This section is for people wanting to teach, the RYA Powerboat Scheme.
This scheme can be taught in a variety of small open powerboats such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats and is aimed at a variety of users from casual leisure boaters to professional small boat skippers. As an instructor you will therefore need to have experience in a variety of boats and situations.
Minimum age |
16 |
Required certificates |
First aid certificate |
Experience |
Five seasons experience of powerboating logged (preferably in range of boat types and sizes) OR one season for those who use powerboats as an integral part of their normal full-time occupation. |
Pre-entry assessment |
Candidates must attend a skills assessment prior to their instructor training course. Details can be found in the RYA Power Schemes Instructor Handbook (G19) |
Training course |
Three day course assessed by an independent Trainer on the third day. |
Qualified to teach |
Up to and including Powerboat Level 2 under the supervision of the Principal or Chief Instructor. If you hold the Safety Boat Certificate, you may also teach the RYA Safety Boat Course. |
Validity |
Five years from date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained. |
RYA membership |
Required |
Minimum age |
17 |
Required certificates |
First aid certificate One of the following Certificate of Competence:
Commercial Endorsement (Advanced Instructors who do not hold a valid CE will only be able to teach Intermediate powerboat) Health Declaration form or medical questionnaire (for those without a commercial endorsement) |
Experience |
Logged teaching hours |
Training course |
Two day course and one evening, which will include a night exercise conducted in darkness. Continuous assessment throughout the course. For centres offering instructor courses in click here. |
Qualified to teach |
Tender Operator, Intermediate and Advanced powerboat courses. |
Validity |
Five years from date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained. Those teaching the Tender Operator or Advanced course will also need a current medical and commercial endorsement. |
RYA membership |
Required |
Minimum age |
18 |
Required certificates |
First aid certificate |
Experience |
Experienced Powerboat Instructor with a strong knowledge of the syllabi for all courses in the RYA Powerboat Scheme. Must have strong skills in diplomacy and tact. Observing an instructor course is one way to ascertain strengths and development areas. |
Pre-entry assessment |
Powerboat Trainer is an appointment. Applications for consideration for Powerboat Trainer Selection are closed at this time. |
Training course |
A four-day training course which focuses on the skills required to deliver instructor courses. |
Application |
Powerboat Trainer Selection 2024 - applications are now closed. |
Qualified to teach |
Train and assess instructors at all levels within the Powerboat scheme. |
Validity |
Appointed annually. After five years a practical revalidation is required. |
RYA membership | Required |
Minimum age |
18 |
Required certificates |
First aid certificate |
Experience |
Experienced RYA Powerboat Trainer who holds Advanced Powerboat Instructor with strong knowledge of the syllabi for all courses in the RYA Powerboat Scheme. Must have strong skills in diplomacy and tact. |
Application |
By invitation only |
Qualified to teach |
Train and assess Powerboat Advanced Instructors. |
Validity |
Appointed annually. After five years a practical revalidation is required. |
RYA membership |
Required |
Related documents
Instructor observation form
Related pages
Who Teaches What
Guidance on running the Tender Operator Course
Regional courses and training for instructors
Revalidate your instructor certificate
Tell us if you're available for work