RYA Advanced Powerboat Course – offshore and night navigation training

RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA Powerboat Advanced Course

From £365.00

The RYA Advanced Powerboat Course is designed for experienced powerboat operators looking to take full control of a planing powerboat in tidal coastal waters by day and night. This demanding course develops advanced handling, navigation and decision-making skills in a wide range of conditions.

Whether you’re aiming to operate professionally or simply want to refine your skills to the highest level, the Advanced Powerboat course builds confidence, competence and authority on the water. Led by highly experienced RYA instructors, it represents the pinnacle of practical powerboat training.

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Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

The RYA Advanced Powerboat Course focuses on developing the skills required to take charge of a planing powerboat safely and confidently in challenging tidal coastal conditions, including night navigation.

The course places strong emphasis on advanced boat handling, pilotage and passage planning using both traditional charts and electronic navigation aids. Training is predominantly practical, with supporting classroom-based navigation sessions.

You’ll develop advanced capability in:

You’ll receive everything you need to operate a powerboat confidently at an advanced level, with expert instruction and intensive on-water training throughout the course.

Advanced powerboat handling in confined and open waters
Manoeuvring at speed, including high-speed turns
Berthing and close-quarters handling in all conditions
Operating safely in rough weather and reduced visibility
Pilotage and passage planning by day and night
Use of charts, electronic navigation aids and GPS systems
Application of collision regulations in real-world scenarios
Emergency procedures including towing and search patterns
Anchoring and mooring, including springing on and off
Man overboard recovery techniques

By the end of the course, you’ll be operating to the standard required to safely command a powerboat in demanding coastal conditions.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is intended for experienced powerboat operators who are ready to progress to the highest level of practical powerboat training.

Ideal for:

RYA Powerboat Level 3 (Intermediate) certificate holders
Experienced boat owners operating in tidal coastal waters
Professional or aspiring commercial powerboat operators
Those seeking a commercially endorsable qualification
Powerboaters wanting confidence operating by day and night

This course is not suitable for beginners and requires a strong existing skill base.

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

Candidates must already be competent to the standard of the RYA Powerboat Level 3 (Intermediate) certificate before undertaking the Advanced Powerboat course.

You should also have:

Navigation and chartwork knowledge to Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased level
Practical experience operating a planing powerboat in coastal waters

Strongly recommended:

Valid RYA First Aid Certificate
RYA VHF / SRC Radio Operator’s Certificate
These requirements ensure you can safely and confidently meet the demands of the course.

Course Duration, Price & Certification

The RYA Advanced Powerboat Course is delivered over two intensive days and includes at least one night navigation exercise.

Key course details:

Price: From £365.00
Duration: Minimum of 2 days
Minimum age: 17
Format: Predominantly practical with classroom-based navigation
Certification: RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate

Next Step: Commercial Endorsement

The RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate can be commercially endorsed, allowing you to use the qualification professionally.

To obtain a Certificate of Competence (CoC), an additional exam is required. If you already hold a RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) Certificate of Competence, you do not need to take the Advanced Powerboat CoC.

Please contact us for guidance on commercial endorsement requirements, exams and preparation options.

The course may run into the evening depending on the time of year to accommodate night navigation exercises.

Course Locations & Training Areas

Advanced Powerboat training is conducted in tidal coastal waters, allowing realistic exposure to challenging conditions, traffic and navigation scenarios.

Courses are typically delivered in the Solent, providing an ideal environment for advanced powerboat training by day and night.

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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

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