Key Course Details
Duration: 1 day
Minimum Age: 8
Assumed Knowledge: None
Pre-Course Experience None
Course Price: £165 per person / £295 with 1:1 tuition / £450 for 3 students.
Where will this course take place? Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, East Sussex
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This training course is designed for those looking to gain a basic introduction to powerboating or are ideal as a taster session/gift voucher. For this course no previous knowledge is necessary. Additionally, partners of boaters like to use this training course to acquire the skills necessary to handle a craft in an emergency. This course provides you with the basics in powerboat handling and safety. It is not a requirement for adults to take Level 1 before taking Level 2 but for some, it is a very helpful stepping stone.
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 Training Course syllabus is an ideal entry-level course for introducing children to the world of powerboating and some basic understanding of safety afloat. It is ideal if your children use a tender or dinghy around the marina or on flotilla. We aim to teach 95% of this course on the water.
This course is a lesser detailed version of Level 2 concentrating on the practical handling elements of Level 2. Most all of the time is spent on the water practising manoeuvres and learning about the safety aspects of boating. It is ideal as a starting point for those people who are nervous and those who only want to understand the skills necessary to handle a boat in an emergency.
This course is also suitable for children from the age of eight. No prior experience is needed for Level 1.
Some of the topics that we cover during the course include:
- Launching & recovery
- Boat handling
- Approaching and securing to a buoy
- Anchoring
- Leaving and coming alongside
- Handling a boat at planing speed
- Man overboard
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 syllabus is broken down into three sections: Knowledge of the subject, Understands the subject and Can demonstrate a level of proficiency in the subject.
Section A – Practical Boat Handling
Launching and recovery (eight to eleven year olds to observe this session only)
Knowledge of:
- Considerations to be taken during the launch
- The use of a trailer or launching trolley
- Considerations to be taken regarding sea conditions and hazards
- Construction, width and condition of ramp/slipway
Preparation of boat and crew
Understands:
- Personal buoyancy and appropriate clothing
- The use of the following equipment: lines, fenders, anchor and warp, bailer, fire extinguisher, pump, paddles or oars, compass, flares, torch, whistle, charts, first aid kit, sharp knife
Can:
- Perform the following: fasten to a cleat and stow an anchor
Boat handling
Knowledge of:
- Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, use of shallow drive
- Low-speed handling: ahead and astern
- Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way in neutral
Understands:
- How to carry out pre-start checks, including fuel tank and fuel bulb
- Steering, controls and windage
Can:
- Steer and control boat speed
- Start and stop an engine
- Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
Picking up and securing to a mooring buoy
Knowledge of:
- Preparation of mooring warps
- Use of a boat hook
- Method of approach
- Crew communication
- Making fast
Leaving and coming alongside
Knowledge of:
- Wind effect
- Approach in tidal stream or current
Understands:
- Leaving – ahead or astern
Can:
- Demonstrate the use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
- Control speed and angle of approach
- Make fast alongside
Section B – Theory
Knowledge of:
- Loading and balancing the boat and the effect on handling and performance
- Local byelaws and insurance
Understands:
- Crew numbers: minimum number in the boat, keeping a look-out
- Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
- Application of IRPCS. Understands rules 5,6 and conduct around commercial shipping in confined waters
Man overboard
Understands:
- How to stop the boat
- Raising the alarm
- Prevention
The minimum age for this course is 8 years old. Generally, we’re happy for a child over 8 to attend a course with their parent/guardian on our boats at any time, but please call to discuss before making a booking. Children over 16 can attend a normal course at any time but we must have the parent/guardian’s specific permission. Please call to discuss before making a booking.
£165 per person / £295 with 1:1 tuition / £450 for 3 students.
1 day from 9am to 5pm (may finish about 4pm depending on whether children on the course are getting tired.)
Upcoming Powerboat Level 1 Courses
Please see below for an up-to-date list of all current powerboat level 1 course dates. If you have a specific date in mind that isn’t shown, then please get in touch with us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
All of our courses can be paid for by credit/debit card or BACS (bank transfer). If paying by BACS, please be aware that we require payment within 24 hours of booking, otherwise the booking may be cancelled.
Sorry, we do not currently have any dates scheduled for this course. Please call us on 07793 005909, or email hello@seatrainingsussex.co.uk and we will happily work with you to try to arrange a suitable date.
