RYA Powerboat Level 2

Aim: To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.

  • Launching and recovery
    Use of a trailer or launching trolley
    Consideration of launching and sea conditions, including hazards and obstructions
    Number of persons required to launch/recover
    Construction, width and condition of slipway
    Steep/slippery slipways, beach launching, lee shores
    Care of trailer bearings, hitch, lashings, ties, lights and winch
    Trailer parking
    Prepare the boat, lines, fenders, safety equipment, fuel tanks, lines and secure gear on board
  • Boat handling
    Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE Plate and manufacturer's recommendation
    Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way
    Crew members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look-out
    Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
    Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
    High speed manoeuvring: planing, trim tabs and power trim
    Planing boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low speed handling, tiller/console steering
    Carry out pre-start checks, engine starting and stoppping
    Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
    Carry out low speed manoeuvres including: turning in a confined area, effect of wind on bow and holding off. Demonstrate an awareness of the danger of flooding when going astern
    Carry out high speed manoeuvres including S-turns and U-turns
  • Securing to a buoy
    Preparation of mooring warp
    Use of a boat hook
    Method of approach
    Crew communication
    Making fast
    Procedure when overshooting
    Approach and secure to buoy
  • Anchoring
    Method of approach in various conditions
    Taking way off
    Crew communication
    Check holding
    Depth of water, holding ground, scope required
    Types of anchor
    Stowage and attachment to boat
    Preparation of anchor, chain and warp
    Weighing anchor
    Approach and anchor correctly
    Weigh anchor correctly
  • Leaving and coming alongside
    Preparation and use of painter, lines and fenders, attachement to boat, stowage under way
    Speed and angle of approach
    Wind effect
    Method of approach in tidal stream or current
    Make fast alongside
    Use springs
    Leave - ahead or astern
  • Man overboard
    Recovery or man overboard
    Take immediate action
    Observe the man overboard
    Carry out the correct return with awareness of propeller
    Approach and recover the man in the water
  • Theory
    Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping  ability
    Engines and drives: advantages and disadvantages of outboard, inboard and outdrive units, single and twin screws, choice and use of fuels
    Siting of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring, fire extinguishers
    Routine engine maintenance checks, basic fault diagnosis
    Close down procedure
    Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters
    Use and limitations of GPS
    Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping
    Sources of weather information
    Awareness of other water users
    Communication with other craft - hand and sound signals
    Disabled craft
    Emergency action, preventing sinking
    Adrift - alternative means or propulsion
    Towing and being towed
    Fire precautions and fire fighting
    Ropework
    Distress signals and the Mayday call
    Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5,7,8,9,12-19
  • Coastal
    Pilotage and passage planning
    CG66 Small Craft Safety Scheme
    Charts, chart symbols, buoyage systems
    Tides and tidal streams
    Use steering and hand bearing compasses
    Apply Section A on coastal waters
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