Back to the Classroom!

[TheBoatman]

It appears that although I have both crewed on and owned /operated small powerboats (16-55 feet) complete with paying passengers over the last 35 years and in that time gained my DTI boatmans licence with a COP, YM Offshore with commercial endorsement power and sail, VHF ticket, First Aid ticket, can navigate both the "old fashioned" way as well as use modern electronics, become a RYA powerboat instructor to safety boat level the RYA have now told me that I can't teach anyone to drive a powerboat to the new intermediate level unless I become an advanced instructor!

So it looks like whilst I can take out 12 fare-paying anglers 60 nm from Ramsgate I can't actually instruct 3-4 RYA candidates on how to drive such a boat!!!!

So my dilema is, do I return to the classroom and pay the RYA to become an advanced instructor or do I just sit back and let my 35 years of experience go to waste?

At the moment my feelings are B***er it I'll stay as I am, why should I pay to do a course in a rib with outboards just so that I can then go teach someone how to drive a 12+ ton semi-displacement boat with inboard diesels. I mean, the boats are just the same aren't they? both got 2 engines, both float, it's just that one weighs 12+ tons and has a wheelhouse and the other is open to the elements both have fuel tanks, it's just that one has cross-flow pipes, sterntube coolers, doesn't lose its way so easily.

I give up? as I think I'm preaching to the converted!!!!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BrendanS]

In fairness to the RYA, I suspect they are looking at straightforward case of instructor showing they are powerboat Advanced level capable if they want to teach Intermediate.

They didn't plan for pain in the arse cases such as yourself, who have a whole bunch of other certificates. Does your YM Offshore Power endorsement not qualify you as above Advanced?

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni

 

[Cornishman]

I note that within your sheaf of qualifications none qualifies you to TEACH anything above safety boat level. I think that is what the RYA is trying to tell you. It has always been that way.
I qualified as a practical YM instructor 30 years ago, but still had to update the qualification at regular intervals. Similarly with my Examiner's rating. I am retired from both now, but support the view that to teach a subject needs special requirements - which is why we have teacher training colleges.

Go on, do the course. You might learn something!

<hr width=100% size=1>