you need to gain confidence or qualifications, our RYA Sea School can help at all levels.

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Powerboat Level 1 & 2

Student comments, latest news.

Power boat Level 1 & 2

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence.

The course introduces you to boating techniques for launching and recovering a boat from a road trailer, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment. it focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. the course can be taken inland or on the coast and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly., our courses include moorings, fuel and loan of wet weather clothing..

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is a trading name of Hamble Point Yacht Charters Ltd Hamble Point Marina School Lane Hamble, Hampshire, SO31 4JD

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RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

RYA powerboat courses are primarily for those using small powered craft such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats that don't generally undertake long or offshore passages.

The types of commercial craft requiring this level certification are typically: charter fishing boats, small passenger launches, thrill ride operators, harbour patrol launches, construction site safety boats etc.

If you will be using larger boats with accommodation and the capacity to cruise or work further offshore you are likely to need a certificate within the motor cruising programme such as Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore.

If you need a Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate in order to work on a commercial craft subject to the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed . You can then work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 6 waters - that is up to 3 miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight hours.

RYA Powerboat

Our instructors are the best in the business.

All of our RYA Powerboat Courses, including the RYA Powerboat Level 2 , RYA Intermediate Powerboat and RYA Advanced Powerboat are run out of our base in Port Hamble Marina . We have spent many years hand picking our instructors to ensure they are the best in the business at delivering the courses and passing on their knowledge to you. 

RYA Powerboat Level 2

RYA Intermediate Powerboat

RYA Advanced Powerboat

RYA Powerboat Instructor

RORC Sailing School Boat of the Year

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 & 2018

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RYA Powerboat level II

The essential building block to a crew members boat handling ability.

Find out About the Power Boat Level II

Find a Power Boat Level II Training Provider

The Power Boat Level II is an essential course for deck crew working in the superyacht industry. It is also advisable for steward/stewardesses, and engineers to hold a powerboat license. This two-day entry-level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat in a safe and effective manner. The powerboat level II is a requirement for crew wishing to drive a superyacht tender up to 10m.

Course Breakdown

The majority of the course is practical with a short theory classroom session. The theory learning will continue during the practical training and assessment. The powerboat level II usually takes two days to complete, weather permitting. The topics covered are as follows:

• Execution of class theory
• Launching and recovery
• Confined space maneuvering
• Man overboard procedure
• Engine checks
• High-speed handling
• Collision regulations
• Emergency procedures
• Basic chart work and navigation
• Briefing and practical overview

Powerboat Level 2 Certificate Outcome:

Apart from providing a strong base upon which powerboat handling skills can be built, the powerboat level 2 course is the basis for the ICC (International certificate of competence). A commercially endorsed power boat level II certificate can be used to transport guests and passengers, in tenders up to 10m in length.

The RYA Powerboat level II certificate does not have an expiry date.

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RYA Training Ladder - Powerboat

To use the training ladder, start at the top of the table and work your way down each row to see where you fit in with your existing knowledge. 

These RYA courses are designed especially for the small boat user. These boats are generally of the open type and do not normally provide accommodation or cooking facilities. The courses provide the knowledge required to operate a variety of boats, from a dory, (a yacht tender with a small outboard), to very high performance speedboats or Ribs powered by an inboard engine.

Please note: Intermediate and Advanced courses are run by Mendez Marine

RYA Powerboat Level 1

Able to drive under supervision

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Able to handle a powerboat in familiar waters by day

RYA Online Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course

Basic introduction to navigation and safety

Intermediates

Rya intermediate powerboat course.

Able to plan and execute short coastal passages by day

RYA Day Skipper Theory

Theoretical knowledge of basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology

RYA Advanced Powerboat Course

Able to plan and execute coastal trips by day and night