RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is an excellent, two-day, small-group, hands-on program that teaches you how to safely operate small powerboats and leads to an internationally recognised qualification.

In Australia, Powerboat Level 2 provides a direct pathway to the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 and is a prerequisite for the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore certificate, making it essential for anyone planning to work commercially on the water.

This certification is legally required for anyone operating a tender to a superyacht or working as an RYA dinghy sailing or windsurfing instructor. It also qualifies you for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for use in Europe and is considered the small boat licence in the UK.

Course content

Day 1 – Learn to drive the boat

Theory topics:

• Personal equipment (clothing, lifejackets, safety gear)
• Basic boat parts and terminology
• Types of craft (hull designs, engines, fuel systems)
• Weather essentials (forecasts, sea state, wind and tide)
• Buoyage and collision regulations (IRPCS)

Practical skills:

• Safety checks (kill cord, lifejackets, VHF, crew briefing)
• High-speed handling (trim, balance, waves, emergency stops)
• Low-speed handling (close-quarters manoeuvring, wind/tide)
• Seamanship (anchoring, berthing, line handling, mooring)
• Emergency procedures (man overboard recovery, distress calls)

Day 2 – Plan and execute a safe passage

Theory topics:

• Introduction to marine charts and navigation
• Passage planning and pilotage
• Engine checks and fuel management
• GPS use (waypoints, route planning, position fixing)
• Legal responsibilities and skipper obligations

Practical skills:

• Pilotage execution and crew coordination
• High- and low-speed manoeuvring in real conditions
• Seamanship (anchoring, berthing, mooring, line handling)
• Applying IRPCS while underway
• Emergency procedures, including basic towing

Equipment and instructors

Training is delivered by experienced RYA-qualified instructors using our high-speed, rigid-inflatable rescue craft.

Day 1 focuses on safe boat handling. On Day 2, you’ll learn to plan and carry out a short passage, developing core navigation and pilotage skills.

Courses run in small groups to ensure everyone has ample time at the helm and plenty of hands-on experience.

Training location

Theory sessions are run in our well-equipped, waterfront classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

Practical training on Sydney Harbour offers varied conditions and a dynamic environment ideal for building real-world powerboating skills.

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.

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

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.
• If you complete Powerboat Level 2 and our Marine First Aid course, you will be eligible for the  AMSA Coxswain Grade 3, subject to passing a medical. 

• 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! ”