This 2 day course aimed at novices, is recognised world-wide and forms the basis for the ICC for coastal waters qualification. It is often the minimum qualification sought for powerboat helming roles i.e. RYA Instructors, waterski driver, also required before starting a wide range of other Instructor courses.

Overview: You will learn how to handle the boat at slow and planing speeds, as well as basic powerboat handling manoeuvres. The course will predominantly use one of our centre console RIBs, however where time and equipment allows students should get an experience in a dory and/or tiller driven boat.

Previous Experience: None required

Age Range: 12+ (those under 14 will need to be accompanied on the course with an adult participant unless course is bespoke). Please note – those under 16 years will be issued with an endorsement on their certificate.

Duration: 2 days

Timings: 0915-1645

Dates: Offered once per month from March to October or on request

Maximum Teaching Ratio: 3:1

Included in the cost of the course:

• RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus & Logbook (G20)
• RYA Start Powerboating Handbook (G48)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate (upon successful completion)
• All specialist kit (powerboat, fuel, buoyancy aid)

Additional items you will need to bring:

• Suitable footwear & outdoor clothing
• Passport size photo (for certification)
• Refreshments

A comprehensive list of items to bring will be available in the joining instructions

The ICC (or to give it its full title 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.

To check your eligibility and for the most up to date information for the issuing of the ICC please visit the RYA website

The ICC can be included within the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course (please let us know prior to the course), or for more experienced powerboat drivers, without qualifications, we offer a direct assessment to provide the evidence of your competency needed to qualify for the ICC

Direct Skills Assessment

This is ideal for those who already have a competent level of powerboat helming experience and sound coastal theory and navigation knowledge.

Overview: You will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the ICC application form, to include slow and high speed manouevres, as well as basic powerboat handling manoeuvres. The assessment will use one of our centre console RIBs.

Previous Experience: Competent powerboat helm equivalent to RYA PBL2 and basic chartwork, pilotage and navigation

Age Range: 16+

Duration: Minimum of 3 hours (full day for those with limited coastal theory, chartwork & navigation experience)

Dates: on request

Included in the cost of the course:

• All specialist kit (powerboat, fuel, buoyancy aid)

Additional items you will need to bring:

• Suitable footwear & outdoor clothing
• Refreshments

Upon successful assessment CST can sign the evidence section of the application form.  Completing and posting the application form will be responsibility of the applicant.  There will likely be additional processing costs payable to the RYA.

For a small additional fee CST can issue a RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate

A 2-day course to introduce a range of safety and rescue techniques to support water users. This is a useful qualification for anyone involved in safety cover for sailing clubs and events, and will allow access to a greater range of activities and responsibilities while out on the water. 

Overview:  You will learn a number of techniques to recover dinghies, windsurfers and kayaks, as well as how to provide race officer support, mark laying and fleet management.  The course will predominantly use centre console RIBs.

Previous Experience: competent Powerboat Level 2 helm

Age Range: 16+

Duration: 2 days

Timings: 0915-1645

Dates: offered twice a year in March and September or on request

Maximum Teaching Ratio: 6:1

Included in the cost of the course:

• RYA Safety Boat Handbook
• RYA Safety Boat Certificate (upon successful completion)
• All specialist kit (powerboat, fuel, buoyancy aid)

Additional items you will need to bring:

• RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus & Logbook
• Suitable footwear & clothing (you will not be asked to immerse, however it will be expected for participants to be able to operate in shallow waters)
• Refreshments

A comprehensive list of items to bring will be available in the joining instructions

Own Boat Tuition: We are able to provide powerboat tuition in your own powerboat.

It can be daunting to try and learn how to manoeuvre a powerboat on your own, our qualified Instructors are happy to help you get to grips with your vessel on the Helford River.

Powerboats must be under 10m in length and hold appropriate insurance.

Please call us on T: 01326 702326 or email hello@childrenssailingtrust.org.uk for further information

Private Tuition: Ideal if you can’t make our course dates, would like your own bespoke course or would tailored tuition to develop a particular skill.

Sessions from 3 hours,  based on the Helford River.

Prices dependent on group size.

Please call us on T: 01326 702326 or email bookings@chlidrenssailingtrust.org.uk for further information

For those aged 8-12, we can offer the RYA Powerboat Level 1 course.

The RYA Powerboat Level 1 course introduces boating techniques for launching and recovering a boat from a road trailer (8-11 year olds observe only), everyday boat handling, such as ‘coming alongside’, moorings and the use of safety equipment.

Under 16s will receive an endorsed certificate and will be able to drive under supervision by the end of the course.