RYA Powerboat Training Centres

[Jono Garton]

In 2002 there was 506 RYA Powerboat Training Centres issuing 17690 level 2 certificates total per year.

In 2006 there was 1053 RYA Powerboat Training Centres issuing 24750 level 2certificates total per year.

Can this dilution go on?


Jono

[tim griffin]

Originally Posted by Jono Garton

In 2002 there was 506 RYA Powerboat Training Centres issuing 17690 level 2 certificates total per year.

In 2006 there was 1053 RYA Powerboat Training Centres issuing 24750 level 2certificates total per year.

Can this dilution go on?


Jono

A tough one to answer but .



Some areas have probably reached saturation point, but lots of schools also give up and cease trading . Its a very highly competitive market with a lot of choice out there. At the end of the day its down to the customer who they choose to provide their training.

There will always be a need for new Instructors in power boating and some may choose to start their own school and why not.
A good school will generate income via advertising reputation and word of mouth a new school will have to be patient in becoming established this takes about 3 to 5 years is my opinion.

I can't see the RYA stopping new schools opening as it would be hard to justify the reasoning behind it.

The totals you give are they for the UK only or the rest of the World as well .
Just my thoughts .

[John Kennett]

Has there been much take up of the Intermediate course? If all powerboat courses were included rather than just L2 would the 2006 total be much higher?

John

[Doug Stormforce]

Jono and Tim

Intresting question but both of you like us are comparitavly new schools, you only have to go back a couple of years further and all three of us are part of the dilution.

Intrestingly we were discussing this yesterday with Dan Hooper (Southern rep)my own thoughts were that there is easy entry to setting up an RYA powerboat school. To become a dinghy, windsurf motor cruising or yachting school you have to jump through a few more hoops namely serving a bit of time as an instructor first. Having said that we still have more crusining school than customers in this region.

It appears to me that the RYA are activly encouraging more instructors to become centres. As you know Im usually the one who sticks up for the RYA but on this matter alll I can guess is that it sataifies someones ego to quote how many centres there are. The system is becoming to top heavy.

Its the YMI conference tommorro and I will raise thsi point (again), thanks for the figures Jono- I will maybe quote them, I assume they are from Paul Mara or someone.

[Jono Garton]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Has there been much take up of the Intermediate course?

Its been great for us, I would guess we issued about 50 certificates in 2006.

Originally Posted by John Kennett

If all powerboat courses were included rather than just L2 would the 2006 total be much higher?

I dont have the figures for all the other course, however in my opinion and experiance Level 2 is about 95% of the certificates issued.



My opinion is if the RYA keeping letting new RYA Training Centres set up, the market slowly gets expands but more and more people are eating in to the market, eventually there will be not enough business for everyone, which may result in the quality & kit standards dropping and shortcuts in safety & insurance cover.

In my opinion the RYA will have to sort it sooner or later, I personally think it needs to happen before we see quality & kit standards dropping and shortcuts in safety & insurance cover.


Jono

[Jono Garton]

Originally Posted by Doug Stormforce

I assume they are from Paul Mara or someone.

RYA Training Office

The RYA's Quote "The RYAs job is to ensure they all meet our standards"

Jono

[tim griffin]

Originally Posted by Doug Stormforce

Jono and Tim

Intresting question but both of you like us are comparitavly new schools, you only have to go back a couple of years further and all three of us are part of the dilution.

Very true and you both are going to do your Trainers Course so are we making the situation worse .

Maybe some schools will merge to survive and maybe others will give up
who knows .
Not sure about equipment standards and Insurance dropping as the Inspectors do a good job to see if schools are up to the job.
Let us know the results Doug

[Jono Garton]

Originally Posted by tim griffin

Trainers Course so are we making the situation worse .

I don't believe so, as there are more trainers retiring/moving away and we haven't had a new trainer in North Wales for a few years.

[wavelength]

and what do you propose as an answer to your perceived problem then Jono?

[Jono Garton]

Hi Dave

Do you see things carrying on in a positive manner with over 2 new Powerboat Training Centers opening every week.

In my opinion every new application should be closely looked at and the following considered-

- Other Training Centres in the area
- Potential Customers in the area (IE is it a big boating area)
- Type of customer IE purely trade, commercial or specialist.
- Will the centre have an impact on the other Training Centres?

The RYA could also Increase the Annual Recognition fee to discourage the the schools that conduct 3 or 4 courses per year.

On top of this the RYA could conduct 3rd party checks on the instruction from the students, like with the VHF Course, to ensure the quality is kept high.

Just my thoughts, id like to hear other peoples views,

Jono