Questions and Answers - RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course

How much does the RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course cost?

Typically the Powerboat Intermediate course will cost around £300 / $450/ 390 EUROS depending on where you do it, and what time of year.

What will you get out of it?

With your skills learned on the Powerboat Level 2 course, you will learn to take a more powerful powerboat on longer distance trips, and in more challenging conditions.

What are your limitations on passing the course?

You should be able to take your powerboat on a day passage up the coast and handle bigger seas and rougher weather. Don’t plan on crossing Biscay in a storm!

Is the Powerboat Intermediate course theory based, practical or both?

This involves a lot more theory than the Powerboat Level 2.

You will learn to navigate the boat by GPS, and plan a coastal passage – these involve classroom skills with charts and electronic navigation aids.

You will also learn more about engine maintenance as well, to better ensure you get to your planned destination in one piece.

Additionally you will cover more advanced practical skills such as high speed cruising in heavier seas.

Where can you take the course?

You can take the course anywhere that has RYA accreditation to offer it. It is available around the globe.

What level of experience do you need?

You should be able to demonstrate the skills taught on the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, or have that certificate.

Briefly, this means you should be able to do basic engine checks, launch the vessel, be able to moor, unmoor, dock and undock safely, as well as be able to drive the vessel safely at various speeds.

You should have knowledge of the RYA Day Skipper Theory to really do justice to the course.

What's the duration of the course?

It will take 2 days to complete.

What does the course involve?

The RYA website states “you should be able to navigate short coastal passages by day”. This will involve learning to navigate the vessel at speed, in some challenging conditions, perhaps 20-30 miles up the coast.

You will handle a powerboat that can do such passages at anything up to 20mph, and handle it on bigger seas. This will mean you can leave the safety of Southampton Water for example, and venture out to Chichester or Christchurch on a passage.

How do I progress after completing the Powerboat Intermediate course?

You can do the RYA Powerboat Advanced or one of the RYA Motorboat Cruising courses. Alternatively consider a specialist course such as the RYA Safety Boat course.

Does it give you international accreditation?

No, but you can apply for an International Certificate of Competence upon completion of the course, a license that is recognised all over the EU and in South Africa.

Useful Resources;

Have a look at the RYA pamphlet here, and check out the syllabus.