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About the centre
Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton
Operated by Associated Marine Training / AMT Boat Experiences Ltd, a partner of adventuro.
Gain confidence and practical skills on the water with this one-day introductory powerboat course in the Solent. Designed for beginners and families, it focuses on safety, boat handling, and practical experience to ensure you feel comfortable at the helm. By the end of the day, you’ll have the foundation to enjoy leisure boating safely and confidently.
The day starts with a brief theory session covering safety, key terminology, and pre-departure checks. This ensures you understand how to prepare both yourself and the boat before going afloat. The approach is practical, giving you confidence in what can sometimes feel unfamiliar.
Once on the water, you will focus on hands-on skills, practising low-speed manoeuvres, berthing, and mooring. You’ll also learn towing techniques and man overboard procedures, which are essential for real-world boating safety. Plenty of time is given for each participant to take the helm and practise independently under supervision.
Throughout the course, instruction is tailored to your pace and ability. With small groups, the instructor can provide personal guidance and ensure each skill is understood fully, helping you leave feeling capable and confident.
Sessions take place in the Solent, an ideal area for beginners with sheltered waters, clear navigation channels, and access to both open water and quiet bays. The region is well known for its safe training environment while still offering realistic boating conditions.
The base is situated in Hamble, a historic maritime village with easy access to pontoons, marinas, and practical training areas. Its central location provides a variety of scenarios to practise manoeuvres, mooring, and safety procedures, all within a controlled and supportive environment.
No prior boating experience is required, making this course perfect for first-timers. It is also suitable for families or anyone curious about powerboating and wishing to gain confidence safely.
Participants should be able to follow instructions, handle basic physical activity, and be comfortable on the water. Young students aged 12–15 receive an endorsed certificate in line with RYA guidance, and anyone under 18 should review the RYA Youth Powerboat scheme if required.
The sessions are led by an instructor with decades of real-world experience in sailing and powerboating, combining professional expertise with approachable guidance. Each participant receives individual attention in small groups to build confidence efficiently.
This provider focuses on making training both safe and enjoyable. The structured approach blends theory with practical skills, giving participants not only recognised certification but also the competence and confidence to enjoy boating independently.
The course covers essential safety and handling skills for beginners, including preparing the boat, performing pre-departure checks, low-speed manoeuvring, berthing, mooring, towing, and basic man overboard recovery. By combining theory and practical exercises, you’ll gain a foundation in safe, confident boating.
You will also learn about boat terminology, safety equipment, and the correct procedures for leaving and returning to a berth. The balance of classroom briefings and on-water practice ensures that each skill is understood and can be applied in real boating scenarios.
No prior experience is necessary, making this course suitable for complete beginners or families looking for a safe introduction to powerboating. The content is structured to accommodate first-time boaters without feeling overwhelming.
For young participants, ages 12–15 receive an endorsed certificate. The course is designed to build confidence and understanding, allowing you to progress to more advanced powerboating training or enjoy leisure time on the water safely.
The minimum age for the course is 12 years. Students aged 12–15 receive an endorsed certificate, which is recognised by the RYA. Participants under 18 should review the Youth Powerboat scheme for guidance on suitable training progression.
Adults can join with no upper age limit, providing they are physically able to participate and follow instructions. Family groups are encouraged, as the course is designed to be supportive for learners of different ages.
The day combines short theory briefings with hands-on practice afloat. You will begin with safety checks, familiarisation with the boat, and essential terminology. Once on the water, practical exercises include low-speed handling, berthing, mooring, towing, and basic man overboard recovery.
There is plenty of time for each participant to take the helm under supervision, ensuring all skills are learned confidently. The small group size allows for personal guidance and feedback throughout the day.
Upon successful completion, you will receive the RYA Powerboat Level 1 Certificate. This is an internationally recognised qualification suitable for beginners and endorsed for young participants aged 12–15.
The certificate provides a solid foundation to progress to the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, which may be used towards ICC qualification. It demonstrates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained during the course.
Participants should bring non-marking shoes, warm and waterproof layers, sun protection, snacks or a packed lunch, and any personal medication. All boating safety equipment and boats are provided as part of the course.
Clothing should be suitable for being on and near water, allowing freedom of movement. Optional extras like a Powerboat logbook or RYA study materials can be purchased but are not mandatory for the course.
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