Powerboat training
Powerboat training is provided to Hunts SC club members who wish to contribute back to the club. In return for this low cost training, we ask that you show a demonstrable commitment to undertaking safety boat duties and/or instructor training.
Minimum Requirements
To drive a powerboat at Hunts SC you must have successfully completed an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, or the club training course (Acquaint), which has now been retired.
Club members who completed the club training course should endeavour to obtain the RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification. Experienced powerboat drivers can do this by undertaking a direct assessment. Please talk to a member of the training team, or email training@huntssc.org.
We recommend that anyone undertaking safety boat duties should also complete the additional Hunts SC Safety Boat Training course or RYA Safety Boat, and that you should refresh this training every 5 years to stay up to date.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2)
The Powerboat Level 2 course teaches you basic boat handling and seamanship in small powerboats. It is a predominantly practical course, with a bit of theory mixed in. Amongst other things we cover launching and recovery, high and low speed maneuvres (turning and parking) and man overboard procedure.
The PB2 certificate is recognised by centres and clubs across the country; you can also use it to apply for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) if you want to use a powerboat abroad. The PB2 certificate is also a prerequisite for other RYA courses, e.g. Safety Boat, Dinghy Instructor and Race Coach.
We recommend that prior to enrolling on the PB2 course you have gained some experience on duty as safety boat assistant, and that once you have completed the course you practice your newly acquired skills as safety boat assistant.
- Duration: 2 days
- Minimum age: 14 (powerboats must be used under the supervision of a responsible adult until age 16). Youth places are typically reserved for those on the instructor pathway.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Direct Assessment
Powerboat Level 2 candidates with a suitable amount of experience may take a direct assessment. It involves taking a practical test of your boat handling skills, and answering questions on the theory that would be covered in a full course (find out more). Direct assessments are organised on demand, please email training@huntssc.org.
- Duration: ½ day
- Minimum age: 14 (powerboats must be used under the supervision of a responsible adult until age 16)
Hunts Safety Boat Training
This course is for people undertaking safety boat duties at Hunts SC. The emphasis shall be on developing confidence to make successful interventions when providing safety cover, develop essential powerboat handling skills and practise a variety of recovery techniques for single and double-handed dinghies.
- Duration: ½ day
- Prerequisites: RYA Powerboat Level 2. Ideally you will have spent some time refining your boat handling skills whilst on duty.
- Minimum age: 16
RYA Safety Boat
The RYA Safety Boat course teaches the use of a powerboat to effect rescues of other water users. The course covers, preparation of safety boats, boat handling, dinghy rescue and towing, windsurfer rescue, canoe/kayak rescue and assisting with race management.
This course is useful for dinghy instructors and race coaches, especially those who are planning on doing a senior instructor course or working in other centres. It is also applicable for anyone taking on safety boat duties at other clubs or events.
- Duration: 2 days
- Prerequisites: RYA Powerboat Level 2. Ideally you will have spent some time refining your boat handling skills whilst on duty.
- Minimum age: 16
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Last updated 23:42 on 1 February 2025