Who’s it for?
The course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive powerboats in daylight and favourable weather conditions.
Is there a minimum age?
You must be aged 12 years or older to attend an RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. Candidates under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, unless attending a dedicated Youth Course – contact us for more information.
What does the course content cover?
The syllabus focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, anchoring, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. For more syllabus information, please click here to visit the syllabus section on our homepage.
What certificate will I get at the end of the course?
Candidates will be issued with an RYA Level 2 Powerboat photocard certificate, endorsed for planing hulls, upon successful completion of all aspects of the syllabus.
Where is the course held?
Training takes place on the tidal Thames, starting from Chiswick Pier.
What’s the format of the course?
The course is delivered as a mix of practical and classroom sessions, with a focus on practical boat handling.
Do you provide refreshments/lunch?
Lunch isn’t provided, but we do provide refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) and will return to the pier each day for a lunch break. Candidates are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or head out to cafés/shops nearby (within easy walking distance).
Is there a test/assessment/exam?
We use continuous assessment throughout the course to ensure candidates demonstrate the required standard for the award of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate. If a candidate doesn’t achieve the required standard across all elements of the course syllabus, or fails to attend part of the course, we’ll generate an action plan to document what needs to be done to attain the course completion certificate.
Can I arrive late?
No, regrettably we can’t accommodate candidates who arrive late. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to arrive before the advertised start time of your course. If you fail to attend the safety briefing at the beginning of the course, you will not be able to attend any subsequent sessions and will have to rebook to attend at a later date at additional cost.
How many candidates are on the course / on each boat?
We work on a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1:3 onboard each boat, and up to 6 candidates in classroom sessions.
Do you offer 1-to-1 tuition?
Yes – we offer Solo courses, please contact us to find out more.
Can I book multiple places / do you take group bookings?
Yes – subject to availability. We offer a group discount of £25pp for bookings of 3 or more candidates. Discounts are automatically applied at the checkout.
What is the ICC?
The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft is a certificate which is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries. It was historically known as the International Certificate of Competence. It’s often required for demonstrating competence when bareboat chartering/renting boats abroad (ie. without a professional skipper/crew).
How do I get an ICC?
The easiest way to apply for your ICC is to apply online via the RYA website
Do I have to sit any additional tests or assessments to get the ICC?
If you’re looking to obtain your ICC for use on coastal waters, after completing your RYA Level 2 powerboat course, your RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate can be used to evidence competency for the category of “Power up to 10m length overall” – with no additional assessment required!
If you also require the INLAND category to be validated on your ICC (this is required for navigating on inland waterways – rivers, canal systems and lakes – in Europe), you will need to complete a CEVNI theory test. For full details, supporting materials/resources, and test bookings, please visit: www.focusmarine.co.uk/cevni
How much does the ICC cost?
ICC certificate are priced at £47, or free for RYA Members.
When applying for your ICC, you will have the option of becoming an RYA member (there’s no need to apply in advance).
The cost of RYA membership is the same as the cost of ICC certification (or, in some cases, cheaper!), and you can additionally benefit from member discounts and offers as well as free certificate amendments. If you decide to opt for RYA membership, please support our centre by using the following Joining Point code upon application: 920768491
Who can get an ICC?
You must be aged 16 or older to apply for an ICC. The RYA can issue a UK ICC to any UK national, as well as nationals of other countries who are normally resident in the UK. If you are neither a UK national nor resident in the UK, please check the guidance on the RYA website carefully.
How long does the ICC application process take?
Please check the RYA website for the latest certification lead times. At the time of writing (July 2022) the turnaround time for ICC applications is 5-6 weeks. We recommend that candidates allow plenty of time for ICC applications, as lead times do vary during peak times.
Can I fast-track my ICC application?
Yes – at the time of writing, the RYA Certification department are accepting fast-track applications to reduce the turnaround time to 10 working days (or less). See the RYA website for more details.
Where is the course held?
Our training courses takes place on the tidal Thames, starting from Chiswick Pier – located on Corney Reach Way, London W4 2UG.
Do you provide refreshments/lunch?
Lunch isn’t provided, but we do provide refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) and will return to the pier each day for a lunch break. Candidates are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or head out to cafés/shops nearby (within easy walking distance).
Can I arrive late?
No, regrettably we can’t accommodate candidates who arrive late. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to arrive before the advertised start time of your course. If you fail to attend the safety briefing at the beginning of the course, you will not be able to attend any subsequent sessions and will have to rebook to attend at a later date at additional cost.
Where can I park?
The pier is located within a private housing estate, with on-street parking restrictions in operation at all times.
Weekends:
On Pumping Station Road and Corney Road, Hounslow CPZ hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Weekdays:
Pay & Display parking is available at Chiswick House (10 minute walk). There is also limited on-street parking on Riverside Drive during weekdays.
Where’s the nearest public transport?
Barnes Rail (0.8 miles) is around a 15 minute walk.
Stamford Brook (1.1 miles) is around a 22 min walk.
