The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course is highly popular in the powerboating and yachting industry. However, barely anyone talks about the RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course in South Africa or anywhere, really. In this article, let’s see everything that we should know about the RYA Powerboat Level 1 course and certification in South Africa.
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course and Certificate in South Africa
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course and Certification comes under the jurisdiction of the Royal Yachting Association, a UK-based governing body that primarily regulates powerboat and dinghy sailing, yacht sailing, and inland waterways cruising. As a pioneer in the industry, the RYA certificates are recognised almost globally, making it one of the most valuable certificates in the world.
Ideally, any serious want-to-be skipper should be starting with the RYA Powerboat Level 1 certification. If you are looking forward to thoroughly consolidating your powerboating skills, this is the first certificate to go for. This most basic course in the powerboat industry covers basic boat operations, safety gear, using mooring buoys, and man overboard procedure (theory). If you would like to thoroughly understand boating, the RYA 1 Powerboat certificate course would be perfect for you.
Related: RYA Certificate: Here’s what you need to know
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 Prerequisite
There are absolutely no requirements for the RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course.
Kids as young as 8 years old can take this course. For kids between ages 8-11, the course will be majorly observational. Any practical sections of the course will be strictly under a certified skipper’s observation.
Kids between the ages of 12 to 16 have more freedom to practical accessibility, however, still remains under strict observation. Due to the nature of this course, it presents a perfect opportunity to present a whole new set of opportunities to your kids. Children finishing the course successfully will receive a certificate of endorsement according to the boat type they used in the course.
Also, it is important to note that there is no maximum age limit to this course. This means even an adult can take this course anytime. And of course, adults have all the freedom to take active participation in all practical aspects of the course.
This course lasts a minimum of a day.
So, why do people take the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course instead?
Simply because they can, and RYA allows it. Besides, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course focuses much more on practicality and gives in-depth knowledge on handling a powerboat. Also, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 license is one of the basic requirements for the superyacht industry.
There are no prerequisites to take the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, and you can easily take it in South Africa. Many RYA-accredited marine institutes like Skipper Training SA provide intensive RYA Powerboat Level 2 training, examination, and certificate.
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 course is considered a children’s course and has been overlooked for a long time; so much that this course is majorly not available outside the UK as there is barely any demand.
Related: Powerboat Course | What are PB1 and PB2?
Is RYA Powerboat Level 1 Certification Good for Employment?
As mentioned previously, the RYA Powerboat Level 1 course is considered a children’s course and it does not provide any real value to your resume. The minimum industry standard is the RYA Powerboat Level 2 license. However, courses beyond the RYA Powerboat Level 2, such as Advanced Powerboat, RYA Day Skipper, or Yachtmaster qualification do add significant value to your resume.
So, should you really take the course? If it is available and you got time, why not? It only helps in consolidating your skill sets, which makes you a better powerboat skipper. Does it add any value on paper? Frankly, no, it does not. But as a boating enthusiast, it is an important milestone nonetheless.
Conclusion
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 is the most basic powerboating course out there. While it does not add any real value to your resume, it does help with consolidating your skills. As a powerboat enthusiast, this course is perfect for you or your kids to gently immerse yourself into the boating world.
In South Africa, RYA-accredited marine institutes mainly focus on providing the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course to meet the increasing demands of the superyacht industry. If you are looking for the Level 2 course in South Africa, feel free to drop us a message and we would gladly assist you.
