sylwia
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
This 2-day Safety Boat course is designed for competent powerboat drivers aged 18 and above. It focuses on fleet rescue, safety procedures, and techniques for assisting small craft. The course is ideal for anyone providing rescue cover at sailing clubs and is a pre-requisite for the RYA Senior Instructor course.
Day one begins with an introduction to the principles of fleet rescue and safety boat operation. Participants practise launching, recovery, and positioning techniques while monitoring fleets in sheltered waters. The session also includes man overboard drills, towing procedures, and handling small craft in a range of conditions.
Day two moves into more challenging exercises, including high-speed manoeuvres, multi-craft rescues, and emergency response scenarios. Participants gain practical experience operating both RIBs and Commando boats as escort craft, developing confidence in supporting racing or training fleets. Instructors provide continuous feedback to ensure competence in both practical skills and safety management.
Poole Harbour offers an ideal environment for practising safety boat techniques. Sheltered waters allow participants to focus on learning without undue pressure, while open tidal areas provide real-world challenges for fleet management and rescue scenarios.
The harbour provides direct access to varied water conditions, enabling participants to practise escorting and rescuing craft across different scenarios. The area is secure and well-equipped to support intensive practical training safely.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and already competent in powerboat handling. Previous experience driving a powerboat and basic rescue knowledge is recommended. Participants should wear suitable clothing for wet and windy conditions, including waterproof layers.
All essential boats, safety equipment, and instructional materials are provided. Learners may bring personal items such as gloves or sunglasses for additional comfort during practical sessions.
This course is delivered by experienced instructors who specialise in powerboat safety and fleet rescue. The structured programme combines professional expertise with hands-on guidance, ensuring participants gain competence in practical rescue techniques and emergency procedures.
Learners benefit from a long-standing tradition of watersports training, with a strong focus on safety, practical skill development, and confidence-building. Completing the course equips participants with recognised RYA skills and the experience required to operate effectively as a safety boat driver, whether for club duties or progression to instructor roles.
The course spans 2 consecutive days 9:30-16:30, providing comprehensive training to ensure you're well-prepared for safe powerboat handling
To enrol, participants must hold an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate and have prior powerboat driving experience. This ensures everyone has a solid foundation in powerboat handling before learning fleet rescue techniques.
It is also recommended, though not essential, that participants have some knowledge of sailing or other watersports. This helps with understanding rescue scenarios and ensures the techniques learned are applied effectively in a practical context.
Participants will develop a range of safety-focused skills, including fleet rescue techniques, small craft assistance, escort and coaching boat responsibilities, and the application of safety protocols in both training and racing scenarios.
In addition to technical skills, the course enhances decision-making, confidence, and competence as a safety boat driver. These transferable skills are applicable in club environments, watersport events, and community sailing programmes.
While we provide a range of course dates, if none of them is suitable or if there are no available spaces left, please contact our team by either making a booking request with a comment or using the live chat. We'll make every effort to help you find a suitable solution.
The RYA Safety Boat course is a 2-day programme designed for competent powerboat drivers who want to develop the skills required for fleet rescue and small craft assistance. It is ideal for those who wish to provide rescue cover at sailing clubs or progress towards the RYA Senior Instructor qualification.
Participants will learn practical techniques for assisting sailors, windsurfers, and kayakers, as well as operating safely in various on-water scenarios. The course combines theory and hands-on practice to ensure competence and confidence in real-life situations.
Training is carried out using powerboats suitable for rescue work, generally with sufficient space and stability to carry out towing, recovery, and escort tasks safely. Boats are maintained to RYA standards, ensuring safety throughout the sessions.
Participants also practise on a range of small craft, including dinghies, kayaks, and windsurfers, to simulate realistic rescue and assistance scenarios. This variety allows you to experience different approaches depending on the craft and conditions.
The course begins with a land-based briefing, covering safety, equipment, and basic theory about fleet rescue operations. Participants then spend the remainder of the day on the water practising approaches, recoveries, towing, and escort duties under instructor supervision.
Day two involves more realistic scenarios, where you apply skills learned in controlled exercises. This includes responding to emergencies during training sessions and racing events, reinforcing confidence and competence in a variety of on-water situations.
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
An excellent practical and well explained course - Fin is very knowledgeable and experienced and this was evidenced through both days.
Had a fantastic time. Our instructor Steve was brilliant. We learnt so much. Would absolutely recommend.
it was a very exciting experience in a nice group of people☺️ I recommend it to everyone!
Good trainer, learn more than I expected
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