British Rowing: Coaches
RYA Powerboat, VHF and First Aid training

Following continued interest in RYA training for British Rowing coaches, we are pleased to offer the following subsidised training opportunities and package deals for coaches working on the tideway:


The RYA Powerboat Level 2 syllabus is suitable for novices. No prior experience of launch driving is required.
We have a range of teaching craft available, including both tiller-steered and centre-console helm configurations. The core syllabus covers a range of essential theory and practical topics to prepare candidates for helming powered launches on the tideway.
Co-located with the RNLI at Chiswick Pier, our training courses take place on the tideway. This makes for an ideal learning environment for prospective coaches and safety launch helms looking to apply these skills on the tidal Thames. Our team of instructors includes British Rowing coaches, RNLI crew, safety boat instructors, and commercial boat operators with decades of powerboat helming experience.
RYA Level 2 Powerboat Syllabus

Theory topics
Equipment
Clothing and equipment
Types of craft
Propulsion systems
Environment
Launch and recovery
Tides and tidal streams
Weather
Navigation
Watchkeeping
Introduction to charts & symbols
Buoyage systems
GPS/Electronic nav
Pilotage and passage planning
Emergency procedures
Distress signals
Cold water shock
Immersion hypothermia
Disabled craft
Advice for restricted visibility
Fire precautions and fire fighting
Man Overboard procedure
Practical syllabus
Introductory skills
Boat familiarisation
Slow speed handling
Holding off
High Speed manoeuvres
Planing
High speed turns
Trim tabs & power trim
Close Quarters
Turning in a confined space
Turning using springs
Leaving and coming alongside in a range of conditions (wind & tide)
Mooring and Berthing
Approach and securing to a mooring buoy
Anchoring
Mooring alongside a pontoon
Emergencies
Man Overboard – standard approach
Man Overboard – drift-down method
Recovery of Man Overboard into craft
Navigation
Use of steering compass
Execute basic passage plan
The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required to operate marine VHF radio equipment on a UK flagged vessel. This includes both fixed and handheld equipment with and without Digital Selective Calling (DSC). It is obtained by successfully completing a training course and an SRC exam conducted at an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
The VHF training course and exam syllabus includes:
- The basics of VHF radio operation
- Common VHF Channels, and what they’re used for
- Distress and Mayday procedures
- Safety and Urgency procedures
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerts and announcements
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
- Search and Rescue Transponders (SART)
Included free with your course is a copy of the G31 Marine Radio handbook, (printed hard copy, or eBook)
Click below to see the course platform in action in this short taster video from the RYA:
During the course, you will have a number of practical scenarios to complete using an interactive DSC radio simulator, which emulates all of the functions that you’ll find on a fixed standard Class D Marine VHF (DSC) radio set.
You can access the RYA’s interactive platform using a single sign-on which enables access across multiple devices, with the opportunity to save progress and resume from another device.
The course is split into modules so that you can learn at your own pace, with lots of practice scenarios and a multiple-choice pre-exam knowledge check to prepare you for the written SRC exam paper.
The eLearning package can be completed online using a computer (PC or Mac), a smartphone or tablet with internet access, or using the legacy iOS app (offline access).
After completing your online training, you’ll be eligible to take your SRC exam, which comprises a written theory test and practical assessment in the use of Marine VHF DSC radios.
During the exam, you will get the opportunity to use specially adapted training Marine VHF DSC Radios which have a very limited power output, and are connected via a closed circuit. This enables candidates to perform all functions (including sending DSC Mayday alerts) without accidentally alerting nearby vessels or coordinating authorities!
Prior to the beginning of the exam session, there will be plenty of opportunity to familiarise yourself with the specially adapted radio training equipment prior to assessment.
Candidates must be 16 years or older on the day of the exam.
If you have any questions regarding the online course or exam, please contact us and one of our team will be happy to advise you.

RYA G31 handbook included (RRP £15.99 from the RYA)
This 8-hour RYA first aid course covers basic lifesaving and first aid skills, with special considerations given to performing first aid in marine environments. It is ideal for anyone who is going afloat or in positions of responsibility, whether ashore, on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.
Included with the course is a printed copy of the new RYA First Aid book.
RYA eBooks are available upon request.
Course content
- The role of the first aider
- The recovery position
- Resuscitation (CPR), including drowning protocol
- Use of a defibrillator (AED)
- Bleeding, breaks and burns
- Cold water shock and hypothermia
- Seasickness and dehydration
- Medical assistance/advice by VHF radio
- Basic First Aid interventions for a range of scenarios
- Category C ships medical stores (optional, if required)
During the course, we will also have opportunity to discuss Thames-specific SAR assets and VHF communications in the event of an incident on the tideway.
If your club or organisation has an emergency action plan, we can look to include this within the course delivery and mock incident scenarios.
Accreditation
The syllabus is accredited by the RYA, approved by the MCA and HSE and satisfies the minimum requirements for:
- RYA Instructors
- RYA Yachtmaster™ candidates
- Offshore racers subject to ISAF regulations (OSR 4.08.4)
- British Canoeing / UKCC Level 1 and 2 coaches
- British Rowing Club Coach and Senior Club Coaches
- Professional skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of a safe haven (MCA-approved)
- BML Tier 1 Level 2 (MCA-approved)
- HSE Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

Package deal:
This basic training package aims to cover the essential certification for launch operators and rowing coaches on the tideway:
RRP:
£735pp
Package price:
(£450 ex VAT)
We are offering clubs a package discount of £195pp vs RRP for courses running between October 2022 and March 2023.
NB. Minimum booking: 3x candidates. Club(s) to provide suitable classroom teaching facilities.
Price inclusive of all RYA coursepack, certification, and examination fees.
Course delivery
Course delivery is a mix of classroom and small group practical training (1:3)
Duration: 3 days plus 8-10 hours pre-course eLearning.
The following training materials and resources are included:
- RYA Start Powerboating handbook (G48)
- RYA VHF manual (G31)
- RYA First Aid book
- RYA certification and examination fees
Register interest
Please use the form below to register interest: