Motor training – RYA Advanced powerboat

Advance your skippering with night navigation and rough-weather handling

Our Advanced Powerboat course is designed for members who are already confident operators and want to build the skills needed to run a powerboat safely in more challenging conditions and after dark. Building on the skills developed at intermediate level, this two‑day programme introduces a broader understanding of the role of the skipper, including how to deliver effective safety briefs, and manage their crew. With a strong focus on night navigation and pilotage, you’ll gain the confidence to run safe, structured passages, with training on the first day running into the evening and typically finishing around 2200.

You’ll also explore rough‑weather handling techniques, learning how to manage engine trim and speed to maintain control and comfort when conditions deteriorate. The course offers an excellent way to strengthen confidence when cruising after dark; pilotage, light recognition and navigation skills transfer directly to yachting, making it a valuable progression for sailors looking to enhance this skillset as well as powerboaters.

Working at a low ratio with an experienced instructor, you’ll refine your control at planing‑speed, apply advanced navigation techniques, and develop the mindset of a skipper; preparing you for more ambitious coastal passages and the RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence.

What you’ll learn

–  Deliver clear, structured safety briefs and apply the wider responsibilities expected of an advanced‑level skipper
–  Plan and execute coastal passages at planing‑speed, including in more challenging or unfamiliar waters
–  Apply advanced pilotage techniques by day and night using charts, lights, depths, transits and electronic navigation
–  Recognise and interpret lights, marks and buoyage to maintain safe navigation by day and night
–  Handle a high‑performance powerboat confidently in rough‑weather, managing trim, speed and boat attitude for control and comfort
–  Integrate tides, weather and local effects into real‑time decision making
–  Approach unfamiliar harbours and anchorages using structured, repeatable methods
–  Manage emergency situations, including equipment failures and man‑overboard recovery

Who it’s for

Members who have completed the RYA Intermediate Powerboat course and want to extend their capability into more challenging coastal waters. Ideal for sailors looking to build night cruising confidence and refine navigation and pilotage skills, and for powerboaters preparing for more ambitious passages or working towards the RYA Advanced Powerboat CoC (certificate of competence).

Prerequisites

–  Powerboat handling to the level of Intermediate Powerboat
–  Navigation knowledge to the level of Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore
–  Minimum age 17
–  VHF SRC operators certificate (recommended)
–  First aid certificate (recommended)