Who is the RYA Helmsman (Motor) course for?

Beginners and new crew who want a solid foundation in motor-cruiser handling and seamanship. No previous certification is required.

How long is the course and where is it held?

Two days in person at Hamble Point Marina, Southampton, with training afloat on local Solent waters.

What skills will I learn?

Safety and pre-start checks, close-quarters handling, springing on and off, berthing and unberthing, securing to a buoy, anchoring and man-overboard drills.

Do I need any theory first?

No, but basic time afloat is helpful. If you want extra background, Day Skipper Theory is a good follow-on.

Is the course suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. It is designed as an entry to motor cruising and is a popular stepping stone to Day Skipper (Motor).

Warm layers, non-slip footwear and any usual seasickness remedies. All safety equipment is provided.

How do I book if the dates don’t suit?

Use the enquiry form or call +44 7960 694572 and we will try to add alternative dates or arrange own-boat training.

RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA Helmsman Course (Motorboat)

Q: What is the minimum age?

12 years. Candidates under 16 receive an endorsed certificate.

From £645.00

Our RYA Helmsman Course (Motor) is a practical, hands-on 2-day motorboat training course designed for anyone who wants to skipper a motor cruiser safely and confidently. Whether you’re completely new to boating or stepping up from crew to helm, this course provides the essential skills, knowledge and confidence needed to take charge on the water.

Delivered in the Solent by experienced RYA-qualified instructors, the course focuses on real-world boat handling, seamanship and safety. You’ll train in tidal waters, gaining valuable experience in one of the UK’s busiest and most varied boating environments.

On successful completion, you’ll receive an RYA Helmsman Certificate (Motor), widely recognised as an ideal first qualification for motorboat owners and aspiring skippers.

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Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

The RYA Helmsman Course is designed to teach the fundamentals of motorboat handling and seamanship. Over two days, you’ll develop the confidence to skipper a boat in familiar waters and carry out essential manoeuvres safely and effectively.

By the end of the course, you should feel comfortable:

– Taking charge of a motorboat
– Berthing and unberthing in straightforward conditions
– Communicating effectively with crew
– Handling the boat safely under power

This course is ideal for leisure boaters and those planning to operate their own motorboat with family or friends.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for anyone looking to gain confidence skippering a motorboat or progressing their boating skills in tidal waters.

Suitable for:

- First-time motorboat owners
- Crew members stepping up to skipper
- Leisure boaters and families
- Anyone new to motor cruising
- Those boating in tidal waters such as the Solent

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

No previous boating experience is required to take part in the RYA Helmsman Course (Motor). The course is designed for beginners and those with limited experience who want to develop safe and confident boat handling skills.

Entry requirements:

- Minimum age: 12 years
- Candidates under 16 will receive an endorsed certificate
- May be preceded by RYA Level 1 Start Powerboating (optional)

Course Duration, Price & Certification

This course is delivered over two practical days, allowing plenty of hands-on time on the water with an experienced instructor.

Key details:

- Duration: 2 days
- Price: From £645.00
- Certification: RYA Helmsman Certificate (Motor)

The RYA Helmsman Certificate is widely recognised as an ideal first qualification for motorboat owners and those taking responsibility for a motor cruiser in familiar waters.

Course Locations & Training Areas

Our RYA Helmsman training takes place in the Solent, providing an excellent environment to develop real-world motorboat handling skills in tidal waters.

Training locations include:

- Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina, SO31 4NB
- Southampton Water
- Lymington and surrounding Solent waters

Training in the Solent offers exposure to busy marinas, tidal conditions and varied waterways, helping you build confidence in realistic boating scenarios.

FAQs

Who is this course for?

Do I need previous experience?

How long is the course and what’s the format?

What will I learn?

What is the minimum age?

Where is the course held?

Can this be run on my own boat?

What should I bring?

How many students per instructor?

Does this qualify me for an ICC?

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.