RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Exam
The RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat exam is a practical test of skippering ability by day and night in the type of craft applicable to the National Powerboat Scheme.
RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Exam
Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA's Powerboat Logbook (code G20) available from the webshop.
Boats used for exams
You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below.
The vessel must be capable of a minimum of 12 knots, and equipped with the following:
- compass
- lights conforming with IRPCS
- VHF radio (may be portable)
- GPS (may be hand held) or plotter
- depth sounder
- anchor, chain and warp
- tow line
- torch
- basic tool kit and spares
- heaving line
- paddles or additional means of propulsion
- flares: 2 hand held, 2 orange smoke
- bilge pump or buckets/bailer
- first aid kit
Additionally, if not on the boat you will need to bring the following to the exam:
- laminated or waterproof charts
- GPS set (may be hand held)
- tide tables
- pilotage information for the local area, e.g. pilot books, port information etc
- plotting instruments.
- Photographic ID card or document, such as a passport or driving licence:
Advanced Powerboat exam pre-requisites:
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Minimum seatime |
Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing powerboat in the last 10 years:
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Background knowledge |
Knowledge to the level of Yachtmaster Offshore theory |
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Form of exam |
Practical |
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Minimum exam duration |
1 Candidate: 4 to 5 hours 2 candidates: 5 to 6 hours 3 candidates: 6 to 7 hours No more than three candidates can be examined in one session. |
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Minimum age |
17 - at the time of the exam |
Additional important information:
- A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator's Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.
- An RYA First Aid Certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website.
- Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time detailed above.
- Photographic ID card or document, such as passport or driving license
Before you book your exam please check that you:
- can provide a boat
- have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
- hold a VHF Radio Operators License or Short Range Certificate
- hold a valid first aid certificate
- have read the syllabus in RYA publication G20
- have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.
Candidates should be familiar with all the equipment on board the vessel, as they may be asked to use this during the examination.
If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed.
