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WELCOME TO THE RPBA

POWERBOATING - MAKE YOUR PASSION YOUR LIFESTYLE! The Recreational Powerboating Association is the leading authority for hands-on powerboat instruction, powerboat certification & powerboat schools in the United States. Take powerboating instruction through our network of certified powerboating schools with certified powerboat instructors . Through our powerboat courses , the RPBA will help you learn powerboating and achieve powerboating certification safely & with confidence. RPBA Certified Students can go from basic powerboat maneuvering to advanced powerboat courses, then enjoy powerboat vacations around the world. EARN POWERBOAT CERTIFICATION WITH THE RPBA The Recreational Powerboating Association is committed to helping you understand, appreciate and fully enjoy the incredible world of powerboating. Whether you need to fine-tune your existing powerboat handling skills, meet your state’s safe boating requirements or learn basic powerboat handling as someone completely new to the world of powerboating, the RPBA’s comprehensive set of powerboat training courses , network of professional powerboat training instructors and powerboat training schools provides the solution. The RPBA will do much more than simply show you the basics; our affiliated schools can teach you everything you need to be a skilled and experienced powerboater, including helping you earn your powerboat certification. If you'd like to learn more, the best way to start your journey is to explore TheRPBA.com for more information on learning to powerboat.

Polish up your docking skills!

The Recreational Powerboating Association will be conducting “Close Quarters Powerboat Handling” clinics using its newly developed training simulator at 5 indoor boat shows during January and February to promote awareness of its training programs and kick off its instructor development efforts.

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling is an intensive, 12-hour powerboat handling course that is designed to provide the skills necessary to maneuver a powerboat confidently, competently and safely in tight spaces. Successful completion of the program indicates the student has demonstrated competence in handling either a twin inboard, single inboard or outboard/stern drive vessel in close quarters in light wind and or currents.

The goal of this course is to teach safe, efficient use of radar for small-craft navigation in any condition of visibility. Radar teaches safe, efficient use of small-craft radar for piloting, chart navigation, and collision avoidance, including radar principles and practical matters of radar operation as well as using a realistic PC based radar simulator to illustrate radar measurements. This course covers a broad range of topics related to radar. Specific topics to be learned include, how radar works, interpreting the screen, position navigation, radar and navigation rules.

Boater Education Card

By taking a boating safety course with the Recreational PowerBoating Association's partner, BoaterExam.com™, you help make our waterways safer and more enjoyable. Your boater education card may help you avoid fines from states where mandatory boater education laws are in effect, and may also entitle you to a reduction on your marine insurance.

Boating Safety Tips

The captain’s first and primary responsibility is for the safety of the vessel, passengers and crew. A prudent skipper always conducts a safety briefing prior to departure, because the best preparation for emergencies is a well trained crew. Crew training is the responsibility of the skipper and it is prudent to conduct drills with the crew to include: man overboard recovery, fire and abandon ship procedures.

RPBA Schools

• Boating Safety
• Twin Inboard
• Single Inboard
• Stern Drive / Outboard

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course 307

This RYA Accredited 2 day classroom theory and hands on practical training program is perfect for individuals interested in improving their hands-on powerboat and tender operating skills. This course is great for beginners or seasoned tender operators! The practical portion of the course utilizes MPT’s powerboat and tender fleet up to 8 meters.

Preparing for RYA Powerboat Level 2

Course video.

Course Description

2 day class in fort lauderdale, required materials.

PASSPORT for Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Pen, Highlighter, Bathing Suit/Shorts, sunscreen, hat, boat attire, towel, boat shoes, weather attire (optional), one passport (40mm x 40mm) photograph for certificate (available here in ships store)

Course Photos

Testimonials

The class is very practical--wish it were longer! Rachelle, Saturday May 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great class. Nice boat and very informative instructor. Pedro, Friday February 2022 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Keep up all the good work. It’s much appreciated. Zoe, Friday August 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Great Instructor! Very professional and knowledgeable, thank you. David, Friday January 2021 RYA Powerboat Level 2

Very well done !!!! Very happy to be here with you !!!! Tnks!!! Cruz, Wednesday January 2014 RYA Powerboat Level 2

This was an amazing course. Would recommend it to anybody Eric, Friday May 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

PBLII was a good course. Jeff was very patient during the on-water-training, and overall good instructor. Jennifer, Wednesday April 2013 RYA Powerboat Level 2

you guys are great! Zachary, Thursday July 2012 RYA Powerboat Level 2

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

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Home  Education  Instructor  Powerboat Instructor Programs

Powerboat Instructor Programs

Fill out the Looking for an Instructor Course form and we will contact you when an instructor course becomes available.

US Powerboating Instructor Courses All links redirect to US Powerboating.com. Please note that successful completion of the corresponding student level course is a prerequisite for all US Powerboating Instructor level courses.

Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

An intensive 3-day course for advanced powerboat operators who will operate boats 26 feet and under, instructor candidates will learn the fundamentals of on-the-water instruction. Candidates must successfully demonstrate superior presentation, teaching, and powerboat operation skills in order to complete this course.

Learn more about becoming a Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

Safety & Rescue Boat Handling Instructor

This hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who will be using powerboats to perform safety and rescue functions. It is designed for regatta personnel, marine patrols, police and fire rescue personnel, park rangers, and on-the-water sailing instructors and coaches

Learn more about becoming a Safety & Rescue Boat Instructor

Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor

The Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor Course prepares the Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor to teach the Student level Mark Set Boat Handling Certification Course.  The course is offered as a one-and-one course.  The actual instructor course is a one day, 10-hour course.  It is typically preceded by a one-day student level MSBH course to help potential candidates meet the prerequisite. This course is taught by US Powerboating Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor Trainers.

Learn more about becoming a Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor

Cruising Powerboat Instructor

This is a three-day evaluative course for experienced boat operators.  Most of the time will be spent on the water demonstrating and critiquing boathandling maneuvers and demonstrating and discussing teaching techniques applicable to single and twin-screw cruising powerboats.

Learn more about becoming a Cruising Powerboat Instructor

Powerboat Instructor Trainer Programs

US Powerboating Instructor Trainers represent the highest level of experience in the field of powerboat training. Acceptance into Trainer Level courses is done through a resume and application process only.

Instructor Trainer Courses frequency varies- some courses are held annually while others are only held every few years. For Cruising Powerboat Instructor Trainers, there is no course but rather a co-teach with a senior Instructor Trainer.

***Candidates must be a minimum of 24 years old and hold a current instructor certification for the level they’re seeking to be a Trainer.***

Apply to be an Instructor Trainer

U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License Training

US Sailing members receive a 10% discount on registration in Mariners Learning System’s educational resources and training opportunities. Members can access their Mariners Learning System discount, along with a host of other benefits and discounts on gear, publications, and events, by logging into My US Sailing to access your benefit.

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• Junior Sailing Safety Guide

Andrew Clouston SVP Programs & Services Email Andrew Clouston

Stu Gilfillen Director of Education Email Stu Gilfillen 401-342-7967

Peri Burns Educational Operations Manager Email Peri Burns 401-342-7963

Bradley Schoch Senior Instructional Designer Email Bradley Schoch

Andi Barton Sr. Education Coordinator Email Andi Barton 401-342-7910

Bonnie Braddock Learning Design and Development Specialist Email Bonnie Braddock

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Boating Courses For Power Boating

Boating courses for powerboating.

Beginner, intermediate or advanced — whatever your skill level, our in-depth boating education courses will boost your knowledge and confidence on the water.

• America’s Boating Course gives you the basics you need to get out on the water safely, and it meets most state boating education requirements.
• Boat Handling builds your competence and confidence on the water with an in-depth look at the practical boating skills.
• Marine Navigation and Advanced Marine Navigation give you the skills you need to get where you’re going using charts and marine electronics as well as a knowledge of winds, currents, and tides.
• Offshore Navigation and Celestial Navigation , a must for oceangoing captains, teach you about planning and monitoring your voyage using modern marine electronics and how celestial observations can help you estimate your vessel’s position with confidence.
• Cruising Under Power and Sail prepares you for a multi-day voyage.
• Engine Maintenance gives you information on how engines work and basic maintenance procedures, as well as how to recognize problems.
• Marine Electrical Systems provides information on alternating and direct current, as well as boat electrical systems.
• Marine Communications Systems explains the different types of radios and communication options.
• Electronic Navigation gives you basic information on the various electronic devices available today that help you navigate and select routes.
• Radar for Boaters gives you basic information on radar.
• Sail lets you learn about basic sailboat designs and nomenclature, rigging and safety from experienced sailors. Then tackle the physical aspects of all forces and techniques, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsmanship, and handling of difficult conditions.
• Weather is a detailed study of the causes of weather, various types of storms, clouds, and predicting weather.

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Home  Course Types  Safe Powerboat Handling

Course Types

Safe powerboat handling, course description, this 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boathandling skills. no previous experience is required the us coast guard and the national association of state boating law administrators (nasbla) have approved this course and an increasing number of states have recognized it as meeting their requirements for a state boating education certificate..

These national and state approvals call for the course to include a total of six to eight hours of classroom sessions covering required education topics.

US Sailing Membership is not required to participate in a Safe Powerboat Handling course

On-the-Water Sessions

• Engine & electrical systems
• Starting procedures
• Leaving & returning to a slip
• Close-quarters maneuvers
• Steering a range
• Proceeding to a destination
• Person in Water rescue

Classroom Sessions

• Safety, preparation & weather
• Maneuvering concepts
• Registration & capacities
• Equipment requirements
• Preparation & fueling procedures
• Navigation rules of the road
• Aids to navigation
• Environment regulations

Prerequisites

• None, no experience necessary!

Suggested Age

• 10–adult (may be affected by state minimum age)

Certification(s) Earned

• US Sailing/US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate (NASBLA Approved)
• State Boating Education Card (in applicable states)

Find a Course Near You

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Cruising Powerboat Certifications

Us powerboating basic powerboat & cruising certification, us powerboating inshore power cruising certification and night operation endorsement.

With coaching from a powerboat expert you will move through the skills required for certification and build confidence operating a 29-40′ twinscrew powerboat in light to moderate conditions.

The course includes both hands-on instruction and theory to expand your seamanship knowledge and practical boat handling skills. Course topics include boat systems, engine and helm controls, docking and close quarter maneuvering, boat control in open water, anchoring, emergency procedures, VHF radio operation, charts and aids to navigation. This course is approved by NASBLA and US Powerboating. Students who successfully pass the written test and successfully complete the knowledge and skill requirements (see Certification Standards book) will receive a US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Operation and Cruising Certification and be eligible to apply for the California Boater Card. Course materials along with pre-course homework will be mailed to students ahead of time to allow you ample time to prepare for your class.

• Introduction to Powerboats or equivalent experience.
• Students must be 16 years of age or older
• Able to swim 50 yards.
• US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Part 1 recommended
• Min 2- Max 4 students.
• US Powerboating Start Powerboating Right

Check the Schedule for upcoming classes and Register online >

Private sessions for groups of two or more:    Call The School at 949-645-9412 to arrange dates.

Learn passage making, piloting and night operation”

This course is for experienced powerboaters seeking an overnight cruising and live aboard experience, and an Inshore Powerboat Cruising Certification.

The course will focus on the skills, knowledge and equipment needed to safely operate a cruising powerboat on a multiday, near coastal passage by day and night in unfamiliar waters.  Course topics include boat preparation, boat handling, close quarter maneuvers, navigation, provisioning, cruise planning and float plans, docking, anchoring, windlass use, picking up a mooring and crew overboard.

Your class begins with an introduction to vessel systems and equipment aboard prior to a short evening shake-down cruise.  Over the next two days you will gain valuable experience in planning voyages, explore various anchoring, mooring and docking techniques, and dealing with situations arising underway.  The course will revolve around destinations on either side of the San Pedro Channel such as LA/Long Beach Harbor, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Santa Catalina Island and Huntington Harbor.

A passing grade on both the written and practical test is required for certification.  Tests will be administered underway.  Course materials and pre-course homework will be available ahead of time to allow you ample time to prepare for your class.

Your course fee includes fuel, most study materials and certification.  A basic provisioning budget will be provided.  Navigation tools and charts, transportation, hotel and meals ashore are not included.

• Ability to swim 50 yards
• US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification
• Three or more days underway on a 30’ or longer powerboat.
• Coastal Navigation 1  strongly recommended for all students
• Min 2- Max 4 students

• Powerboat courses

Ideal for short passages and exploring your local waters, make the most of your time afloat with our powerboat courses

Powerboating offers the best of both worlds, the leisurely pace of a gentle cruise and the thrill of zipping across the open water. RYA training will give you the confidence and skills to handle the boat safely and make the most of your time on the water, whatever your pace.

As well as courses for recreational boaters, RYA powerboat certificates are also used by professional open boat skippers who need to prove their competence or require  professional qualifications  for work.

So whether you use powerboats for leisure, work, or in connection with another activity such as sailing or rescue, we have a course for you. Find out more about our powerboat courses below.

The National Powerboat scheme is comprised of a series of one and two-day practical courses that can be taken either onboard a centre’s boat, or your own. There’s something for all ages and levels of experience. 

A one-day introduction to simple boat handling and the use of safety equipment.

A two-day course to get to grips with powerboat handling.

Two days of practical pilotage, passage planning and navigating by day.

Two days of planning and navigating more challenging passages by day and night.

Two days of hands-on recovery and fleet management techniques for dinghies and windsurfers for those operating in a training or racing environment.

This two-day course builds upon Level 2 Powerboat Handling skills, focussing on short-handed operations, passenger safety and comfort. Designed in consultation with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA).

Increase your confidence and get qualified with our navigation and specialist short courses.

A basic introduction to navigation for new skippers, crew or anyone interested in getting out on the water.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

From first aid to diesel engine, there are a number of related classroom and online courses you may find useful as you develop your knowledge.

Test your skill, knowledge and experience as a powerboat skipper by taking the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat exam.

With more than 100 different titles to choose from, there’s an RYA book, eBook or audiobook for every age, interest and ability. Visit our webshop for course books and a range of supporting titles.

If you want to go powerboating overseas, you’re likely to need an ICC. The Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate can be used as evidence of your competence.

Powerboating can be great fun for the whole family and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Check our course descriptions for minimum age recommendations.

If you need a powerboat qualification for work, you might need a commercial endorsement. Find out more about professional qualifications and what it takes to work on the water.

RYA Powerboat Courses

Our rya powerboat courses.

Our Rib is a 6-metre Humber with a new Mercury 115 hp engine and Garmin plotter. She is coded and an excellent sea vessel.

Being in the heart of Lowestoft and right by the busy marine and port entrance there are ample practical teaching opportunities

INSTRUCTOR – STUDENT RATIO Either 2:1 or 3:1.

What’s included

• You will be coached over the full RYA course syllabus
• Tea and coffee plus yummy biscuits
• RYA Start powerboating book
• SPBT note book
• Free Parking
• All mooring fees, safety equipment and fuel

RYA Power Boat Level 2

This course suits those new to boating who want to develop the base skills as well as those who have boated for a while but who want to ensure they are approaching their boating the right way.

RYA Power Boat Intermediate

Thi course is aimed at those who have boated a season or more, probably already have Level 2 and want to learn more about coastal cruising.

RYA Power Boat Advanced

Aimed at experienced leisure boaters and those seeking to work commercially. The Advanced Course can be followed by the Advanced Examination.

RYA Power Boat Advanced CoC Exam Prep

This will vary from person to person, but it is easy to underestimate the level that you need to be at for the Advanced Examination.

RYA Superyacht Tender Operator

Aimed at those already working as a tender driver transferring guests/passengers in sectors such as the superyacht world or in other environments where you may need to transfer guests and passengers.

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

Frequently asked questions, most popular questions..

No prior experience is necessary to enrol in an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. This course is designed for beginners and covers basic boat handling and safety skills.

Participants are typically required to bring appropriate clothing for boating, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, suitable footwear with non-slip soles although clothing is dependant on weather.

Yes, RYA Powerboat certificates are internationally recognized and accepted by maritime authorities and charter companies worldwide. The RYA is a leading authority in boating education, and its certifications are highly respected within the maritime industry.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses typically last two days. During this time, participants will receive both theoretical knowledge and practical training in boat handling, safety procedures, and navigation.

Not sure which course is for you?

Get in touch with our team and we can have a chat about your options to help you get the most out of our services and facilities.

Our Training Centre:

Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club The Royal Plain, Lowestoft Suffolk, NR33 0AQ

Speak to us:

01493 253004 - training centre, 07775 581912 - course admin.

For Powerboat or Shore based course enquiries please email our Chief Instructor:

[email protected]

For non course enquiries please email our owner and training principal

[email protected]

Safe Powerboat Training

• Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Safe Powerboat Handling

Course description.

This 16-hour  hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boathandling skills. No previous experience is required! The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course and an increasing number of states have recognized it as meeting their requirements for a State Boating Education Certificate. This course combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience for both the new boater and seasoned boater alike.

These national and state approvals call for the course to include a total of six to eight hours of classroom sessions covering required education topics.

US Sailing Membership is not required to participate in a Safe Powerboat Handling course

• Single Engine Course – $1,095 per person plus fuel
• Twin Engine Course – $1,295 per person plus fuel
• Private class available upon request and availability

Prerequisites

• None, no experience necessary!

Suggested Age

• 10-adult (may be affected by state minimum age)

Certification(s) Earned

• US Sailing/US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate (NASBLA Approved)
• State Boating Education Card (in applicable states

On-the-Water Sessions

• Maritime Knots
• Starting procedures
• Leaving & returning to a slip
• Close-quarters maneuvers
• Steering a range
• Aids to Navigation
• Person in Water rescue
• Use of Spring Lines

Classroom Sessions

• Safety, preparation & weather
• Maneuvering concepts
• Registration & capacities
• Equipment requirements
• Preparation & fueling procedures
• Navigation rules of the road
• Aids to navigation
• Environment regulations

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Learn how to drive a powerboat safely. This 2-day course includes learning skills such as close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations all on coastal waters. Our experienced powerboat instructors guide you through the course to ensure you feel confident with your powerboating. It is also a pre-requisite powerboat qualification for the RYA Dinghy Instructor course.

Course syllabus

Close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations all on coastal waters and passage planning

Example day

Morning session

Typically run from 9:30, you will be welcomed by our team for registration. Please ensure that participants have been signed in by staff before you leave the site. At the course start time the instructors will come and meet the participants.

Once all participants are happy and fully equipped with all the clothing they need, then the activity sessions will get underway!

Everyone will break for lunch midway through the day*.

Afternoon session

After lunch, activity sessions will resume.

At the course end time, typically 16:30, please ensure that all participants are signed out with a member of staff, before leaving the site.

Course overview

Duration: 2 days

Prices from £ 280

Ability level: Beginner

What's included

Wetsuit Buoyancy Aid Spray Top and Trousers Helmet

What you need to bring

Swimwear Towel Drinks Suncream Weather appropriate clothing Spare pair of shoes to wear in the water (closed-toe) Lunch and snacks Water bottle

Prerequisites

Check availability & book online, preferred centre locations, available course dates.

To search for available bookings within a date range, click to select a start and end date. Alternatively, click to select a specific highlighted date to view available courses.

* Secure your place now with just a £50 deposit

For courses more than a month in advance, deposit payments are only applicable for courses above £50.

results based on your selections

Need help finding the right activity?

Speak to our Centre team or send them a message, outlining what you might be interested in and they will be able to recommend some courses or activities, or help create something bespoke.

Call our central team

Call us on +44 (0)300 124 0449 , Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. Outside of these hours you’re welcome to leave a message.

Send us an email

Drop us an email with your details at [email protected] and let us know how we can help. We aim to respond to emails the next working day.

Visit our Centres

You can pop in to your local Centre and speak to someone in person. To find your nearest Centre, please click here .