Powerboat Training
Learn how to drive or crew a Powerboat
As a volunteer-run club we need members to provide our safety boat cover. To help improve members' skills and confidence, we offer powerboat training to members. Its a valuable & useful qualification for sailors to have - and it's great fun too!
RYA Powerboat Certificate (Level 1/2)
This course is designed to teach the basic skills and knowledge to become a competent powerboat driver. You'll be taught in planing craft. No previous experience is needed.
Please note that this course is run for Members only.
The course content includes launching and recovery, boat handling at low and high speed plus seamanship skills such as man overboard. RYA certificates at Level 1 or 2 are awarded at the end of the course based on trainee's performance during the course.
The Level 2 Certificate is the minimum club requirement to enable members to drive club powerboats whilst on rescue duty. This certificate also forms the basis of the test for the International Certificate of Competence required by drivers of powerboats in many other countries.
The minimum age for this course 16 years.
Course Fees:
The course cost for members is £80. This is heavily discounted compared to commercial centres as an encouragement for members to gain this important qualification. Once qualified, we expect members to use it by signing up for Safety Driver as some or all of their duties. The course fee includes all training material plus online registration of the certificate.
If you would like to reserve a place on one of these courses, please book via the link below.
If you have any questions about the PB2 course, please contact Matt Smith.
Course dates:
| Course | 2026 Dates | Status | |
| RYA National Powerboat Certificate (Level 1/2) - PB2_C1 | 23 & 24 May 2026 | Book here | |
| RYA National Powerboat Certificate (Level 1/2) - PB2_C2 | 1 & 2 August 2026 | Book here |
PB2 Direct Assessment
If you have experience of driving a powerboat but do not have a PB2 qualification we can offer a half day Direct Assessment where you can demonstrate your skills to an instructor and may be awarded the qualification.
If you have any questions about a Direct Assessment, please contact Matt Smith.
SHSC Safety Boat Course
This free one-day course is designed to teach you then essential skills required to become a competent safety boat driver and be more confident to support the club's racing and training activities. You will be taught in the club's fleet of powerboats and will be practicing how to recover club training dinghies.
You will need to hold a PB2 qualification to take part.
Please note that this course is run for Members only. This course does not attract RYA certification. The minimum age for this course 16 years.
There is no charge for this course as it is designed to improve the skills of our volunteer powerboat drivers who provide safety cover for club sailing. We would hope that those completing the course will feel more confident in volunteering for club safety duties.
If you would like to reserve a place on one of these courses, please click on the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact Matt Smith (Sailing School Principal) at Matt Smith.
Course dates:
| Course | Dates | Status | |
| SHSC Safety Boat Course | Sunday 10 May 2026 | Book here |
Last updated 17:55 on 8 February 2026
