New to boating - which courses?

[jaybe123123]

Hi

We are relatively new to boating and have no experience other than boating on the norfolk broads , which courses we would advise us to take for coastal motor boats also can anyone recommend training centres we are in the north west of england . We want to complete all the required courses that would give us enough confidence before buying a boat.
Any help advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[mm42]

It would depend on what sort of boat you're looking at?

I'd start off with Powerboat Level 2, it'll give you a good start with smaller boats, even if you go on to buy a big motor cruiser the likelihood is you'll still end up using small boats, ribs etc as tenders, so the stuff you learn here will come in good use. It's a two day course, do it at a school which covers tidal waters (some do it inland so not on tidal waters).

Next I'd take your short range certificate (SRC) which covers how to use a VHF and DSC radio, essential for safety. That's a course you can do online (the iPad version of the software is brilliant IMO) followed by an exam at a test centre to make sure you're capable of doing it properly.

I'd then do the Dayskipper Theory, whether it be online or at a school, it covers basic navigation, safety, meteorology etc. A lot of places run it in evenings over the winter months, ideal for darker nights when you might not normally be out on a boat.

Where you go next would depend on what type of boat you're looking at, the RYA Powerboat scheme goes to Intermediate which is more driving, passage planning etc, so you can navigate by day. If you're looking at bigger motor cruisers then the http://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/training/Pathway leaflets/Motor Cruising.pdf shows the progression, Helmsman, Day Skipper etc.

That should get you going.

Being over the other side of the country from you I don't know the schools close to you. If you want to make a weekend of it I can recommend iPowerboat in Ballachulish in the Scottish highlands, I did Yachtmaster Theory, Powerboat Intermediate and Powerboat Advanced with them and it was brilliant.


Other things I'd recommend in time are a first aid course if you don't already have one, and Sea Survival, either RYA or STCW, which will give you a feel of what it's like to be in the water in a lifejacket.

 

[Kawasaki]

Good reply mm42
Nothing to add!