In this article, we briefly discussed the RYA Powerboat Advanced course in South Africa. However, to obtain the RYA Certificate of Competence (CoC), you have to pass the practical exam. In this article, we will understand the RYA Powerboat Advanced Exam for the Certificate of Competence (CoC) in South Africa.
The RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam for CoC in South Africa
The RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam for CoC is all about your mastery and understanding of everything you learnt in the course. If you are looking to obtain a commercial endorsement or become an RYA Advanced Powerboat instructor, this course is perfect for you.
Please note that you do not need this CoC if you already have a Yachtmaster Power Certificate of Competence. This includes courses like Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore.
So, how does the exam work?
The RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam Requirements
This exam is for experienced boaters taking on new challenges in their career and life. So, if you are a novice boater, this article is not for you. That being said, let us see the requirements for the RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam.
First of all, the hands-on experience with driving a boat. As you are taking an advanced course, the seatime requirements are demanding:
- 30 days at sea on the minimum; or 20 days if you have completed an RYA Advanced Powerboat course in the past;
- At least 2 days experience as a skipper;
- 800 miles logged in total or half of the miles if you have completed an RYA Advanced Powerboat course before;
- and lastly, 12 night hours at sea as a skipper.
Your hours or miles are only considered valid if they were logged on a seagoing powerboat in the last 10 years.
Besides that, you will require the following certifications.
- A GMDSS-compliant marine radio operator certificate;
- RYA First Aid or a valid equivalent;
- RYA Advanced Powerboat Completion certificate to avail the benefits; and
- ID Proof in the form of a valid document.
You must be at least of the age of 17 at the time of examination.
Do I need to bring my own boat for the Exam?
Yes.
If you do not own a boat, then you may consider chartering or borrowing a boat.
In South Africa, Sail and Power SA will help you with RIB hires for a local fee. So worry not about borrowing or chartering a boat and be stress-free in your examination.
However, if you must bring your boat, then make sure it is up to standards.
According to the RYA standards, the boat must be capable of running at 12 knots at the minimum and fitted with appropriate equipment. You should familiarise yourself with the equipment as you may be asked to use them during your examination.
How does the Exam work?
Depending on the number of candidates, the exam may last up to 8 hours. You may have 2 other candidates besides you during the exam.
During the exam, the examiner may ask you various questions regarding navigation, charts, and equipment. Besides that, there will be scenario-based questions and practicals as well.
One of the skills candidates acquire through the RYA Advanced Powerboat course is night boating and navigation. Naturally, you will have to demonstrate how you navigate your boat during night hours to pass the exam.
We highly recommend you refer to the syllabus in RYA Publication G20. It will help you greatly in tackling your exam with confidence.
Word of Advice
The RYA Advanced Powerboat CoC exam in South Africa is probably one of the most important exams of your life. Prepare plenty and make sure to have fun during your examination. It is something you have been doing for a while, so don’t stress. Remember your training and it will come to you naturally.
Nighttime navigation can be tricky, so make sure you get comfortable before signing up for the exam. The exam has a cost, including the RYA examination fee and optionally, RIB hire and fuel costs.
If you require any help with any of the RYA skipper courses or examinations, feel free to contact Sail and Power SA. We are an RYA-approved training centre based in Cape Town, South Africa.
