RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification

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

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

This certification is required for operating tenders to superyachts and for anyone working as an RYA Dinghy Sailing or Windsurfing Instructor. It also qualifies you to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for use in Europe and is widely recognised as the small boat licence standard in the UK.

Course content

Day 1 – Learn to drive the boat

Theory topics

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

Practical skills

• Safety checks (kill cord, lifejackets, VHF and crew briefing)
• High-speed handling (trim, balance, waves and emergency stops)
• Low-speed manoeuvring (close quarters, wind and tide)
• Seamanship (anchoring, berthing, mooring and line handling)
• Emergency procedures (man overboard recovery and 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 and 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 and line handling)
• Applying IRPCS underway
• Emergency procedures, including basic towing

Equipment and instructors

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

Day 1 focuses on developing safe and confident boat handling. On Day 2, you'll plan and complete a short passage while building practical navigation and pilotage skills.

Courses run in small groups to maximise time at the helm and provide plenty of hands-on experience.

Training location

Theory sessions take place in our waterfront classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

Practical training on Sydney Harbour provides varied conditions and an outstanding environment for developing real-world powerboating skills.

Course fees include safety equipment, expert tuition, an RYA logbook and course handbook. Wet weather gear can also be loaned free of charge if required.

Qualifications

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate – issued on successful completion of the course.
• Powerboat Level 2 holders are eligible to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). The ICC is widely accepted for recreational boating throughout Europe and is often required for chartering and operating boats on inland waterways and in many Mediterranean countries.

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

• 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! ”