AIM OF THE RYA POWERBOAT INSTRUCTOR SKILLS TEST
The Powerboat Instructor Skills Test is required prior to joining a RYA Powerboat Instructor Course. Instructor candidates must demonstrate they have the powerboat handling skills and the supporting knowledge required to go on and teach the sport. The Skills Test is sometimes known as the Powerboat Instructor Pre Entry Assessment.
We believe the Powerboat Instructor Skills Test should be an integral part of your PBI course so we prefer to include it for free in the Powerboat Instructor (PBI) Course package. If you prefer to book it as a stand alone course you can do so below.
HOW LONG IS THE PBI SKILLS TEST?
Upto one day. The training starts at 0915. Finish time varies depending on the number of candidates but will be no later than 1700.
WHAT ARE THE PRE REQUISITES FOR THE POWERBOAT INSTRUCTOR SKILLS TEST?
- Minimum age 16 years
- Relevant experience in a variety of craft
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 (essential)
- RYA Powerboat Intermediate (recommended)
- RYA Dayskipper Shorebased (recommended)
- RYA Membership (join here)
WHAT IS COVERED ON THE PBI SKILLS TEST?
During the morning you will have an opportunity to become familiar with our boat(s), operate in the same area as the assessment and practice the skills required. Our instructor will coach you on any weak areas.
In the afternoon an RYA Trainer will assess that you can perform all of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 manoeuvres to a good standard and have the supporting background knowledge required.
The afternoon’s largely practical assessment can include;
- Holding Station in tide
- Picking up a mooring buoy
- Coming alongside in various wind and tide
- Departing a pontoon in various wind and tide
- Turning using warps
- Turning in a confined space
- MOB recovery
- Anchoring
- High speed handling (trim, steering etc.)
The trainer will also check your supporting knowledge in the following areas
- Distress signals
- Safety equipment
- IRPCS
- Sources of weather information
- Hull shapes and engine types
- Tidal heights
- Basic chart work & electronic navigation
INCLUDED
- Morning of coaching
- Afternoon of assessment
- Use of one of our RIBs
- Fuel
- Loan of a life jacket
- Free (on street) parking
- Tea & Coffee
NOT INCLUDED
- Wet weather gear (can be hired for £5 a day)
- Lunch (we recommend you bring a packed lunch)
HOW DO I BOOK THE RYA POWERBOAT INSTRUCTOR SKILLS TEST?
If you book the RYA Powerboat Instructor Course with us the Skills test and training is included in the package. If you want to book the skills assessment as a stand alone course you may do so below.