Typically 09:00–17:00 (6–8 hours afloat with breaks).

£295 on your own boat. £345 on the school boat (includes use of vessel and safety kit).

Non-marking shoes, warm/waterproof layers, gloves, sunscreen, snacks/drinks and any personal medication.

We adapt the session to train safely; if conditions aren’t suitable we’ll reschedule.

RYA Certified Training Courses

Power Boat Berthing Skills Course – 1 Day

Q: What will I actually practise?

Approaches in wind/tide, springing on/off, line handling and fenders, tight-space turns, berth exit/entry strategies and crew comms.

Q: Is this suitable for beginners?

No. It’s a skills-development refresher; we recommend experience around RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent.

Q: School boat or my own boat?

Either. Train on our school powerboat or on your own vessel in your marina (subject to safety/equipment).

Q: Where do you run from?

Usually Hamble Point Marina, Southampton (SO31 4NB) with Solent itineraries; own-boat coaching can start from your berth.

Q: How many people attend?

Small groups for maximum helm time (usually up to 4 on the school boat). Own-boat numbers depend on safe capacity.

Q: Will I get a certificate?

This is coaching, not a formal RYA certificate. We can issue a training summary/attendance note on request.

From £295.00

The Power Boat Berthing Skills Course is a practical one-day course designed to help boaters gain confidence and precision when manoeuvring a powerboat in marinas and confined spaces. Whether you train on our school boat or your own vessel in your home marina, this course focuses entirely on hands-on berthing techniques.

Ideal as a skills refresher or confidence boost, the course helps you master close-quarters manoeuvring, understand the effects of wind and tide, and develop calm, controlled berthing routines in real marina environments.

Book Now

Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

This one-day Power Boat Berthing Skills Course focuses on developing practical berthing techniques through repeated, real-world practice. Training takes place on the water, allowing you to refine your handling skills under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Course content includes:

Everything you need to improve your confidence and control when berthing a powerboat is included, with expert instruction throughout the day.

Approaching and leaving pontoons and berths
Berthing techniques for different marina layouts
Managing the effects of wind and tide during berthing
Effective use of lines and fenders to protect the boat
Clear communication between helm and crew
Assigning crew roles to reduce stress and confusion
Problem-solving for common berthing challenges
Recovering safely and confidently from mistakes

The emphasis is on calm decision-making, controlled manoeuvres and building repeatable routines you can rely on.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for boaters who already have some experience and want to feel more confident handling a powerboat in marina environments.

Ideal for:

Powerboat owners seeking greater berthing confidence
Boaters returning to the water after time away
Charterers preparing for marina-intensive trips
Skippers who find berthing stressful in wind or tide
Anyone wanting focused, practical berthing practice

This is not an introductory course but a targeted skills-development day.

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

No formal qualification is required to join the Power Boat Berthing Skills Course. However, participants should already be comfortable at the helm and have some prior boat handling experience.

Recommended experience:

Confidence operating a powerboat under power
Basic understanding of throttle control and steering
Experience equivalent to RYA Powerboat Level 2 or similar

This course is not suitable for complete beginners. If you’re unsure whether your experience level is appropriate, we’re happy to discuss your background before booking.

Course Duration, Price & Certification

This is a focused one-day practical course designed to deliver maximum time on the helm.

Key course details:

Duration: 1 day (approximately 6–8 hours)
Price (school boat): £345.00
Price (your own boat): £295.00
Format: Practical, on-the-water training
Certification: Certificate of attendance

Training can be delivered on our fully equipped school boat or on your own vessel in your marina for a personalised experience.

Course Locations & Training Areas

The Power Boat Berthing Skills Course can be delivered in marina environments suitable for close-quarters manoeuvring.

Training locations will be confirmed at booking and may take place on our school vessel or your own boat in your home marina.

FAQs

What will I actually practise?

Is this suitable for beginners?

School boat or my own boat?

How long is the day?

Where do you run from?

How many people attend?

What does it cost?

What should I bring?

Will I get a certificate?

Bad weather plan?

Can you tailor the session to my berth/marina?

What’s a good next step after this course?

Customer Reviews

“Cloud Nine is a fantastic boat that handles the sea well-lots of power to get on the plane and kept going if you wanted it. My wife who is not the most confident boater said she wasn’t worried as the boat always felt planted to the water. Rob is a really great guy very laid back and gives you confidence going over the boat and its equipment to give you a great day out on the water.”

Star Google Rating – Trusted by Happy Customers

Martin Gordon

“Rob skippered us and our 35ft Sailboat from Portishead to Falmouth. We encountered weather and issues on the boat which without Rob’s leadership, skill and confidence would have caused us to turn back. On the 36 hour journey Rob was consistently professional and friendly, providing coaching and friendly pointers throughout. The entire journey felt like a very easy lesson and we will benefit for many years to come from Rob’s advice and the simple standards he set aboard. Can’t thank him enough and will definitely be in touch in future!.”

Ricky Velai

“Great School, great instructors, great boat, highly recommend taking course with these guys. Instructor Ramos was a great teacher”

Antony Clark

Do you have a question?

Not sure about something? No need to worry, we are here to help and are happy to answer your questions. Send us a message using this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.