Powerboat courses
The Club is an approved RYA Training Centre for Power Boat Instruction and offers several levels of powerboat training from absolute novice to RYA Safety Boat. For details of the courses available see below. Although an inland lake the RYA Powerboat 2 course covers the costal requirements.
Although we are primarily a sailing and windsurfing club, we run powerboat training for many important reasons:
- To enable club activities to be safe both for organised and informal sailing
- To allow us to deliver RYA Sailing and Dinghy training
- As part of the instructor development programme
- To improve the overall standard of driving and rescue capability within the club
- To facilitate our member’s wider boating experience
- To raise income by running paid courses for club and external candidates
Adrian Jones is our Chief Power Boat Instructor heading up a Team of RYA Powerboat Instructors.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking terms for water based training




Powerboat Course Dates 2022 – To book follow this link
to book see link on calendar, members need to sign in – non members need to create a login to allow us to contact you
Course Details
Course Details
Course overview
An inhouse, club members only driving and safety course, designed to help the successful participant to be able to drive powerboats for club racing and general safety duties at Notts County Sailing Club. These run over 1 day each but may require club members to attend more than 1 day to acquire the appropriate competencies and to be signed off as eligible to undertake club safety driver duties. In addition, existing drivers are welcome to attend for refresher training.
Course pre-requisites
None.
Course duration
1-2 days (8-16 hours) or equivalent number of sessions, dependent on experience
Minimum age
16 years
Content
Boat handling (pontoon leaving and returning), rib placement (racing and training), casualty recovery (drift down/head up methods), righting capsized and total inversion dinghies, recovery of boats stuck on the mud and keelboat recovery (theory only).
Qualification gained on successful completion
Qualification gained – ability to undertake Club Duties with endorsement on SCM
Format
Practical
Student / instructor ratio
1:3
What’s included
Use of boats, equipment, course book?
Types of boats used: “planing” boats, i.e. RIBS, Pioneers and Rigiflex i.e. boats that lift up and move across, rather than through the water, and powered by outboard engines.
What you should bring
Depending on the time of year the Galley may be open for the purchase of breakfast, lunch and hot and cold drinks. If it will not be, you will be advised in advance so that you can bring your own food. Hot water will always be available
Kit list :
- Correct seasonal clothing e.g. layers.
- Buoyancy aid of correct specification e.g. adult 50N (one will be provided if you do not have your own)
- Appropriate enclosed footwear
- Additional warm clothing
- Waterproof outer spray top or coat
- Swimming costume and towel
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Appropriate hat for the weather
- Gloves for warmth is required
- Change(s) of clothing
Course Details
Course overview
Learn how to drive a powerboat safely. This entry-level course (includes Level 1 Start Powerboating) provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive and a powerboat competently in suitable conditions and forms the basis for an application for an International Certificate of Competence. It teaches boat handling, seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, passage planning and collision regulations..
Course pre-requisites
None.
Course duration
2 days or equivalent number of sessions
Minimum age
12 (candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate) 8-12 year old can take RYA Level 1Powerboat, please enquire a stop availability.
Content
Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, passage planning and man overboard. Incorporates RYA Level 1 Start Powerboating.
Qualification gained on successful completion
Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of the craft.
The successful candidate is awarded an RYA powerboat level 2 (PB2) certificate that requires a passport sized photograph. The PB2 certificate allows holders to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), an especially useful certificate if you plan to go boating abroad. The PB2 licence is also an essential requirement to become an RYA Instructor and is desirable for assistant instructors. Please note the Inland/Coastal distinction has now been removed so we are able to award the full PB2 licence.
Format
Predominantly practical but with some classroom elements.
Student / instructor ratio
3:1
What’s included
Use of boats, equipment, RYA Powerboat Handbook.
Types of boats used: “planing” boats, i.e. RIBS, Pioneers and Rigiflex i.e. boats that lift up and move across, through the water, and powered by outboard engines.
What you should bring
Depending on the time of year the Galley may be open for the purchase of breakfast, lunch and hot and cold drinks. If it will not be, you will be advised in advance so that you can bring your own food. Hot water will always be available .
Passport sized photograph.
Kit list :
- Correct seasonal clothing e.g. layers.
- Buoyancy aid of correct specification e.g. adult 50N (one will be provided if you do not have your own)
- Appropriate enclosed footwear
- Additional warm clothing
- Waterproof outer spray top or coat
- Swimming costume and towel
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Appropriate hat for the weather
- Gloves for warmth is required
- Change(s) of clothing
Details to follow