Course Overview
RYA Powerboat Level 2 develops the core skills and background knowledge needed by a competent powerboat driver. It suits complete beginners as well as boat users who want to replace trial-and-error habits with a safe, structured approach.
Training focuses on low-speed close-quarters handling, coming alongside, securing to a buoy, anchoring, recovery of a person overboard, collision regulations and an introduction to operating at planing speed where the craft and conditions permit.
The course is enquiry-led while Phuket Sea School validates demand and confirms a suitable powerboat, instructor and delivery dates. We review your age, experience and intended use before offering a place.
Who Is This Course For?
New powerboat drivers, yacht tender users, dive-boat or RIB crew, leisure boat owners and anyone wanting a stronger foundation in safe powerboat handling.
Prerequisites
- No previous powerboat experience required
- Minimum age 12; certificates for younger candidates may carry an age-related endorsement
- Reasonable mobility and confidence being on the water
Typical Itinerary
The exact sequence follows weather, traffic, launch arrangements and candidate progress.
- Day 1: safety brief, craft checks, controls, low-speed handling, turning and coming alongside
- Day 2: anchoring, securing to a buoy, person-overboard recovery, pilotage and planing-speed work where appropriate
- Final review, feedback and next-step advice
What Is Included
Included
- Two days of practical instruction
- Use of the nominated training craft and safety equipment
- Course material and completion certificate when the required standard is achieved
Not included
- Travel, accommodation and personal insurance
- Meals and personal expenses
- ICC application or other external certification fees
Delivery dates and final inclusions are confirmed before payment. External examination or certification fees remain separate unless your written quote explicitly includes them.
Course Syllabus
- Personal equipment, safety equipment and pre-start checks
- Launching and recovery principles
- Low-speed handling, steering, turning and use of trim
- Leaving and coming alongside
- Securing to a buoy and anchoring
- Planing-speed handling where conditions and craft permit
- Person-overboard recovery
- Collision regulations, local considerations and basic pilotage
What you will work toward
- Prepare and check a powerboat before use
- Handle the craft at low speed and in close quarters
- Leave and come alongside with an effective crew brief
- Anchor, secure to a buoy and recover a person overboard
- Understand essential collision regulations and safe-speed principles
Register your interest
This is an enquiry-led demand-validation programme. We are collecting preferred dates and participant requirements while confirming the appropriate training craft, instructor and delivery arrangements in Phuket.
- No fixed course dates are published yet
- An enquiry does not reserve a place or create a payment obligation
- We will provide written confirmation of the dates, craft, instructor, price and certification arrangements before requesting payment
Any RYA course will only be delivered and certificated once the relevant recognition, equipment and staffing requirements are confirmed for that discipline.
Recommended to Bring
- RYA logbook and evidence of prerequisite sea time
- Relevant theory notes, charts and navigation tools
- Quick-drying clothing and non-marking footwear
- Sun protection, waterproof layer and soft luggage
Supporting Courses
Marine Radio VHF/SRC, RYA First Aid and the appropriate RYA shorebased navigation course support safe progression through the cruising scheme. We will identify any missing qualification when reviewing your enquiry.
Local Information
Flights and Arrival
Yacht Haven Marina is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Phuket International Airport in normal traffic. Exact boarding, checkout and examination arrangements are confirmed in the written joining instructions.
Typical Weather
Phuket is warm throughout the year, but the monsoon seasons influence wind, rainfall and route planning. These are typical patterns rather than a forecast.
Mid Oct–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–May
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
July–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Mid Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Your Next RYA Step
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a complete beginner take Powerboat Level 2?
Yes. No previous experience is required. We ask about your intended use so the practical exercises can be made relevant to you.
Can the certificate support an ICC application?
An eligible RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate can support an ICC application for the relevant category, but eligibility and the application itself are separate. We will explain the current requirements before you book.
Can I book a fixed date now?
Not yet. Send an enquiry with your preferred period and number of participants. We will confirm the training craft, instructor, dates and certification arrangements in writing before payment.