Push the boat out... Coastal Cruising and Night Ribbing Training

[Stormforce]

Push the boat out... Coastal Cruising and Night Ribbing Training

So, after Powerboat Level 2, and a bit of time getting used to boating, what’s next? Some people simply continue using their craft, getting more adventurous as time goes on, others feel they need a little bit of training to help build the confidence and skills to move further afield.

Within the RYA syllabus, the next two courses ‘on the ladder’ are the Intermediate (Coastal Cruising) Powerboat Course, and the Advanced (Day and Night) Powerboat Course. There are other branches in the RYA scheme such as the Safety Boat course, or even the Powerboat Instructor course, but for today we’re focusing on the Intermediate and Advanced.

RYA Intermediate (Coastal Cruising) Powerboat Course (2 Days)

The Intermediate powerboat course has a pretty uninspiring sounding name, which belies the actual content and flexibility of the course. Two days, like the PB2, the Intermediate course takes into account that students should be competent boat handlers by the time they join, and builds on the introduction to navigation and seamanship contained in the Level 2 syllabus.

Focusing on developing passage making skills, the Intermediate course aims to get the best out of all the navigational aids found on board, including the GPS, Depth (Echo) Sounder, steering compass, and of course, MK1 Eyeball! Covering tidal heights, high speed navigation, pilotage, and local information, this course takes you further afield, and should give you the confidence to push your own expeditions that bit further.

In amongst the coastal navigation aspects of the syllabus, there is of course also the opportunity to complete man overboard training, explore safety aboard in more detail, and pick up on new techniques such as stern to mooring, and post/pile mooring techniques.

Before attending the course you must hold the Powerboat Level 2 certificate, and the RYA First Aid. Stormforce Coaching have intermediate courses on the 12th 13th July, 21st 22nd July, 9th 10th August, 25th 26th August, and many more into September. You can of course also do the course on your own boat.

RYA Advanced (Day and Night) Powerboat Course (2 Days)

Considered by many to be an exciting and challenging course, these two days aim to really enhance coxn’s skills, and push the boat to its’ optimum. On joining the course, you should already be an experienced Powerboat Helm, with a good navigation knowledge (RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Shorebased level).

The skills and drills covered are many and varied, and include advanced MOB techniques, search patterns and emergency drills, and rough weather handling. Often considered the highlight of the course, the instructor will also take you through a night passage, taking into consideration light patterns and identifying hazards, as well as finding unlit marks or arbitrary positions. This knowledge will prove invaluable when you find yourself out at night in the future.

Before attending the course, you must hold the RYA First Aid Certificate, and the VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC). It goes without saying that you should have a bit of experience already, definitely to Powerboat Level 2, ideally you would have completed the Intermediate Course.


Many people use the Advanced course as a stepping stone into the world of Commercial Powerboat driving. Holders of the RYA Advanced course completion certificate find the seatime pre requistes for the RYA/MCA Advanced Certificate of competence exam are reduced by half.

Stormforce Coaching have Advanced Powerboat courses on the 9th 10th July, 21st 22nd July, 18th 19th August, 10th 11th September, 29th 30th September, 20th 21st October, 17th 18th November, 1st 2nd December, as well as scheduling on demand courses.

For more information on any of the above, please call the team on 02380 231122, or e-mail coaching@stormforce.biz.

Happy Advanced Ribbing!

The Stormforce Team