RYA Powerboat Level 2 is extremely useful as it entitles holders to a New South Wales Boat Licence in Australia and an International Certificate of Competence for Europe. In the UK, it is considered a small boat driving licence.

It is also a legal requirement for anyone driving the tender to a superyacht or working as an RYA windsurfing or dinghy sailing instructor.

In Australia, it provides an easy pathway to the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 for those considering commercial work on boats.

Course content

Day 1 - Learn to drive the boat 

Powerboat theory

• Personal equipment (clothing, lifejackets etc)
• Parts of the boat (basic terminology)
• Types of craft  (hull types, engines, fuel) 
• Essential weather (forecasts, sea state, effect of wind and tide) 
• Buoyage, basic collision regulations (IRPCS)

Practical skills

• Safety and preparation (kill cord, life jackets, communications, crew position and safety) 
• High-speed handling (trim, stability, driving position, crew safety, waves, quick stop) 
• Low-speed handling (close quarters, standing off, wind and tide)
• Seamanship skills (anchoring, berthing, handling lines, mooring buoys)
• Emergency situations (types of emergency, man overboard recovery, marine radio distress calls)

Day 2  - Plan and execute a safe passage

Powerboat theory

• Intro to marine charts  and navigation
• Pilotage and passage planning 
• Engine and fuel management
• GPS (waypoints and route planning)
• legal responsibilities and obligations.

Practical skills

• Pilotage and passage-making/crew roles 
• High-speed handling/low-speed handling
• Seamanship skills (anchoring, berthing, handling lines, mooring buoys)
• Rules of the road (application of basic IRPCS whilst underway) 
• Emergency situations (basic towing) 

Equipment and instructors 

The course will be taught by experienced RYA-qualified instructors using our high-speed, rigid-inflatable rescue craft. 

You will spend the first day learning how to drive the boats safely and the second-day developing basic pilotage skills, which you will then use to execute a short passage.

We operate in small groups, according to strict teaching ratios, to ensure all participants have plenty of time in the driver's seat and are in charge of the boat. 

Training location

Theory training is conducted in our well-equipped waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

For the practical part of the course, Sydney Harbour is our classroom.

The variety of conditions and busy waterways provide an outstanding training environment. 

Safety equipment, tuition, logbook and handbook. We can loan you wet weather gear if you need it. 

Qualifications 

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 (issued on the day)
• As the holder of a Powerboat Level 2 certificate, you are entitled to an International Certificate for Operator of Pleasure Craft (ICC) from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). An ICC is needed for the inland waterways of Europe and the coastal waters of most Mediterranean countries.
• NSW Boat Licence by taking the certificate you receive on this course, together with photo ID and the licence fee, to an RMS office (NSW Roads and Maritime) within one year

• The course is suitable for anyone 12 years old and above.
• No previous experience is required.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Licence 

• If you want to drive a Jetski or other personal watercraft in New South Wales, you must obtain a PWC Licence. 
• Once you have your General Boat Licence, you can upgrade to a PWC licence by taking the PWC knowledge test. We will provide further information about how to get this when you book your course.

Further training

• If you operate a marine radio in NSW, you must also hold an ACMA Marine Radio Licence. 
• All boat operators are strongly advised to complete a Marine First Aid course. If you are involved in any towing operations (eg waterskiing or wakeboarding), it is mandatory for the master to hold a recognised first aid certification.

• Ania Baranek
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• 
• “ I just wanted to reach out and say a massive thank you for doing what you're doing, because you do it great! The programme was perfectly balanced between theory and practical skills training. I loved everything about the course!”
• Adriana Sanflorian
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• 
• “ Really enjoyed the course. It was very informative, I learned loads. And now I can drive a boat. Thank you very much for making it perfect. ”
• Jeanette Kim
• NSW Boat licence
• 
• “ The instructor was awesome! Made the lessons clear, fun and very informative. They focus on water safety and everything you need, to enjoy your time out on your boat. What are you waiting for? Get a boat licence and enjoy our beautiful harbour! ”