Gain confidence and competence operating small powerboats during a two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course in Fowey, Cornwall. This practical course is suitable for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills, combining hands-on instruction with guidance in a safe, sheltered environment.
Your first day begins with an introduction to the powerboat, safety procedures, and basic handling. You will practice low-speed manoeuvres, docking, and steering under the guidance of a qualified instructor, gaining a solid foundation in boat control.
The second day focuses on advanced techniques including high-speed handling, planing, and practical exercises such as man overboard recovery and launching or recovering the boat. Navigation skills and collision regulations are applied in real on-water scenarios to build practical understanding.
During both days, instructors adapt exercises to the local waters and your personal skill level. You will complete practical assessments to confirm your competence, and on successful completion, receive the internationally recognised RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, providing a foundation for further training or recreational boating.
Training takes place in the calm, sheltered waters of Fowey, Cornwall. These waters provide a safe environment to practise manoeuvres, navigation, and safety drills while surrounded by scenic coastline and quiet inlets.
Sheltered conditions are ideal for building confidence and developing skills in small powerboats. The course takes advantage of tidal patterns and local landmarks to ensure a variety of practical experiences and exercises in real-life conditions.
No prior boating experience is required, as the course is designed to guide beginners through all essential skills at a comfortable pace. It is also suitable for those wishing to refresh or improve existing abilities.
Participants should be in good health and able to swim. Outdoor clothing suitable for variable weather, along with appropriate footwear, is recommended to ensure comfort and safety throughout the course.
Highly experienced instructors provide personalised attention in small groups, allowing every participant to receive hands-on guidance throughout the course. Instruction is adapted to individual skill levels, ensuring both beginners and more experienced learners gain maximum benefit.
All training takes place in controlled, safe waters that allow you to focus entirely on developing practical skills. Combined with expert guidance and a scenic environment, this ensures an effective and enjoyable learning experience that builds confidence and competence on the water.
No prior experience is required to join the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. The training is structured to support complete beginners, introducing essential skills in a step-by-step manner so that you can gain confidence in handling a powerboat safely. Every exercise is supervised by a qualified instructor, ensuring that learning is both safe and effective.
Even if you have some previous experience, the course allows you to refine your skills and correct common mistakes. Instructors adapt the exercises to your level, providing practical feedback on manoeuvres, safety procedures, and navigation so that you leave the course competent and confident in a variety of boating situations.
Yes, participants can join from 12 years old. The course is designed to be suitable for young learners as well as adults, with instructors tailoring exercises to ensure understanding and safe participation at all stages. Younger participants benefit from the small group setting, which allows for personalised guidance and supervision throughout the course.
It is important to note that while you can complete the course at 12, obtaining a commercial endorsement requires participants to be at least 17 years old. This means that younger learners can gain the full RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification for recreational purposes, but cannot use it commercially until they meet the age requirement.
Yes, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification is widely recognised both in the UK and internationally. It serves as the basis for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), which allows holders to operate small powerboats in many countries worldwide, making it a valuable qualification for anyone planning to boat abroad.
The certification also provides a solid foundation for further training and qualifications, such as advanced powerboat courses or coastal navigation studies. By completing this course, you demonstrate competence in essential boating skills, which is respected by marinas, charter companies, and other training organisations internationally.
Participants should wear clothing suitable for outdoor and on-water activities, including a waterproof or windproof jacket, layered clothing for varying temperatures, and trainers or non-slip footwear. Sunglasses, sun protection, and a change of clothes are recommended to ensure comfort throughout the two days on the water.
All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, will be provided by the instructors. Bringing a small personal bag with essentials such as water, snacks, or seasickness remedies can make your experience more comfortable, but instructors will guide you on any specific items needed depending on the day’s planned activities.
The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course runs over two full days, typically around 8 hours each day, providing ample time to cover all necessary skills, from basic handling to more advanced manoeuvres. This structure ensures that participants can develop their confidence progressively and practice new techniques under expert supervision.
During these two days, there is a balance of practical exercises on the water and short discussions on theory, including safety, collision regulations, and navigation. The course pace is flexible to accommodate different skill levels, allowing everyone to consolidate learning effectively while keeping the day enjoyable and engaging.
All exercises are adapted to local weather and tidal conditions to ensure your safety. If conditions make certain manoeuvres unsafe, instructors will use alternative sheltered areas or modify exercises so that you can continue learning without compromising safety.
Weather-related adjustments can include practising low-speed handling, safety drills, and navigation in sheltered waters, or focusing on theoretical discussions that reinforce practical skills. This flexible approach ensures that your time on the course is always productive, even when conditions are not ideal for higher-speed activities.
No, accommodation is not included as part of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. You will need to arrange your own lodging for the duration of the two-day training, whether that is nearby hotels, guesthouses, or self-catering options in Fowey or surrounding areas.
While the course does not provide accommodation, guidance on nearby options can be given when you book. Staying close to the training location is recommended to ensure you arrive on time, are well-rested, and can fully focus on the practical sessions on the water.
About the centre
20 Lostwithiel Street, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1BE
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