Powerboat

 

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.

Powerboat Instructor

Minimum age

16

Required certificates

First aid certificate
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Health declaration form or medical questionnaire

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.
Candidates who are already qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor (power) may attend a one day conversion course, rather than the full three day course.

Instructor Course Dates.

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

Advanced Powerboat Instructor

Minimum age

17

Required certificates

First aid certificate
RYA Powerboat Instructor
Advanced Powerboat Course Completion certificate

One of the following Certificate of Competence:

  •  Advanced Powerboat,

  • RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (power)

  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (power)

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

Powerboat Trainer

Minimum age

18

Required certificates

First aid certificate
Health declaration form or medical questionnaire
Powerboat Instructor
Intermediate or Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate
Knowledge to level of Day Skipper Theory
Professional Practices and Responsibilities

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.
For applicants within the UK, a recommendation from your Regional Development Officer is desirable. If your application is successful, you will be invited to a Powerboat Trainer Selection Day, after which you may be invited to the Powerboat Trainer Course. 

Training course 

A four-day training course which focuses on the skills required to deliver instructor courses.
In the UK, the best way to stay up to date with the process is via your Regional Development Officer, who may have some aspirant trainer professional development opportunities available.

Application

Powerboat Trainer Selection 2024 - applications are now closed. 
Notification of invitation to Powerboat Trainer selection have now been emailed to successful applicants. If you have not heard from us, you have not been successful on this occasion. There were upwards of 80 applications, many of a high calibre, since the delayed 2020 course. Invitation to a Powerboat Trainer selection day is made based on geographic requirement, strength of application and engagement with the regional development team if based in the UK. Powerboat Trainer is an appointment, and it is a fine balance to ensure that there are enough to service the Powerboat scheme and that trainers remain active.
It is anticipated that applications will open again in 2025.

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

Powerboat Advanced Trainer

Minimum age

18

Required certificates

First aid certificate
Health declaration form or medical questionnaire
Powerboat Trainer
Advanced Powerboat Instructor
Commercial endorsement

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