Deciding to buy a boat is an exciting time, but knowing how to handle your shiny new purchase can sometimes be an after-thought.
Taking an RYA course will help you set off on the right footing and keep your passengers safe. Starter courses cover the basics for first time boaters, while more experienced boaters who want to venture further afield or into unfamiliar ports, will benefit from pilotage and navigation techniques on our intermediate and advanced courses.
So whether you're looking to buy your first boat or trade up to something bigger, there’s always something new to learn.
Here’s a selection of some of the RYA’s most popular courses:
Powerboat Level 2
So you’ve bought your first RIB and you can’t wait to get out on the water. But when you arrive at the marina it looks a bit daunting. An RYA Powerboat Level 2 covers everything you need to know to feel in control: low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed and collision regulations. Or if it’s been a while since you were at the helm, maybe it’s time for a refresh?
Powerboat Intermediate and Advanced
Before buying a more powerful boat, you might consider building on your Level 2 knowledge. Bigger RIBS and speedboats can take some getting used to as they will handle differently on the water. The Intermediate course is designed to help you manoeuver the boat with confidence ensuring short journeys are a breeze. The Advanced course covers some night pilotage too.
Day Skipper Practical Course (for Sail or Motor vessels)
This course gives you the chance to take charge of a yacht on short passages in familiar waters. Focusing on pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation it’s a great all-rounder if you're planning to skipper your new sailing yacht in familiar waters by day or to go and charter. You'll also have a brief taste of being on the water in the dark as well as practicing both modern and traditional navigational techniques.
Shorebased
Some RYA courses can be done without actually leaving the shore – SRC for the use of VHF radios, Radar, Sea Survival, First Aid and Diesel Engine Maintenance to name a few. Improving your knowledge of safety at sea, such as how to make distress calls, fix an engine or survive in emergency conditions could prove vital.
Competent Crew
Thinking of offering up your time as crew for someone with a new yacht? If you’ve never sailed but love the idea of getting involved, then Competent Crew is for you. This five-day hands-on course gives you a brilliant overview of sailing, without the pressure of being in charge. You’ll spend time steering, handling sails and keeping a lookout – you’ll even learn how to row a dinghy. By getting stuck into all the day to day duties on board you’ll learn a huge amount and become a valuable member of the team; plus you’ll visit some new places with fabulous scenery along the way.
To find out more about RYA Training and a course near you visit www.rya.org.uk/go/training
