RYA Powerboat Advanced

The RYA Powerboat Advanced course focuses on advanced navigation, pilotage, and boat-handling skills in coastal waters by day and night, often in challenging weather and sea conditions. It is designed for experienced powerboaters who wish to operate competently in more complex and demanding scenarios. 

The course builds upon skills acquired through Powerboat Handling course, but requires experience at sea and the knowledge of the navigation and chartwork to the level of Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore.

What you need to know

• Duration: 2 days including at least 1 night navigation exercise
• Location: Golfe-Juan
• Classroom address: 405 Chemin du Gaz Golfe-Juan - Vallauris 
• Booking: full fee or at least 50% deposit 

Pre-requisites

•  Min 17 years old
• Competency to the Powerboat certificate; knowledge of the navigation and chartwork to the level of Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased certificate
• VHF certificate (strongly recommended)
• First Aid certificate (strongly recommended) 

About the course

The RYA Advanced Powerboat course is a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical training, focusing on real-world scenarios. The course content covers:

1. Advanced Navigation and Pilotage

• Planning and executing coastal and offshore passages.
• Use of traditional navigation (charts, compass) and electronic aids (GPS, radar, AIS).
• Navigating in reduced visibility (fog, darkness).
• Pilotage techniques in confined or complex areas.

2. Boat Handling

• High-speed maneuvers in challenging conditions.
• Precise control in adverse weather (e.g., rough seas, strong winds).
• Close-quarters handling and docking under pressure.

3. Safety Procedures

• Risk assessment and decision-making in demanding situations.
• Emergency response techniques (man-overboard recovery, engine failure).
• Use of safety equipment and life-saving appliances.
• Understanding vessel stability in rough seas.

4. Night Operations

• Navigation and pilotage during nighttime conditions.
• Understanding and using navigation lights and signals.
• Managing crew and passengers in low-visibility scenarios.

5. Weather and Sea State

• Advanced weather forecasting and its impact on passage planning.
• Operating in tidal waters, heavy seas, and strong currents.

Assessment and certification

The course includes continuous assessment throughout, and successful completion earns candidates the RYA Advanced Powerboat Course Completion Certificate. For successful completion of the course, candidates should be able to plan and execute coastal trips and return to a familiar port by night. 

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at:

1. Experienced powerboat handlers looking to enhance their skills.
2. Professional yachties working in roles such as rescue services, commercial operations, or superyachts.
3. Skippers who operate chaseboats or powerboats in open waters or at night.
4. Recreational boaters who want to safely venture into unfamiliar waters or more exposed conditions.

It’s ideal for anyone who requires the confidence to handle a powerboat in challenging conditions and complete night passages with precision.