Step up your powerboating skills with this RYA Level 2 course, designed to teach confident boat handling and safe seamanship. The day covers low‑speed manoeuvring, planing, man‑overboard drills, and collision regulations in a practical, hands‑on setting. By the end, you’ll have the skills to operate safely in a variety of coastal conditions.
The day begins with an onshore briefing covering safety checks, boat preparation, and a review of essential theory such as buoyage, collision rules, and tidal awareness. Once ready, you’ll move onto the water to practise slow-speed manoeuvres like anchoring, turning in tight spaces, and approaching buoys under supervision. Each exercise is designed to build confidence and control in realistic conditions.
As the morning progresses, you’ll experience planing speed, learning how to control trim and direction safely. The instructor will guide man‑overboard drills, emergency stops, and collision-avoidance exercises. Practical time is balanced with feedback so you know exactly how to improve and demonstrate competence.
The session concludes with a review of skills, instructor feedback, and confirmation that you’ve met the standard required for the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, which provides a recognised qualification for safe coastal boating.
We also offer 1:1 courses and direct 1 day assessments using your own boat. Please see the booking form below for details.
The course takes place in Littlehampton, West Sussex, where sheltered waters of the River Arun meet coastal tidal areas. This provides ideal conditions to practise manoeuvres in close quarters as well as planing and emergency procedures in open water. The slipway and marina facilities make launching and recovery straightforward, while the surrounding waterways offer varied conditions to test handling skills.
Nearby coastal waters allow trainees to practise navigation in tidal streams and variable wind conditions. The location has convenient parking, onshore facilities ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day from start to finish.
No previous powerboat qualification is required. Beginners and those with some experience are welcome, provided they meet the minimum age of 12 years, with parental consent required for under-16s. You should be comfortable on the water and able to follow instructions safely.
Bring appropriate clothing for wet conditions, such as waterproofs, boots, gloves, towel, and a change of clothes. Buoyancy aids or lifejackets will be provided if not already owned, and sunscreen is recommended for sunny conditions.
Why Choose Seahorse Marine School
Join a friendly, 5★ rated team based in Littlehampton delivering professional RYA training in powerboating, jetski (PWC), and shore-based courses like SRC (VHF radio). With decades of combined experience on the River Arun, Seahorse offers a unique mix of real-world knowledge, local expertise, and hands-on learning.
Training is tailored to every individual—whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build confidence and refine your skills. Expect a supportive, relaxed environment with a strong focus on safety, seamanship, and getting you confidently out on the water.
What sets Seahorse apart is the depth of instructor experience. Led by Richard, an RNLI lifeboat crew member with over 30 years of local knowledge, the team brings genuine operational expertise—not just textbook teaching. Across the instructors, you’ll benefit from a blend of rescue experience, technical knowledge, and a calm, encouraging teaching style.
With top-quality equipment, a prime harbour and river location (allowing training in a variety of conditions), and consistently excellent reviews, Seahorse Marine School is a trusted choice for high-quality, practical RYA training.
You’ll spend most of the seven hours out on the water practising a wide range of boat handling skills. Exercises include slow-speed manoeuvres such as anchoring, coming alongside, tight turns, and navigating through buoys, as well as planing at speed, emergency stops, and man‑overboard drills. Each task is designed to give practical experience in realistic conditions under direct instructor supervision.
Onshore, the theory sessions cover essential topics such as buoyage, collision regulations, navigation, and tidal awareness. This ensures you understand the reasoning behind each manoeuvre and can apply the skills safely and confidently in coastal waters.
No prior qualification is required to join the Level 2 course. It is suitable for beginners as well as those with some boating experience. Instructors tailor the day to individual abilities, so even first-time helmers will gain the skills necessary to handle a powerboat safely.
If you already have Level 1 experience, it may help you move through the exercises more quickly, but it is not mandatory. The course is designed to ensure that every participant leaves with a competent skill set regardless of prior experience.
On successful completion, you will receive the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate. This qualification is widely recognised and can be used as the basis to apply for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), which is often required for chartering boats in European waters.
While the ICC is not automatically issued with Level 2, we can advise you on how to apply and provide guidance on meeting the requirements. Holding Level 2 gives confidence to authorities and hire companies that you are competent to operate a powerboat safely in coastal conditions.
Participants must be at least 12 years old. For attendees under 16, parental consent is required, and additional supervision may be provided during practical sessions to ensure safety and confidence.
Younger participants benefit from a structured approach where exercises are broken down into manageable steps, ensuring they understand each manoeuvre before progressing. This ensures that everyone, regardless of age, gains the skills needed to operate safely.
You should bring waterproof clothing, suitable footwear that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes for after the practical session. Sun protection including sunscreen and a hat is also recommended.
Buoyancy aids and basic safety equipment are provided by the centre, but you may bring your own if it meets RYA standards. Having the right clothing and gear ensures you stay comfortable and safe throughout the seven-hour session.
* 2 passport sized photos
* lunch & snacks (hot drinks are provided)
* a change of dry clothes and towel
Yes, the course requires at least two participants for the day to run. You are welcome to book individually, and the team will make every effort to pair you with another attendee if needed.
If no other bookings are available, the centre will contact you in advance to arrange an alternative date or a private session. This ensures the session can run effectively while maintaining a safe and engaging environment for everyone.
About the centre
Littlehampton Yacht Club
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Seahorse Marine School, a partner of adventuro.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £280
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £520
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £520
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £425
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £365
