course-cover-rya-level-1-powerboating

RYA Level 1 Start Powerboating

FUN | SAFE | BEGINNER

1 days 200 Max 6 students

This course is an introduction to boating techniques for launching and recovering a boat from a road trailer, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment.



Upcoming Course Dates

Boarding location

The RYA Powerboat Level 1 course provides a basic introduction to power boating and is suitable for children as well as adults. During the course you will learn about basic safety equipment, how to launch and recover the boat and use of a kill chord. You will also learn very basic boat manoeuvres including starting, stopping, leaving and coming alongside and securing to a mooring buoy.

  • Pre-course experience: None
  • Duration: 1 days
  • Minimum age: 8. Certificates for under 16s will be endorsed as ‘qualified under the supervision of a responsible adult’. Under 18`s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Launch and recovery, preparation of boat and crew, boat handling, pick up and securing to a mooring buoy, leaving and coming alongside, being towed.

Course supporting book: RYA Start Powerboating Course Notes

start-powerboating

Aim: To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats.

  • Launch and recovery
    Consdierations to be taken during the launch
    The use of a trailer or launching trolley
    Considerations to be taken regarding sea conditions and hazards
    Construction, width and condition of ramp/slipway
  • Preparation of boat and crew
    Personal buoyancy and appropriae clothing
    The use of the following equipment: lines, fenders, anchor and warp, bailer, fire extinguisher, pump, paddles or oars, compass, flares, torch, whistle, charts, first aid kit, sharp knife.
    Perform the following: fasten a cleat and stow an anchor
  • Boat handling
    Planning of boats: propeller angle and immersion, use of shallow drive
    Low speed handling: ahead and astern
    Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way in neutral
    How to carry out pre-start checks, including fuel tank and fuel bulb
    Steering controls and windage
    Steer and control boat speed
    Start and stop the engine
    Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
  • Picking up and securing to a mooring buoy
    Preparation of mooring warps
    Use of a boat hook
    Method of approach
    Crew communication
    Making fast
  • Leaving and coming alongside
    Wind effect
    Approach in tidal stream or current
    Leaving - ahead or astern
    Demonstrste the use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
    Control speed and angle approach
    Make fast alongside
  • Being towed
    Preparing own lines for towing
    Accepting a tow
    Securing tow lines
    Trim and balance under tow
  • Theory
    Loading and balancing the boat and the effect on handling and performance
    Local byelaws and insurance
    Crew numbers: minimum number in the boat, keeping a look-out
    Awareness of other water users, inclusing effect of wash
    Application or IRPCS. Understands rules 5 & 6, and conduct around commercial shipping in confined waters

  • Sunglasses
  • High factor sun cream
  • Soft shoes with a non marking sole
  • Shorts (Please be aware that these are liable to get dirty or wet, so not your best ones!)
  • T-Shirts
  • Fleece or jumper for the evenings and windy days at sea
  • Light long sleeved shirt if you need to cover up in the sun
  • Baseball/sun hat (preferably with a clip to stop it blowing overboard!)
  • Sea sickness tablets should you need them
  • And above all, enthusiasm!

Please note that the temperatures in Malta are normally very warm during the day but it can be cold in the evenings and windy days at sea. It is a good idea to bring a small light rain mac if you have one and also a pair of long trousers and a warm fleece, just in case.

For more details about course, booking, and certificate, please refer to the FAQ's section.

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