The goal of the RYA Intermediate Powerboat course is to build on the foundation of the RYA Level 2 Powerboat and aims to teach the standard required to complete a short coastal passage by day.

What does the RYA Intermediate Powerboat entail?

During the course, you will learn advanced boat handling and undertake cruising at planning speed. It is the ideal stepping stone from RYA Powerboat Level 2 to RYA Advanced Powerboat.

Who can do an RYA Intermediate Powerboat course?

The RYA Intermediate Powerboat course is open to anyone who meets the basic minimum criteria.

• 16 years of age or older
• Competent in the skills learned on the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course
• Navigation and Chartwork to the RYA Day Skipper theory

If you are a complete newbie to powerboating, you will want to take the RYA Level 1 Powerboat course followed by the RYA Level 2 Powerboat course. You can read more about the Day Skipper Theory here.

What do you need to know before an RYA Intermediate Powerboat course?

As stated, the prerequisites include the RYA Day Skipper theory course and the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course.

A suitable first aid certificate and an SRC VHF ticket are also strongly recommended.

What type of vessel is the course delivered on?

The course can be conducted in a planning or displacement vessel.

How long does an RYA Intermediate Powerboat course take?

The RYA Intermediate Powerboat course should be completed over a minimum of 2 days.

Is there a set syllabus?

Yes, the syllabus includes planning a day cruise, boat preparation, boat handling, pilotage, passage making, and man overboard procedures.

What is the format of the RYA Intermediate Powerboat course?

The RYA Intermediate Powerboat course predominantly takes place afloat. However, some of the learning elements, such as navigation, will take place in the classroom.

The instructor will guide you through the week, presenting learning objectives and allowing you to execute and practice them, while providing feedback as you progress.

The aim is to practice the practical elements of pilotage and passage planning by day in coastal waters, using both traditional and electronic navigational techniques.

What is the cost of the course?

As ever, many schools differ in price. We recommend that you explore the various options and find the one that best suits your needs. Cheapest is not always better.

This can range from knowing if you will have to pay for food, fuel and extra berthing charges to how many other students you will be sharing your course with.

Where should I do my RYA Intermediate Powerboat course?

There are many thoughts on where is best, but to be truthful, it is what works best for you. 

One thought is to do it in an area where you plan to powerboat in the future, but are not familiar with it yet. That way, any specific learnings you take on your RYA Intermediate Powerboat course will be incredibly valuable to your future powerboating.

Another is to consider the factors mentioned above, such as fuel, food, and students. Fewer students are not always better; 3 would be a great number.

What is the pass mark for the course?

There is no specific pass mark as such. The aim of the instructor is to bring you up to a level where you can execute a short coastal passage by day.

The instructor for your course will guide and personalise any learning to improve your knowledge and skills as much as possible.

What comes after the RYA Intermediate Powerboat course?

After your RYA Intermediate Powerboat course, we suggest getting out on the water and putting your new skills into practice. This may be on your own boat, a charter boat or even a friend’s boat.

Being out on the water without an instructor to guide or correct you will really help to reinforce your newly learned skills.

The next step is that you may then decide to attempt the RYA Advanced Powerboat course.