RYA Intermediate Powerboat
Aimed at powerboat skippers craving to grow their knowledge and confidence to set out during the day into more challenging coastal waters and experience longer passages beyond the basics of Level 2.
RYA Powerboat Intermediate is aimed at powerboat skippers who are ready to grow their knowledge and confidence to set out during the day into more challenging coastal waters and experience longer passages.
This course is the natural progression from the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. It develops your advanced boat handling, cruising at planing speed and covers the practical use of traditional and electronic pilotage and passage planning during the day.
Prerequisites
- Qualification: RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge: Day Skipper theory level recommended.
What You'll Learn
- Planning a day cruise
- Advanced boat handling
- Pilotage techniques
- Passage making
- Man overboard recovery in various conditions
- GPS and chart plotter use
- Weather interpretation
Detailed Syllabus
Planning a Day Cruise
- Use of a marina lock
- Latitude and longitude
- Principles of GPS and chart plotters
- Sources of forecast information and interpretation
- Tidal heights at secondary ports
- How to use a plotting instrument and plot a course to steer
- How to issue distress by all available means
- Work out tidal heights using a tidal curve
- Use true and magnetic bearings
- Interpret bearing and distance
- Interpret chart symbols
- Interpret tidal diamonds and tidal streams
- Use pilot books
- Interpret Lateral and Cardinal buoyage
- Implement IRPCS, particularly rules 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12-19, 23
- Use GPS waypoint navigation (XTE, SOG, COG, BTW, DTW)
- Use laminated chart afloat
- Pilotage to enter an unfamiliar port by day
Boat Handling
- Effects of waves
- Handling in rougher conditions
- Awareness of other water users
- Mooring stern-to between posts or Med style
- Boat control in waves and adequate seating to minimise injury
- Demonstrate awareness of wind and tide
- Mooring alongside and in a marina berth
- Use of appropriate length kill-cord at all times
Pilotage
- Practical application of pilotage techniques in local waters
Passage Making
- Pre-planning including advice for returning at night
- Apply theory lessons and complete a practical passage
- Fix position by traditional and electronic means
Man Overboard
- Techniques for picking up a man overboard in differing conditions
- Cold water shock and immersion hypothermia
- How and when to raise the alarm
After the Course
You will be able to plan and execute short coastal passages by day with confidence, navigating using both traditional and electronic methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What experience do I need before this course?
You should hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate and ideally have some additional time on the water since completing it. This course builds on those foundations.
What will the course cover?
The course covers passage planning, advanced boat handling, single-handed operation, night operations awareness, and pilotage. You will develop the skills needed to skipper a powerboat on longer coastal passages.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We run courses in most weather conditions as it is all part of the learning experience. In extreme conditions we may need to reschedule, and we will contact you as early as possible if this is the case.
Where do I meet and what time?
Full joining instructions including the exact meeting point, start time, and parking information will be sent to you by email before the course.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. There is a café at the marina, or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch. We recommend bringing plenty of water and snacks.
What if I need to cancel?
Please see our terms and conditions for our cancellation policy. We understand plans can change and will always try to move you to an alternative date where possible.