RYA Powerboat Advanced

A course for leisure and commercial boaters wanting to undertake more adventurous trips by day and night.

ABOUT THE COURSE

£425

2 Days: Day 1: Roughly 13.00 - 22.00. Day 2: 09.30 till 17.30

Ratio: Max 3 persons

Difficulty: Advanced

The advanced course aims to teach boat handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigation up to the standards required to drive a planing powerboat safely by day and night in tidal coastal waters. It is the pinnacle of the RYA Powerboat scheme. Delivered in Torbay, South Devon which is a fantastic setting for the course.

The course assumes you can already handle a powerboat very well. To undertake this course you must have the practical skills of the Intermediate course and knowledge of navigation and chartwork to at least the standard of the Coastal Skipper/RYA Yachtmaster Shore-based course.  (We do not require a course completion certificate for this – just your knowledge at the required level).

The course takes place on one of our Ribs based in Torquay Marina.

Our dedicated classroom is the perfect setting for the theory elements of the course with an array of teaching aids.

We limit our numbers on the course to ensure you have plenty of time on the helm with an experienced RYA instructor to guide you through. Ratio is 3 to 1.

We recommend calling us to discuss your experience before booking.

  • Preparation for sea
  • Boat handling
  • Passage making and responsibility as a skipper
  • Pilotage
  • Meteorology
  • Rules of the road
  • Use of engines
  • Emergency situations
  • Night cruising

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age for the advanced course is 17 years old.

How long is the licence valid?

Your licence will be registered with the RYA so there is always a record, there is no revalidation required.

Can I hire a boat using the licence?

Yes, but in Europe you are best gaining the International Certificate of Competence(ICC), this is just a paperwork exercise as you meet the ICC requirements with your RYA certification.

What type of boats can I drive?

You will be qualified to drive power driven vessels up to 24m in length, 20 miles from a safe haven, by day or night.

  • Passport Photo for the licence
  • Lunch money or packed lunch, there are plenty of local places to get a bite
  • Small bag with extra layers, there is storage on the boat
  • Non slip or trainer style shoe
  • Waterproofs/ warm clothes/ dry suits
  • Sun block and hat for those sunny days

Certificate of Competence (CoC)

By completing the course, you will receive your Advanced Powerboat certificate. If you wish to use this qualification commercially, then you need to undertake the Advanced Powerboat exam (officially called the Certificate of Competence).

Students taking the Advanced Powerboat CoC Exam need to hold a VHF/SRC operators certificate and a valid first aid certificate. Your experience level should be at least 2 years of relevant experience including night pilotage.

To complete the CoC, the recommended sea-time is: 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 miles, 12 night hours. All qualifying sea-time must be within 10 years prior to the exam. You are strongly advised to complete the Yachtmaster theory too.

Once successfully passed, the CoC can then be commercially endorsed with Sea Survival, PPR and a ML5 or ENG1 Medical.

You will need to arrange the CoC exam separately with us if you wish to complete that after your course. The RYA exam fee is payable directly to the RYA, the exam will take in some day/night time driving and include passage planning.

The Perfect Place for Training

We are based in Torquay Marina and have training and changing facilities on site. Torbay offers sheltered waters but also challenging places to practice navigation and tides. We can usually always find somewhere to complete the different elements of the course – even in the most difficult of weathers.

  • Visit Paignton Harbour
  • Anchoring in lovely bays like Babbacombe
  • Learn whilst exploring the whole of Torbay
  • South Devon makes for an incredible setting for any RYA courses.

BOOK YOUR COURSE TODAY!

Give us a call to discuss upcoming courses and dates if none are available below.

Don't just take our word for it

I recently completed the RYA Advanced Powerboat Course with Torquay Watersports and really enjoyed it.

Jordan was a great instructor. He was knowledgeable, patient and explained everything clearly without making it feel overly complicated. He also adapted the training to suit my experience and ability, spending more time on the areas where I needed extra practice.

The course was well organised, practical and enjoyable throughout. I came away feeling much more confident and with a much better understanding of advanced powerboat handling.

I would definitely recommend Torquay Watersports, to anyone considering the Advanced Powerboat Course.

– George. Deputy Torbay Harbour Master (July 2026)