In the previous article, we familiarised ourselves with the RYA Powerboat Advanced Course in South Africa. It is the ultimate test of a skipper’s abilities before to embark on their Yachtmaster adventures. However, you cannot directly go for the RYA Powerboat Advanced right after the Powerboat Level 2 course. There’s one more step: the RYA Powerboat Intermediate course, which is available in South Africa. In this article, let’s familiarise ourselves with the RYA Powerboat Intermediate course.
RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course in South Africa
The RYA Powerboat Intermediate course in South Africa focuses on bridging the gap between the Level 2 qualification and the Advanced qualification. While a Powerboat Level 2 covers the basics of powerboating, it deliberately omits some skill sets required to be an advanced powerboater. The Intermediate course mainly focuses on making you comfortable with your knowledge from Level 2 and helps you plan day cruises on your own.
To plan a cruise, you require navigational knowledge as well. While it is optional, you would benefit from the RYA Day Skipper theory classes if you are a novice at powerboating. You can take this shore-based (classroom) course right after obtaining the Level 2 qualification.
RYA Day Skipper Theory
The RYA Day Skipper theory course specifically focuses on theoretical knowledge regarding navigation. As it is a classroom course, you may consider taking it online or in class, depending on your convenience.
This course focuses mainly on providing sufficient navigational knowledge to plan a day cruise on your own. While there are no official prerequisites described for the course, RYA recommends you have some practical experience prior to enrollment. There are no minimum age criteria. However, it would be safe to consider the age criteria to be at least the age of 16 since the PB Level 2 qualification requires you to be at least the age of 16.
Here’s what the RYA Day Skipper Theory covers in South Africa.
- Seamanship;
- Coastal Navigation and Pilotage;
- Chartwork and Electronic Charts;
- Position Fixing;
- Plotting a course;
- Weather Forecasting and Meteorology;
- Understanding tides; and
- Collision regulations (rules of the road)
The classroom course itself will last for 40 hours. Additionally, there will be a written exam. Upon passing, you will receive your certification.
What will I learn in the RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course?
If you are a certified RYA Powerboat Level 2 skipper in South Africa, you are qualified to take the RYA Powerboat Intermediate Course. This is given that you have the navigation knowledge of the Day Skipper Theory and above.
The minimum age for enrollment is 16. RYA requires you to have competent knowledge of the standards of Powerboat Level 2 and Day Skipper Theory. Furthermore, RYA also recommends you hold a First Aid and VHF/SRC operator’s certification. The minimum duration of the course is 2 days.
The RYA Powerboat Intermediate focuses on helping you utilise your basic skipper skills and apply them practically. You will learn the following.
- Planning a day cruise;
- Boat preparation;
- Boat handling;
- Pilotage;
- Passage making; and
- Man Overboard Procedures.
The Intermediate Course does not focus on planning a night cruise. The passing criteria consist of a successful demonstration of planning and execution of a short coastal passage by day.
Final Thoughts
The RYA Intermediate Course will challenge your basic skipper skills and help you practically apply them. This is your first true step towards becoming an independent skipper internationally. RYA Certificates are recognised globally. In South Africa, you may use your RYA qualifications to obtain local SAMSA qualifications with ease.
While the course is majorly practical, there are some classroom elements to the course to help you refresh your knowledge regarding navigation theories. The practical sessions will help you apply the knowledge and become an independent, better skipper in South Africa.
If you are an RYA Powerboat Level 2 license holder, we highly recommend you consider the intermediate course. Skipper Training SA is an RYA-accredited training institute in South Africa. We provide RYA Powerboat courses up to the Advanced level. Feel free to give us a call if you wish to undertake a course/examination for the RYA Powerboat Advanced certification.
