Powerboat Advanced

Core Skills Covered

• Advanced Navigation: Practical application of chartwork, GPS, radar, and electronic aids both by day and night. You’ll develop confidence in pilotage, position fixing, and route planning in real coastal environments.
• Night Operations: Planning and executing night passages including identification of lights, night pilotage techniques, and managing crew and vessel in darkness.
• Boat Handling: High-speed manoeuvring, close-quarter control in wind and tide, use of trim and power settings, and handling in rougher conditions. Emphasis is placed on smooth, controlled handling.
• Seamanship & Safety: Emergency procedures, use of safety equipment, man overboard drills, and risk assessment. Expect to practise controlled MOB under power and manage simulated emergencies.
• Weather & Tides: Applying forecasts to passage planning, identifying local effects, sea state considerations, and weather-related decision-making.
• Passage Planning: Preparing and executing a coastal passage factoring in tides, hazards, timings, and contingency planning. You'll be expected to lead short legs as skipper.
• Crew Management: Delegating tasks, managing fatigue and seasickness, briefing crew, and maintaining safety and morale on board.

Assessment & Certification

This is a completion certificate rather than a formal exam, but you’ll be continuously assessed by your instructor. You should be comfortable taking charge of the vessel, navigating an unfamiliar route, and responding to realistic challenges under guidance.

To progress to the RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence (examined by an independent examiner), further preparation and experience will be required. Your instructor can advise when you’re ready.

Course Delivery

Most centres run the course on coastal waters with access to tidal streams, harbours, and night navigation opportunities. Boats are typically rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) or planing craft equipped with GPS, radar, and VHF. Clothing and equipment may be provided or rented—check with your chosen provider.

adventuro lists hundreds of powerboat courses, tours, and rentals across the UK if you want to build up experience before or after this course.

Successfully completing the RYA Powerboat Advanced course equips you to skipper a powerboat confidently during day or night coastal passages. You’ll develop the practical skills and judgment required for safe navigation in unfamiliar waters, changing weather, and moderate to rough sea states. This is the final step before attempting the RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence, which is a formally examined award required for certain commercial endorsements.

For recreational boaters, this course opens up more ambitious journeys—longer coastal hops, night returns from anchorages, and safe decision-making when conditions deteriorate. For professionals, it is a key part of the training pathway toward working commercially aboard fast craft, support vessels, or safety boats in coastal operations.

Many adventuro providers offer this course at coastal centres around the UK and beyond. Once qualified, you’ll be better equipped to join advanced charters, club cruises, or even plan your own adventures with confidence.

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate or equivalent experience.
• RYA Intermediate Powerboat course strongly recommended.
• Solid understanding of navigation and chartwork (Day Skipper Theory level).
• Knowledge of tides, buoyage, position fixing, and weather systems.
• VHF Marine Radio operator qualification (e.g. SRC) is strongly advised.
• First Aid certificate (within last 3 years) if progressing to commercial endorsement.
• Minimum age is typically 17 years old.

The Powerboat Advanced course is usually delivered over two full days, often including a night navigation exercise. Some centres may offer it as a modular or extended course to suit local conditions or participant needs. Be prepared for long and active days afloat, often in coastal or tidal waters.

The RYA Powerboat Advanced course includes both continual assessment and a final practical evaluation. Throughout the two-day course, instructors assess your seamanship, navigation, and boat-handling skills in a variety of conditions, including low light and potentially rough water. The final assessment typically involves night navigation, advanced pilotage, and offshore route planning. You'll need to demonstrate competence in using electronic navigation aids like GPS and radar, as well as traditional chart work. Safety, leadership, and decision-making under pressure are also key components. Successful candidates receive the RYA Advanced Powerboat certificate, and those who meet the required pre-requisites may apply for the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence via a separate exam. You can find and book this course at one of adventuro’s many partner centres around the UK.