Professional Sportsboat Driver

We were the first company to put together a package like this. Now in its seventh year no one else offers such a diverse Sports Boat Training Course. In three weeks intensive training the successful student will emerge with;

• RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate (Jet Ski)
• RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
• RYA CEVNI (Inland Waterways of Europe Endorsement)
• RYA Intermediate Powerboat
• RYA Advanced Powerboat
• RYA Safetyboat
• RYA Dayskipper Shorebased
• RYA First Aid
• RYA Short Range Certificate (VHF and Digital Selective Calling)
• RYA Sea Survival
• RYA Diesel
• BSAC Outboard Engine Maintenance
• BSAC Diver Cox'n Award
• BWS Ski Boat Driver Award

Students from this Course become fully trained and qualified to drive RIBs and other open powerboats day or night in the UK. These qualifications are also recognised in most other parts of the world. We provide all the training, RIBs, fuel, assessment and certification for the full three weeks and this is all included in your course fees. In addition to Course fees students will also need to pay to the RYA a £30 administration fee for their SRC Certificate. We also insist that all students are RYA members, (we can arrange RYA membership for you, usually £40). There are also various membership and license fees that apply to the BSAC and BWS certificates (please see course descriptions).

There are no hidden costs in this course. Everything is included up front (unless otherwise stated above). We aim to complete the full Course in 3 weeks. The success of this Course relies on the fact that it is intensive and that we keep the Instructor to student ratios low. Trainees will learn in the Solent, an excellent teaching area, they will experience a range of different craft and should emerge as fully qualified Advanced Powerboat Drivers.

FAQs

How can I become so highly qualified so quickly?

Due to the intensive nature of this Course you are covering a huge amount in a short time. Unlike others who spend years gaining these qualifications you are learning the best techniques from the start and are able to fast track your way to the top. But be warned the days will be long and demanding. You must hold a minimum of RYA powerboat Level 2 when you enrole on this course. If you do not already hold this we can arrange a 2 day Level 2 Course to get you started.

Why is there so many shorebased elements attached to the Course?

The shorebased sections have been selected to make you a safe commercial or leisure driver, some of them are required for your commercial endorsement and some provide the background required to make the right decisions on the water. Much of the Shorebased work while not afloat is still practical.

What boats will I use?

All the training will take place in open powerboats (i.e. they have no sleeping or cooking facilities). We mainly use RIBs as they are the first choice of both the leisure and commercial user. During the safety boat section you will use a tiller steered boat and you will later spend a day on a jet ski. Throughout your course you will learn to handle different boats and begin to appreciate their different characteristics.

Who or what are the RYA, BSAC and BWS?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) is the governing body for powerboating (and sailing) in the UK. Their training scheme is designed both for the leisure driver and those entering the commercial world. They are the globally recognised as the leading provider of water sports, powerboat and yachting qualifications. BSAC is the British Sub Aqua Club. Their training scheme is also internationally recognised. While we will not be covering scuba-diving during the sportsboat course we will train you on how to efficiently drive a dive boat and how to supervise a team of divers. BWS (British Water Ski) is the National Governing Body for water skiing and wake-boarding, their boat driving qualification is used and recognised throughout the UK and many parts of Europe.

When we are not in the boats where we do we spend the rest of the time?

A bulk of the shorebased time will be spent in one of our classrooms, but there is also a life-raft session in the pool, engine maintenance on the dockside and some other practical outdoor sessions.

What do I need to provide myself?

We provide all your training aids and necessary books; however some students may wish to buy further books. We provide life jackets and everything required on the water. All you need is suitable warm clothing, water proofs/oilskins and suitable footwear. Alternatively you can hire our oilskins for £20 for all of the on water sections of your course. We do not provide food or accommodation so if you do not live locally please allow for this in your budgeting.

Is the Dayskipper Shorebased not geared up more for sailors?

Yes the Dayskipper was originally, but we have adapted it to become more relevant to power boating and high-speed navigation. There is however a huge cross over between the two sports and it will give you the ground knowledge to take into sailing as well. The Sea Survival, First Aid and SRC elements are also equally valuable if you have an interest in sailing. Students from this course would be ready to go straight onto the Dayskipper Sail or Power if they wished.

Having completed the Course can I commercially endorse my advanced powerboat qualification?

If having completed your course successfully you wish to work commercially as a powerboat driver you will need at some point to take the MCA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence. This is a separate three-day preparation course and exam (including three further night exercises). You will have covered most of the pre requisites (First Aid, SRC, Sea Survival Certificate & Dayskipper knowledge) during your three weeks training with us but will also need a ML5  medical examination from your GP.

There is also a sea time requirement for all exam candidates; 2 years experience of powerboating including 20 days afloat, 400 logged miles, 2 days as skipper and 12 night hours. Those who have the sea time before joining us can go straight onto the exam, those who do not will have picked up some of it while with us and can return at a later date when they have logged the necessary time, miles etc.

Please be aware that this fast track course is aimed at leisure and commercial drivers and that the Certificate of Competence is not included within the course fees.

Once I have completed the Course what next?

The list is open ended but RYA qualifications are respected all over the world and mandatory within many organisations within the UK. Some students will work for Charter or RIB Services Companies, some do the Course for their own interest and some will use it as the stepping stone towards a whole new career. We will have given you the training to drive powerboats safely and confidently, after that the choice is yours. Many of our previous students from this course have gone on to become RYA and BSAC Powerboat Instructors, some in fact now work for us on a freelance basis.

BOOKING

The course requires eighteen days contact time spread over three weeks and commences on the start dates below, during that time there will be one day of. Once you have booked we will send you a fuller programme. If these dates do not suit or you would prefer to break the course into smaller chunks please contact us.