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Powerboat

This section is for people wanting to progress through RYA Powerboat Scheme

Powerboat 

This scheme can be taught in a variety of small open powerboats such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats and is aimed at a variety of users from casual leisure boaters to professional small boat skippers. As an instructor you will therefore need to have experience in a variety of boats and situations. 

Qualification summary:

Powerboat Instructor

Minimum age

16

Experience

Five seasons experience of powerboating logged (preferably in range of boat types and sizes) OR one season for those who use powerboats as an integral part of their normal full-time occupation.

Pre-entry assessment

Candidates must attend a skills assessment prior to their instructor training course. Details can be found in the RYA Power Schemes Instructor Handbook (G19) 

Training course

Three day course assessed by an independent Trainer on the third day. 
Candidates who are already qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor (power) may attend a one day conversion course, rather than the full three day course. 

Course dates and online booking

Qualified to teach

Up to and including Powerboat Level 2 under the supervision of the Principal or Chief Instructor. If you hold the Safety Boat Certificate, you may also teach the RYA Safety Boat Course. 

Validity 

Five years from date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained. 

Additional important information:

RYA membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification.

Advanced Powerboat Instructor

Minimum age

17

Experience

Logged teaching hours

Training course

Two day course and one evening, which will include a night exercise conducted in darkness.

Continuous assessment throughout the course.

For centres offering instructor courses in click here.

Qualified to teach

Tender Operator, Intermediate and Advanced powerboat courses.

Validity

Five years from date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained. Those teaching the Tender Operator or Advanced course will also need a current medical and commercial endorsement.

Additional important information:

RYA membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification

Powerboat Trainer

Minimum age

18

Experience

Experienced Powerboat Instructor with a strong knowledge of the syllabi for all courses in the RYA Powerboat Scheme. Must have strong skills in diplomacy and tact. Observing an instructor course is one way to ascertain strengths and development areas. 

Pre-entry assessment

Powerboat Trainer is an appointment. Applications for consideration for Powerboat Trainer Selection are closed at this time.
For applicants within the UK, a recommendation from your Regional Development Officer is desirable. If your application is successful, you will be invited to a Powerboat Trainer Selection Day, after which you may be invited to the Powerboat Trainer Course. 

Training course

A four-day training course which focuses on the skills required to deliver instructor courses.
In the UK, the best way to stay up to date with the process is via your Regional Development Officer, who may have some aspirant trainer professional development opportunities available.

Application

Powerboat Trainer Selection 2024 - applications are now closed. 
Notification of invitation to Powerboat Trainer selection have now been emailed to successful applicants. If you have not heard from us, you have not been successful on this occasion. There were upwards of 80 applications, many of a high calibre, since the delayed 2020 course. Invitation to a Powerboat Trainer selection day is made based on geographic requirement, strength of application and engagement with the regional development team if based in the UK. Powerboat Trainer is an appointment, and it is a fine balance to ensure that there are enough to service the Powerboat scheme and that trainers remain active.
It is anticipated that applications will open again in 2025.

Qualified to teach

Train and assess instructors at all levels within the Powerboat scheme.

Validity

Appointed annually. After five years a practical revalidation is required.

Additional important information:

RYA membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification

Powerboat Advanced Trainer

Minimum age

18

Experience

Experienced RYA Powerboat Trainer who holds Advanced Powerboat Instructor with strong knowledge of the syllabi for all courses in the RYA Powerboat Scheme. Must have strong skills in diplomacy and tact.  

Application

By invitation only

Qualified to teach

Train and assess Powerboat Advanced Instructors

Validity

Appointed annually. After five years a practical revalidation is required

Additional important information: 

RYA membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification

Related documents

Instructor observation form

Related pages