RYA Powerboat Handling - Autumn 2024

Powerboat Training Day: Sunday 24th November 2024

We are running a powerboat training day on 24th November to enable newer members to safely helm and operate our powerboats on duty days.  This year we are trialling a 1 day introduction course to enable club members to helm safety boats prior to completion of the full RYA Powerboat 2 qualification, which will run in spring 2025.  The day is open to all members free of charge, new members with no experience will be given priority, however any club member can attend to refresh skills or practice.  Numbers will be limited by available instructors and safety boats as this is a race day.

What to Expect

The day typically begins with a safety briefing and an overview of our club powerboats and outboard engines and progresses to basic boat handling techniques. Participants get familiarized with the equipment and controls of the boat before heading out to the water. Once aboard, instructors guide learners through practical exercises, such as steering, docking, slow speed manoeuvres and boat control.

Key Skills Learned

Boat Handling: From starting and stopping the engine to turning, accelerating, and managing various situations.

Safety Procedures: Understanding life-saving protocols, man-overboard drills, and the proper use of safety gear.

Radio Procedures: Learn how to operate the club VHF radios and basic radio protocols.

Docking & Anchoring: Key techniques for mooring the boat and safely anchoring in open water.

Confidence Building

By the end of the session, participants should feel ready to venture out independently, with improved awareness of the responsibilities that come with operating our safety boats.

Timing: 9am to 5pm each day

Theory

All RYA courses are based on the appropriate RYA Handbook and are designed to give you the skills, experience and confidence to gain your RYA certification. As the time on the course is limited, and to maximize the time gaining practical skills on the water, you may be asked to complete theory work at home or read ahead.

Clothing

• We suggest you wear layers of warm quick drying clothing (no denim!), protected by a wind/waterproof layer. To protect your feet and the boat wear canvas shoes / trainers / wet boots / sailing wellies. Unfortunately, bare feet, high heels, and gardening wellies are NOT allowed.
• Please remember a hat and gloves for courses in cold weather along with sunscreen, a cap and cheap sunglasses with a restraining strap for warm weather courses.
• Bring a change of clothing and a towel with you.

Safety

Buoyancy Aids
You must always wear a buoyancy aid on jetties or while afloat in a boat. For the duration of the course you may borrow a club buoyancy aid from the training room but please ensure this is returned at the end of each session. After your course, you will be expected to provide your own buoyancy aid while sailing and powerboating.

Emergency contact
In case of an accident we have asked you for the details of an emergency contact. Please ensure this information is up to date for the duration of the course.

Pre existing injuries, medical conditions, or medication
Please inform your Senior Instructor of any injuries, medical conditions, or medication that you think we may need to know about. If you need an inhaler or epi pen please ensure these are easily accessible by Instructors in case you require them.

Instruction

• The course programme is not rigid. Weather conditions may mean alterations need to be made to the sequence of the course however all the listed exercises will be covered during the course.
• If you are having problems or are not happy with any aspect of the course, please discuss them with your Instructor, Senior Instructor or Training Principal.
• Each person is individual; we expect them to progress at their own rate. We will help you to progress, an will work at a pace to suit yourself where appropriate.
• We hope you will not have any complaints but please note if required we do have a formal complaints procedure, to investigate any issues.

And finally . . . .
The Club is indebted to the volunteers who are qualified RYA Instructors and who willingly give up their time to ensure we are able to offer these courses. We love sailing and want to do so safely.

 

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