RYA Powerboat Level 2
Learn to drive powerboats safely and confidently on Sydney Harbour with the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. This internationally recognised, industry-standard qualification is ideal for beginners, recreational boaters, professional yacht crew, watersports instructors and marine tourism operators.
Description

This practical, two-day course combines expert instruction with small-group training and plenty of time at the helm.
You'll develop boat handling, navigation, seamanship and safety skills aboard our high-speed rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).
RYA Powerboat Level 2 provides a pathway towards AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 certification and is a prerequisite for the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore certificate. It is also an important qualification for superyacht tender operators and RYA dinghy sailing and windsurfing instructors.
The certificate can also support an application for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for recreational boating in Europe, subject to eligibility.

Course content
Day 1 – Learn to drive the boat
Theory topics
- Personal safety equipment, lifejackets and suitable clothing
- Boat types, engines, fuel systems and terminology
- Weather, tides and sea conditions
- Buoyage and collision regulations (IRPCS)
Practical skills
- Pre-departure checks, kill cords and crew briefings
- Low-speed manoeuvring, berthing and close-quarters handling
- High-speed handling, trim, balance and emergency stops
- Anchoring, mooring and line handling
- Man overboard recovery and emergency procedures

Day 2 – Plan and execute a safe passage
Theory topics
- Marine charts, navigation and pilotage
- Passage planning, GPS and position fixing
- Engine checks and fuel management
- Legal responsibilities and skipper obligations
Practical skills
- Planning and navigating a short coastal passage
- High- and low-speed handling in real conditions
- Applying collision regulations underway
- Crew coordination and practical seamanship
- Emergency procedures, including basic towing

Equipment and instructors
Training is delivered by experienced RYA-qualified instructors aboard our high-speed rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).
Small groups ensure plenty of hands-on practice, individual coaching and time at the helm.
Training location
Shorebased sessions take place in our waterfront classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Sydney.
Practical training takes place on Sydney Harbour, where varied conditions provide an excellent environment for developing real-world powerboat handling skills.
What next?
- Marine radio: If you plan to operate a marine VHF or HF radio, consider completing our ACMA Marine Radio Licence course to gain the required operator qualification.
- Marine First Aid: We strongly recommend our Marine First Aid course for anyone operating a boat, particularly those involved in watersports and towing activities.
- Professional certification: RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Marine First Aid can form part of the pathway towards AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 certification, subject to meeting the additional requirements.
What's included
Course fees include expert instruction, all safety equipment, an RYA logbook and course handbook. Wet weather gear is available to borrow free of charge if required.
Qualifications and certification
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate – awarded on successful completion of the course.
- International Certificate of Competence (ICC) – certificate holders may be eligible to apply for an ICC through the RYA. The ICC is widely recognised for recreational boating in Europe and may be required for boat hire or charter in certain countries.
Before you start
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- No previous powerboating experience is required.
- If you have very limited boating knowledge, we recommend our optional online Essential Boating Skills and Knowledge course. It covers basic boating terminology, navigation and safety, giving you a head start on your practical training.
Testimonials
- Ania Barinek
- RYA Powerboat Level 2

- “ I just wanted to reach out and say a massive thankyou for doing what you're doing, because you do it so well! The programme was perfectly balanced between theory and practical skills training. I loved everything about the course!"
- Adriana Sanflorian
- RYA Powerboat Level 2

- “ I really enjoyed the course. It was very informative, and I learned loads. Now I can drive a boat! Thank you very much for making it perfect. ”
- Von Lin - Google Local Guide
- RYA Powerboat Level 2

- “ I’ve just completed a two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course with Teegan and Harry, and it was an absolutely awesome experience. The course had the perfect mix of theory and practical, and the instructors were patient, supportive, and brilliant at making even the tricky parts easy to grasp ”
Faq
- Booking information
- To secure your place, please book and pay using the links above.
- Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
- View our Terms and Conditions.
- What should I bring?
- Bring comfortable clothing, non-slip footwear, sun protection, a water bottle and lunch.
- Please also bring a passport-sized photo for your RYA certificate.
- Lifejackets and safety equipment are provided. Wet weather gear is available to borrow if required.
- Can I use this qualification to work commercially?
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 is an industry-standard qualification for professional yacht crew, superyacht tender operators, watersports instructors and marine tourism personnel.
- Additional qualifications, endorsements or licences may be required depending on your role and where you intend to work.
- Can I get a NSW boat licence with RYA Powerboat Level 2?
- Not directly. RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the NSW General Boat Driving Licence are issued under different systems, and there is no automatic conversion.
- However, RYA Powerboat Level 2, together with a current First Aid qualification and the required medical clearance, provides a pathway to AMSA Coxswain Grade 3. This basic commercial qualification allows you to operate certain vessels within defined limits. NSW recognises a valid Coxswain certificate of competency in place of a recreational boat licence.
- Alternatively, Flying Fish offers the NSW Boat Licence course. You can complete this first, then undertake Day 2 of our RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, subject to meeting the course requirements, to work towards both qualifications.
- How is the course assessed?
- Your instructor will assess your practical skills and knowledge throughout the two-day course. There is no separate final examination.