Powerboating

Taster Sessions

Come and try powerboating! Get a taste of being in control of a boat.

Beginner Courses

Get qualified to drive powerboats. These boats are powered by an outboard engine and may be used for a variety of ways to get you out on the water.

Further Courses

Want to learn more? The Safety Boat qualification is encouraged for you to become confident in providing safety cover and rescuing other water users.

Taster Sessions

General information

We have a number of different powerboats that we use for teaching and safety use.

We use boats with both steering wheels and tillers.

A taster session is a great way to find out if powerboating is for you before going for a full course.

What will you learn?

Taster Session content

Taster sessions cover the basics of boat handling and how to remain safe.

Session recommendations

Over 12 years old
Evening or half day. If you'd like a full day, a course would be more appropriate - see below.

Sessions are limited to three per powerboat. This session isn't suitable for large groups.

Beginner Courses

Level 1 Start Powerboating

An introduction to boating techniques for launching and recovering a boat from a trailer, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment.

Minimum Age

12+

Minimum Duration

1 day

You will learn

Launch and recovery, preparation of boat and crew, boat handling, picking up and securing to a mooring buoy, leaving and coming alongside, being towed

Once qualified, you will be able to drive under supervision.

Level 2 Powerboat Handling

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive and manoeuvre a powerboat.

Minimum Age

14+

Minimum Duration

2 days

You will learn

Low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard.

Once qualified, you will be a self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft.

Level 2 includes a photocard as the certificate - you will need to supply a passport sized photograph.

Further Courses

Safety Boat

This course provides the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers, kayaks or canoes, or for training activities.

Minimum Age

16+

Minimum Duration

2 days

You will learn

Preparation, boat handling, dinghy rescue, windsurfer rescue, kayak or canoe rescue, towing, end-of-day procedures, safety, suitability of craft, local factors, communication, rescuing other water users.

Once qualified, you will be able to provide safety or support cover to a range of craft, particularly sailing or windsurfing.

Don't see an activity that suits your needs?