Stuart Scorgie is a tutor, trainer and aquatic specialist with South West Maritime Academy sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge with those wishing to expand their powerboating skills and qualifications.
Currently, here in the UK, anyone may purchase a boat up to 24 metres in length or 80 tonnes in weight. They can then operate it in and around our coast and on most of our inland waterways without any sort of training, boat license or certification, or so people believe!
In reality, everyone on the sea comes under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. On 29 July 2020 the MCA published a marine guidance note to provide clarification and guidance on the merchant shipping (safety of navigation) regulations which implement chapter V of the International Convention for the safety of life at sea 1974 (SOLAS) in its most recently amended form into UK law. In a nutshell - you may be prosecuted if you fail to adhere to them. Follow this link for the latest government leaflet on chapter V for recreational boaters: SOLAS regulations for pleasure boat users
A recent change to UK law has caused a change in focus from what was initially intended for PWC users to move more towards all watercraft users.
Summary
The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023 places a duty onwatercraft owners in UK waters to ensure that it is operated in a safe manner. If the owner fails to do this, they may commit an offence, punishable by imprisonment for a term up to two years, a fine, or both.
Under the order, it is not an offence for a person to be under the influence of drink or a drug while in charge of a watercraft or other recreational craft. However, if a watercraft user does something or omits to do something that leads to the loss, destruction or serious damage of their watercraft, any other watercraft, ship or structure, or the death of or serious injury to any person and either:
OR
then the person is guilty of an offence under section 58 (conduct endangering ships, structures, or individuals) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as applied by the 2023 Order.
With this in mind, our advice is to take a course.
If you are unable to find a date that suits you drop me an Email with your request.
South West Maritime Academy is a leading provider of RYA powerboat courses for all levels of experience and ability, from complete novices to competent professionals and those looking to enhance their career prospects or update required industry specific qualifications. We operate the Powerboat School from Portishead Marina with our well equipped MCA coded 7.8m Ribcraft RIB.
As well as a great training area, there are plenty of cafes, comfort stop facilities and free parking.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 8 Years. Under 16's Issued With Endorsed Certificate.
The RYA PowerBoat Level 1 Course allows the holder to experience and take an active part in powerboating, whilst being safe on-board and helping to steer and navigate at sea or on inland waters. This is an informative and enjoyable 1-day powerboat course, with a recognised RYA Certificate.
In A Nutshell: This course is for you if you want a quick and fun introduction to PowerBoating - great for kids.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 12 Years. Under 16's Issued With Endorsed Certificate
The most popular powerboat course - no prior experience or Level 1 is needed. This 2 day RYA Course is a well recognised qualification and can be used to hire powerboats up to 10 metres, is accepted by insurance companies for boat owners and can be Commercially Endorsed to legally take up to 12 passengers to sea. There is no exam and is designed as an enjoyable 2 days.
In A Nutshell: This course is for you if you want to own or hire a powerboat and need the skills to be safe - or if you need to work commercially - and legally - within 3 miles of shore during daylight hours.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 12 Years. Under 16's Issued With Endorsed Certificate
For power boaters with the equivalent of at least one full seasons powerboat handling experience, this Direct Assessment allows the holder to be awarded the full RYA PowerBoat Level 2 (Coastal/Tidal/Planing) National PowerBoat Certificate Photo-ID certificate, without attending the normal 2 day continual-assessment course route. It normally takes between 3-8 hours, with 1-3 persons.
In A Nutshell: This assessment is for experienced PowerBoaters needing the RYA Level 2, but who don't want or need the full 2 day course.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 16 Years.
This 2 day course covers the practical use of pilotage and passage-planning by day on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic techniques. More advanced boat handling will also be covered. Candidates will be competent to National PowerBoat Level 2 (Coastal/Tidal) and it is strongly recommended that candidates hold a valid First Aid Certificate and VHF Radio Licence.
In A Nutshell: This course is for you if you want to expand your skippering skills and take on more challenging PowerBoating, or travel further afield during the day.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 16 Years.
This course is for those carrying passengers to and from a mothership by day and night, and includes working with crew, passengers and short-handed operations. Designed in conjunction with the Professional Yachting Association, and like the Level 2, this is a Photo-I.D. licence-card certificate accepted internationally.
In A Nutshell: This course is for you if you are in the Maritime industry and wish to take on a more challenging role during day, night and possibly adverse weather.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 17 Years.
A 2 day RYA Course For leisure or professional PowerBoaters wanting to undertake more adventurous trips - including navigation by day and night, taking into account weather and crew factors and other skippering techniques. More challenging passages and weather conditions should be experienced. Ability to Intermediate PowerBoat Level and Day Skipper Shorebased Navigation is strongly advised.
In A Nutshell: This course is for you if you want to expand your skippering skills and take on more challenging sailing or travel further afield during day, night and during adverse weather.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 12 Years.
This two-day course covers basic boat handling, helmsmanship, safety and basic engine maintenance. It aims to teach boat handling & safety within a defined area. It is particularly suitable as an own boat course for new owners of motor cruisers who are conscious of the difficulty and potential hazards of boat handling in the marina and at sea. It is useful for crews as well as skippers. Apart from the obvious safety benefits of extra boat handlers on board, it adds interest if everyone can contribute to the trip.
In A Nutshell: This course is for you if you want to own or hire a Motor Cruiser or sports boat and need the skills to be safe around a marina environment and on the open water.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age: 16 Years.
Let's go for some practice in the dark
This special coaching event is designed to help the adventurous boater get some safety tips and practice alongside one of our highly qualified and experienced instructors.
There is no formal qualification associated with this instruction day but the knowledge you will gain will be invaluable when venturing out into the night on your own.
In a Nutshell: You are doing this course if you want to take your pride and joy away and bring her back to her berth in the dark safely.
Challenge Scale:
Minimum age:12
This course covers the practical use of pilotage and passage planning on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic navigation. The course builds on the knowledge of the RYA level 2 PowerBoat and is suited to those who have little or no night cruising experience, or, for those that may need a little confidence building after a break. There is no requirement to sit the day skipper exam, we can help you with the background knowledge if needed. These courses are run on an "as required" basis and is ideal for those with families or friends, email us with your thoughts.
In A Nutshell: You may be asking for this courses of you are feeling a little rusty about your boat handling and marina skills or are unsure about how to do specific elements of passage planning or are nervous about taking your pride and joy away from her berth and returning in darkness
A PowerBoat refresher course may be what you are looking for. We can accommodate you on a half or full day refresher course tailoring the course to your needs. Call us to book a slot
Challenge Scale:Up to you
Minimum age:16
Need to get some passage miles under your belt for exams. We can help with that either here in the UK or at our Sea School in Palma.
This course covers the practical use of pilotage and passage planning on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic navigation. The course builds on the knowledge of the RYA level 2 PowerBoat and is suited to those who need miles for further exams. You would be fully involved in all aspects of the passage plan, food, provisions and of course conducting the passage. The most important part is making it a fun and enjoyable. These courses are run on an "as required" basis and is ideal for those with families or friends, email us with your thoughts.
In A Nutshell: You may be asking for this courses of you are looking to enhance your logbook with day and night passages in preparation for your next exam.
Challenge Scale:
This course is delivered by an experienced Diving Instructor and RYA Advanced PowerBoat Instructor.
Designed as a package for a group of three, using their own club boat.
This is a specialist training course which is designed for members of local dive clubs operating powerboats - no specific prior boating knowledge or experience is required.
In A Nutshell:: This course is for club divers who want to drive the club boat. The Instructor will deliver practical training essential for skippering a dive-boat.
If you like the idea of one of these courses but would prefer to do it somewhere warmer, you could consider going to our Palma Sea School. We also offer Day Skipper and Yachtmaster courses along with Mile builder opportunities. Have a look at our website for more information.
If you have any unanswered questions please tel:01454260130 or
If there are 2 or three of you and you are unable to find a date that fits with your needs Email or tel: 01454260130.
We sometimes have a boat free during the week, rest assured, we will try our best to accommodate you.
Here at The South West Maritime Academy, we are industry leaders in maritime safety training courses, offering a wide range of maritime courses including the mandatory STCW Basic Safety Training - essential for all seafaring personnel.
Over recent years we've helped many newcomers to the industry, along with competent professionals enhancing their careers with the essential training they need to do their jobs effectively. We offer real hands-on training for all candidates at our our main site in Cromhall, South Gloucestershire and our PowerBoat School in Portishead, ensuring that you are not trained with just theory - actual real-life experience is in our opinion, essential.
When you train with us, you can rest assured that you are learning with the top maritime academy in the UK - with well-qualified instructors and many years of experience. Our pass rates are fantastic, in 2021, 100% of participants at the South West Maritime Academy willing to recommend our courses and facilities. Don't just take our word for it - we are accredited by several examination boards - Edexcel, Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Pearson and the RYA.