If you have little prior work experience for any position, it is good to have something extra you can add to the roles to get the opportunity to stand out. That is why we suggest that you take the training in RYA Powerboat Level 2 for yacht crew so you can assist with the yacht’s tender vessels.
For first-time powerboat users, this practical course enables the candidate to develop the relevant knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to navigate a powerboat safely for the intended short-day trip.
What Is RYA Powerboat Level 2 For Yacht Crew?
The Royal Yachting Association National Powerboat Certificate (Level II) is a two-day course endorsed by the United Kingdom Marine Coastguard Agency to obtain a certificate of competency for operating a small-powered boat. It is especially suitable for those who want to obtain credentials to work as yacht tenders.
As an entry-level course in power boating, the Level 2 course offers a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond the Level 1 course. It not only teaches but also practices the art of boat handling, mooring, and manners, leading to boat handling at speed and man-overboard handling. This comprehensive approach ensures you feel well-equipped and knowledgeable.
Purpose of RYA Powerboat Level 2 for Yacht Crew
This course is designed to give you practical knowledge and skills in boat handling and powerboat seamanship. It meets the requirements for a competent powerboat driver and forms the basis for the International Certificate of Competence.
The focus of RYA Powerboat Level 2 for yacht crew is on:
- Basic navigation
- Turning in confined areas
- Collision avoidance regulations
- Low-speed close-quarters handling
- Man-overboard drills
- Actions in emergencies
About The Course
- Prerequisites: None
- Course duration: 2 days
- Certification: Royal Yachting Association RYA Powerboat Level 2 for yacht crew National Certificate with Coastal Endorsement
- Certification validity: no expiry date
- Minimum Age: 12 years (Under 16 age candidates are issued with a certificate stating that an adult must accompany them)
- Course format: mostly practical but some theoretical in-class learning
- Conducted in a variety of boat types (planning and displacement)
- Location: inland or coastal
- Food and Accommodation included
- Recognized by most European administrations for the operation of small craft under 10m
- Language: Well-spoken and written language to understand the content and pass assessments
RYA Powerboat Level 2 for Yacht Crew Syllabus
The syllabus of RYA powerboat level 2 for yacht crew is divided into practical, theory, and coastal. You will be assessed on all three sections.
1. Practical (Section A)
Launching And Recovery
It involves reviewing the actions that must be followed to launch & recover this vessel safely. The candidates will gain the knowledge of:
- Availability of a launching trailer or launching trolley
- Evaluate launch conditions and sea conditions, including risks and/or obstacles
- Number of persons for launching/recovery
- Width of slipway and state of construction
- Sloping/slippery slipways, beaching, lee shores
- Maintenance of trailer wheels and hitch, securing, lights, winch
- Trailer storage
Hence, the crew will be able to ensure that the boat, lines, fenders, and all safety gadgets are ready with fuel tanks and lines and that all gear is secured on board.
Boat Handling
Introduction to boat handling that equips one with facets that include boat control and how the boat can be moved. It ensures boat handling knowledge of:
- Loading: impact on handling and performance, balance and trim, CE plate, manufacturer recommendation.
- Displacement boats: manipulation of ahead and astern with carrying away.
- Planning boats: propeller angle and degree of immersion, shallow drive, maneuvering at high/low RPMs, tiller or console shifting.
- Observance of other users of water and the impact of wash
- Steering, controls, influence of current or tidal stream
- High-speed maneuvering: planning, trim tabs, and power trim
Securing To A Buoy
Teach the correct technique of getting close and tying your vessel to a mooring buoy as safely as possible. The candidates will understand
- Mooring warp considerations
- Boat hook
- Method of approach and communication
- Securing techniques
- Course of action in case of overshooting
Anchoring
Master the knowledge of how to anchor a vessel safely and recover it. You will understand the method of approach in different conditions, crew communication, water depth, and knowledge of weighing anchor and attachment to the boat.
Leaving And Coming Alongside
Find out how to embark and disembark from a pontoon, slip, or even another vessel. Understand the positioning of the painter, lines, and fenders, securing to the boat, velocity and direction of approach, and wind impact.
Man Overboard
With the knowledge of man overboard recovery, the candidates can act immediately and stay vigilant as they approach the man overboard. They will return with caution to prevent a propeller strike and approach closer to the man in the water.
2. Theory (Section B)
The members can apply IRPCS and know how the basic “Rules of the Road” work. They will gain the following knowledge:
- Advantages and drawbacks of different types of hulls about sea handling capabilities.
- Placement of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring and fire extinguishers
- Weather information sources
- Shutdown procedures
- Signaling and communicating with other craft
- Fire precautions and fire fighting
- Precautions to prevent sinking
- Engines and drives: Pros and drawbacks associated with outboard, inboard, and outdrive engines, single and twin propellers, selection and utilization of fuels
- Distress signals and DSC
- Use of GPS
- Ropework
- Towing and being towed
- Information on bylaws
- Routine checks and basic troubleshoots
3. Coastal (Section C)
Employing section A on coastal water ensures the use of steering and hand-bearing compasses. It includes the knowledge of
- Pilotage and passage planning
- CG66 Small Craft Safety Scheme
- About charts and their symbols and buoyage
- Tide and tidal streams
Is RYA Powerboat Level 2 For Yacht Crew Necessary?
The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is the ideal certificate for those who want to work onboard a superyacht. Although it is not compulsory, having this certificate in your pocket will improve your likelihood of getting a job on a yacht.
Moreover, this course’s comprehensive syllabus is also useful for anyone wanting to use a powerboat for personal leisure or holiday hire. The skills and knowledge gained from this course will ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience, whether for personal use or for holiday hire.
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