Powerboat Level 2 training

Essexgary · 25 July 2013, 13:11

Hi everyone.

Have just purchased our first little RIB (4.8m). Can't wait to pick it up at weekend.

We are now planning our training. Should we go for the level 1 or level 2 powerboat course? Our thinking is that we should go for level 2 and be done with it. Don't want to pay for level 1 only to find out that I need 2, waste of money that is......

Also, who/where can offer the best training at the best price within the Essex area or close by.

Cheers Gary

henryfreston · 25 July 2013, 13:24

level 1- that's the steering wheel, it steers the boat. That's the throttle, it controls the speed

Go for level 2. And to be quite honest I still think that is directed at the complete novice!

Max... · 25 July 2013, 13:34

Welcome to the forum.

Definitely level 2 - not really much point to level 1.

Got a pic and details of your boat?

Essexgary · 25 July 2013, 13:35

Level 2 it is then........ Well, if it's aimed at a novice then that's us...... Now. Who can offer a decent course at a decent price and is in Essex or close by...

vjmehra · 25 July 2013, 14:18

To be honest most places bundle them together anyway, you'll have to go out of your way to find somewhere just offering level 1 on its own!

Max... · 25 July 2013, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essexgary

Level 2 it is then........ Well, if it's aimed at a novice then that's us...... Now. Who can offer a decent course at a decent price and is in Essex or close by...

Used to live in Essex but not sure who offers it there (I'm East Sussex now) but there will be a few in Kent too - one thing though be sure to take the course on the sea rather than inland.

boristhebold · 25 July 2013, 14:49

Go straight for level 2. Why not make a weekend of it, come down to poole the weather is great and a great area to learn in and around the harbour. Try powerboat training uk based at cobbs quay.

ashbypower · 25 July 2013, 15:03

Harbour Sea School in Poole is also excellent they have own boat or school boat coursers running every day of the week !! Why not make three days of it and bundle in a VHF course as well !!

matt h · 25 July 2013, 15:59

you will do 1 before 2 anyway. you can do it in a day, just

Ribochet · 25 July 2013, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

you will do 1 before 2 anyway. you can do it in a day, just

Could you explain this a bit more please

vjmehra · 25 July 2013, 17:33

I think what he means is that if you do a 2 day course you would effectively cover the basics (level 1), before doing the second part of the syllabus (level 2), so by doing the 2 day course you cover everything in level 1 anyway.

EnglishLes · 25 July 2013, 17:53

Have a look at Courses | Learning | Courses & Training | RYA plug in where you live and it will list places offering courses in order of closest first. Each centre should then have a website that contains a course timetable. As previously said do one on tidal waters. If you can do one on on the waters you'll be using most often the instructor should be able to impart some local knowledge.

brimonk · 25 July 2013, 18:08

I did my level 2 course in Essex with the Essex Power Boat School. It was excellent and good value for money. The website is www.essexpowerboatschool.co.uk and a phone contact is 07840 942483

Festinghouse · 25 July 2013, 18:17

i did my level 2 in a day - simply because i was on my own, and i already knew most of the stuff. i did however learn loads of tips on manouvering etc, and gained lots of local knowledge at the same time. i often see my instructor out at sea and always call him up or go speak to him.

ashbypower · 25 July 2013, 18:19

So you done the full course in a day?? RYA would NOT be happy with that !!!
Are you sure you done it as a course and NOT a direct assesment???

Festinghouse · 25 July 2013, 18:35

yes i did the full course. started early and spent the morning in the classroom, then out at sea til late afternoon and finished off answering questions over a brew back at my caravan. we got through it quicker as i was on my own and so we werent waiting for two other people to have a couple of attempts at everything.