Advanced Powerboating in Ireland

scan_man73 · 13 August 2013, 10:23

Hello,

I am looking to do my Advanced Powerboating Certification in Ireland later this year. I have the option of going the ISA or RYA route so I have 2 queries:

ISA or RYA version - which is better content/education wise? I am not massively concerned about who issues the certificate I hopefully get - I am more interested in the quality of the content and teaching.

Can anyone recommend a good training centre in Ireland? I have used some schools in the past for different training but now I want to stick with a reliable professional organization moving forward.

Thanks!

willk · 13 August 2013, 10:49

I did mine at Redbay Powerboating in Cushendall. Charles is an RYA school - top lad, good facilities. He is currently flat out.

IMO, the RYA offer a better route to further qualification but the ISA course is fine, if you just want the training.

Tonymac and I had a lot of laughs on our course:

Red Bay Powerboating - YouTube

tonymac · 13 August 2013, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by scan_man73

Hello,

I am looking to do my Advanced Powerboating Certification in Ireland later this year. I have the option of going the ISA or RYA route so I have 2 queries:

ISA or RYA version - which is better content/education wise? I am not massively concerned about who issues the certificate I hopefully get - I am more interested in the quality of the content and teaching.

Can anyone recommend a good training centre in Ireland? I have used some schools in the past for different training but now I want to stick with a reliable professional organization moving forward.

Thanks!

Where are you based scan_man?

I got my Advanced PB Cert two years ago - that long?? - best instructor and facilities I have seen - RedBay Powerboat school instructor Charles Stewart is excellent. Look at the website Redbay Powerboating County Antrim | RYA Training Centre NI | Rib Training | Navigation Training | Rough Water Training | First Aid | VHF Radio | Safety Boat | (great pics on the site also of my son and daughter doing their PB2!)

willk · 13 August 2013, 10:52

Oh do keep up, Tony

tonymac · 13 August 2013, 10:55

Still having a lot of laughs

Must have just seen this post at the same time !!

scan_man73 · 13 August 2013, 11:46

Thanks.

I appreciate the quick feedback.

I am based near Cork but don't mind traveling for the right course.

The fact they use Redbay boats and are based near them is also a bonus as one of their ribs is on the wish list!

Navigation wise I believe I need either Day Skipper or Yachtmaster - could you recommend someone closer to home for either of these shorebased courses?

Also Vhf wise if I do the RYA version can I still get an Irish license and MMSI?

willk · 13 August 2013, 12:25

AFAIK, the VHF SRC in an international qualification so should be no probs.

SiR_Pete · 13 August 2013, 13:16

Ive never used redbay my self but anyone i know who is into their RIB's has always said if its to do with RIB's and comes out of Cushendall its going to be on the money.

I have done courses with the powerboat school in dun laoghaire and I can highly recomend them and Alistair, a gent of a man and a fountain of knowldge. we had a teenage girl with us who was extreamly nervious and he was well able to put her at ease, they are an RYA school as well which seems to have better recognition.

Ribochet · 13 August 2013, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by scan_man73

Navigation wise I believe I need either Day Skipper or Yachtmaster - could you recommend someone closer to home for either of these shorebased courses?

From September 2013 -knowledge to the level of Coastal/RYA Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased is required to undertake the RYA Advanced Powerboat Cerificate of Competence.

It is strongly recommended that candidates also hold a first aid certificate and a VHF operator's certificate

The RYA Yachtmaster Course will be run at RUYC Bangor over the Winter Months - PM me if you require a contact

Edit - Sorry just saw your address - may suit others

scan_man73 · 13 August 2013, 15:31

Thanks all for the feedback.

I am thinking that I will do the shore based navigation etc. locally and then probably head up to Cushendall for the actual practical course.

ribrunt · 20 August 2013, 07:59

Other options local to you include Cork Powerboating and Eddie English (SailCork), who has probably been teaching rib driving as long as there has been ribs in Ireland.... both (I think) could chat you through ISA/RYA stuff.

scan_man73 · 20 August 2013, 08:43

Hello ribrunt,

Thanks for the info. Have you done any courses with these guys and if so how did you rate them?