The RYA Powerboat Berthing Skills Course focuses on developing confidence and control when manoeuvring in marinas and close-quarters environments. Training is delivered on the water in real Solent conditions, covering the techniques required to safely approach, dock and handle a powerboat in wind and tide.
This course is ideal for boat owners and skippers looking to improve precision, awareness and confidence when berthing in busy marinas or confined spaces.

The RYA Powerboat Berthing Skills Course is designed to improve confidence and control when manoeuvring a powerboat in marinas and close-quarters environments. Training takes place on the water in real Solent conditions, providing practical experience in handling wind, tide and confined spaces.
This course focuses on developing precision boat handling and situational awareness, helping you approach, berth and manoeuvre safely in busy marina environments.
The RYA Powerboat Berthing Skills Course is suitable for boat owners, skippers and regular powerboat users who want to improve confidence and accuracy when manoeuvring in marinas and other close-quarters situations. It is particularly useful for those who are comfortable underway but want more control when approaching pontoons, docking and handling a boat in wind or tide.
This course is typically delivered as a 1-day practical training session, focused on hands-on manoeuvring and close-quarters handling. Training is conducted in small groups or on a private basis to ensure plenty of time at the helm.
Course prices start from £199, with private and tailored training options available. Please check available dates or contact us for current pricing and availability.
While this is a skills-based training course rather than a formal RYA certification course, it complements RYA Powerboat training and is ideal for building confidence alongside qualifications such as RYA Powerboat Level 2.
This course is suitable for those with some prior powerboating experience who want to improve their confidence and control when berthing. It is recommended that participants have basic boat handling skills, ideally at the level of RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent experience.
No formal qualifications are required to attend, but a basic understanding of boat handling, throttle control and safety procedures will help you get the most from the training.
Training takes place in Southampton and across the Solent, providing an ideal environment for developing practical berthing and close-quarters handling skills in real-world conditions.
Typical training locations include:
The Solent offers a mix of busy marinas, tidal conditions and varied waterways, allowing you to build confidence when manoeuvring in realistic boating scenarios.
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