When it comes to RYA Powerboat Courses in South Africa, we mainly chatter about the level 1 and level 2 courses. But did you know that there’s more to that? In this article, we will discuss all sorts of Powerboat courses the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) provides in South Africa.
Are the RYA Powerboat Courses available in South Africa?
Yes, absolutely. You can take the RYA Powerboat courses at any RYA-accredited marine training institution in South Africa. For example, Skipper Training SA is an RYA-accredited training centre that provides Powerboat training in Cape Town, South Africa.
It is crucial to seek Powerboat courses via an RYA-accredited trainer as you get the official certificate that is internationally valid. At Skipper Training SA, we are available to provide training throughout the year. Feel free to connect with us if you have any queries.
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course
Popularly known as a beginner’s course, the RYA Powerboat Level 1 course is usually overlooked by aspiring boaters. Why? Because the RYA Level 2 course still covers all the aspects of the level 1 course. So, is it really worth taking the course? In our opinion, yes, it is; especially if you are serious about learning and reinforcing your powerboating skills as you advance.
So, what does the RYA Powerboat Level 1 course require? What knowledge does it provide?
As a beginner’s course, this course requires no experience or any other marine qualifications whatsoever. Candidates as young as 8 can take this course. However, children under 12 are only allowed to observe certain operations in the course. Regardless, it is a great course to introduce the young ones to the exciting world of powerboating.
The course contains the launch and recovery of the powerboat, preparing the boat and crew, boat handling, picking up and securing to a mooring buoy, leaving and coming alongside (another boat), and man overboard theory.
If the candidate can drive the powerboat under supervision, they will receive the RYA Powerboat Level 1 certification.
The RYA Powerboat Level 2
The direct successor to the RYA Powerboat Level 1, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 is deemed as the true entry point to learn powerboating. This two-day course prepares a candidate for launching and recovering, boat handling, securing to a mooring buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside (other boats), and man overboard (practical).
Candidates of age 12 and above can participate in the course. However, candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsement certificate only.
Upon completing the course, you will receive your RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate. The success criteria here is whether you understand how to powerboat efficiently under the right conditions. That you are aware of your limitations and of your vessel.
RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course
From the intermediate course, you will have to fulfil certain prerequisites and have prior experience as well. For the RYA Intermediate Powerboat course, the candidates must have the RYA Powerboat Level 2 license. Besides that, you require a basic First Aid certification and a VHF/SRC operator’s certificate. Besides that, you need knowledge equivalent to the level of Day Skipper Theory.
This two-day course is only for candidates of age 16 and above.
In this course, the candidate primarily learns how to plan a day cruise and passage making, along with elements such as boat prep and handling, piloting the boat, and man overboard procedures.
If a candidate can successfully plan and complete a passage, they will receive the RYA Intermediate Powerboat certification.
RYA Powerboat Advanced Course
The ultimate course for the powerboaters, the RYA Powerboat Advanced Course goes into the details of powerboating. As an advanced course, the candidate must have experience with navigation and chartwork to the level of Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore certification. Besides that, you will require a Basic First Aid certification and a VHF/SRC operator’s certificate.
The duration of this course is 2 days minimum, which includes 1 night navigation exercise. Candidates of age 17 and above can take the course.
This course covers important aspects such as boat preparation and handling, passage making, understanding responsibility as a skipper, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, use of engines, emergency protocols, and night cruising.
If a candidate can successfully demonstrate planning and execution of coastal trips and return to a familiar port by night, they will receive the RYA Powerboat Advanced certificate.
Final Words
The RYA Powerboat certificates are valid in South Africa as well as internationally, thus making these certificates valuable. If you are a long-term resident in South Africa, however, eventually you will have to get the SAMSA Skipper license.
For more information on the RYA Powerboat Certificates and SAMSA Skipper Licenses, feel free to contact us.
