RYA Powerboat Level 1

Fun for All

Start Powerboating

From £129, based out of Fowey.

Successful completion of the course leads to award of the RYA Level 1 certificate, and the ability to drive a powerboat under supervision.

The Level 1 is a safe, controlled and enjoyable introduction to power boating aimed at juniors.  Our professional Royal Yachting Association instructors can give students a confidence-building and memorable experience that will lay the foundations for a lifetime of fun, safe boating.

Summary of what's included :-

• Launch and recovery of a boat (8-11 year olds observe)

• Preparation of boat and crew

• Boat handling

• Picking up and securing to a mooring buoy

• Leaving and coming alongside

• Towing and being towed

Previous Experience Required: None.

RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course Syllabus

Aim: To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats.

• Launch and Recovery (8-11-year-olds to observe only):

• Considerations to be taken during the launch

• The use of a trailer or launching trolley

• Considerations to be taken regarding sea conditions and hazards

• Construction, width and condition of ramp/slipway.

• Preparation of boat and crew:

• Personal buoyancy and appropriate clothing

• The use of the following equipment: lines, fenders, anchor and warp, bailer, fire extinguisher, pump, paddles/oars, compass, flares, torch, whistle, charts, first aid kit and a sharp knife

• Perform the following: fasten a cleat and stow an anchor.

• Boat handling:

• Planing of boats: propeller angle and immersion, use of shallow drive.  (Typo - replace Planning’ with ‘Planing’ please!)

• Low speed handling: ahead and astern

• Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way in neutral

• How to carry out pre-start checks, including fuel tank and fuel bulb

• Steering controls and windage

• Steer and control boat speed

• Start and stop the engine

• Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times.

• Picking up and securing to a mooring buoy:

• Preparation of mooring warps

• Use of a boat hook

• Method of approach

• Crew communication

• Making fast.

•  

• Leaving and coming alongside:

• Wind effect

• Approach in tidal stream or current

• Leaving - ahead or astern

• Demonstrate the use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way

• Control speed and approach angle

• Make fast alongside

• Being towed

• Preparing own lines for towing

• Accepting a tow

• Securing tow lines

• Trim and balance under tow.

•  

• Man Overboard:

• How to stop the boat

• Raising the alarm

• Prevention.

Theory

• Loading and balancing the boat and the effect on handling and performance

• Local bye laws and insurance

• Crew numbers: minimum number in the boat, keeping a look-out

• Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash

• Application or IRPCS. Understanding  rules 5 & 6, conduct around commercial shipping in confined waters.