BSC Powerboat Training
Bosham Sailing Club provides high quality dinghy, powerboat and shorebased training for all ages and abilities, run from our stunning location at Bosham Quay. We are an RYA Recognised Training Centre (RTC) which means that we operate in compliance with the conditions set down by the national governing body (Royal Yachting Association). The Principal and Chief Instructor of the Bosham Sailing Club RTC is our sailing manager, Mike Storey.
RYA recognition means that all of our powerboat courses and training are run by qualified instructors, trained by the RYA to provide a required standard of tuition, following the relevant syllabi, using appropriate well-maintained equipment with suitable safety support and with approved instructor:student ratios.
Our powerboat training is available to members and non-members aged 12 and older. (Under 16s receive an endorsed qualification requiring supervision by a responsible adult.) Tuition is run on our protected harbour tidal waters, although we do venture over the bar to open water for high speed work under the appropriate conditions. With its sheltered waters, tidal hazards and navigational challenges Chichester Harbour is the perfect place to learn and perfect powerboat skills.
Details of the courses we run are below. View our powerboat training calendar here, or book directly here.
RYA Powerboat Level 2
This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed and collision regulations. At BSC the course is taught primarily in centre console ribs, but other powered craft may also be used.
Members who volunteer for a powerboat driving race duty are expected to be at PB Level 2 standard.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Direct Assessment
For those with at least 12 months experience of powerboat driving this half day session offers the opportunity to obtain the Level 2 certificate via a refresher session and direct assessment 'driving test'. Look for 'Private Tuition' sessions in our calendar and book the 'PB2 direct assessment' ticket.
RYA Safety Boat
This course provides the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers or canoes, or for racing or training activities. It includes rescue techniques and elements of race management and mark laying and teaches the skills and knowledge of recovery techniques for a variety of crafts. This course will give you the ability to provide effective safety cover in a racing or training environment. The Powerboat Level 2 certificate is required to participate in this course.
Safety Boat 'Refreshers' (members only)
Look out for periodic safety boat refreshers where we get together a group of powerboat drivers and recap the skills and procedures that we often experience in the course of club racing and training. These sessions offer the opportunity to get wet and to practice dinghy recovery in controlled conditions so that you are ready and confident to rescue a capsized boat and crew off the lee shore in a force 6 south-westerly with an ebb tide, if required.
Last updated 11:52 on 12 March 2024
