Frequently Asked Questions

The Powerboat Level 2 is the best course to start with - it starts from a complete beginner level. There is no requirement to have done the Powerboat Level 1.

Courses run from 9:30 to 17:00, with the exception of the Advanced course which varies by time of year due to the need for darkness. Advanced courses typically run Day 1: 9:30-17:30, Day 2: 11:30-19:30, Day 3: 11:30-19:30.

There is a maximum of 3 students to 1 instructor on each boat. Emergency Procedures Training requires a minimum of 4 people to run, with a maximum of 6 trainees.

Sunglasses, prescription glasses (if needed), suncream, waterproof clothing, sturdy waterproof footwear, water, hat and gloves. For Intermediate and Advanced courses, a drysuit is ideal if you have one. Lunch and drinks are not provided so please bring your own.

Yes - please let us know at time of booking, we require 1 week notice.

Yes, there is a car park which is free of charge.

It is rare that we need to cancel courses due to bad weather. Our location on the Medway means we have a good sheltered location to train in. However if this is the case we can find a mutually suitable time to rearrange.

We teach over 18s only. There are no upper age limits for our courses.

For the Powerboat Level 2 course, no previous experience is required. Intermediate requires Powerboat Level 2 and theory knowledge of Day Skipper. Advanced requires 20 days at sea, 2 days as skipper, theory knowledge to the level of Yachtmaster Offshore, and Powerboat Level 2 certificate.

We are based at Chatham Maritime Marina, Leviathan Way, Chatham ME4 4LP.

We have a list of recommended accommodations nearby, please contact us at the time of booking for our accommodation list.

Upon successful completion, you will receive an official RYA certificate. This is internationally recognised and does not expire, though we recommend refresher training if you haven't been on the water for some time.

Once you have your Powerboat 2 licence, you just need to send off for the ICC - we can give advice on how to do this.

Yes. Please contact us for prices and availability.

There are several cafes and restaurants within a 5 min walk of the marina.

Our boat is capable of 40 knots, however normal cruising speed on RYA courses is around 20 knots.

Tuition, fuel and certification. Lunch and drinks are not provided.

We use high spec equipment, our trainers are all Advanced Powerboat Instructors and we pay a good wage for the industry to reflect their skillset. Cutting course costs will inevitably lead to cutting corners elsewhere, and we believe in high quality equipment and high quality training.

Yes doing the exam can be arranged, please contact us for details on this.

Practice days are available to students who have completed at least RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Marine Action.

Yes – in many cases we can run practice days on your own vessel. Please contact us to discuss suitability and pricing.

Yes – our RYA First Aid course is appropriate for many RYA commercial endorsement requirements. Please contact us if you have a specific endorsement in mind.

Yes. We can deliver RYA First Aid at a suitable external location for your group, or you can use our classroom and boat-based facilities in Chatham.

This course is for anyone who currently holds a powerboat level 2 certification (or equivalent) who wants to be competent at handling emergencies that could occur on a boat.

Yes this is possible for specialist groups - please contact us for more information.

These modules are designed for crews, organisations and activist groups who need training in specific real-world scenarios that go beyond standard RYA syllabuses.

Yes. We can work with you to design a programme that reflects your vessels, equipment, operating area and risk profile.

You can book directly through our website by selecting your preferred course and choosing an available date. Alternatively, contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements and we can book you in.