RYA Powerboat Level 2: the tender-driving ticket almost every deckhand needs.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 is one of the most useful tickets a deckhand can hold. It's the standard qualification for driving a yacht's tenders and toys, and many captains treat it as a must-have. The two-day course covers boat handling, launching and recovery, and man-overboard drills. It's practical and hands-on, so location and access to the water matter. Here are strong RYA training centres, led by Flying Fish.
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My own starting point. I trained with Flying Fish back in 2018. Purpose-built superyacht training base on the water in Cowes, RYA Training Centre and MCA-approved, with one of the widest course ranges in the UK: STCW, deckhand and interior packages right through to Yachtmaster. Onsite accommodation can be booked directly with them at a good price alongside your course. Book online and hold a place for 48 hours.
Southampton RYA Training Centre offering entry-level superyacht deckhand packages.
Plymouth RYA Recognised Training Centre, strong on practical powerboat, tender and shorebased courses on the South West coast.
Falmouth RYA Training Centre and SuperyachtUK member, a popular South West base for powerboat handling and building sea time.
Antibes-based, MCA and RYA approved, right in the heart of the French Riviera crew hub.
Palma RYA Yachtmaster school, long established in the Med and known for its practical mile-building.
Sydney academy, IYT / MCA / AMSA approved, the established pathway for crew starting out in Australia.
From $695
Large charity-run academy in Cowes, MCA-approved and an RYA Training Centre, also running full cadetship pathways for crew who want the professional route.
This is our shortlist. See every provider offering RYA Powerboat / Tender in the full RYA Powerboat / Tender directory →
Looking wider? See our best PWC and RIB courses →
My RYA Powerboat Level 2 was part of the same Flying Fish deckhand package, learning to launch, recover and handle a tender properly rather than as a bolt-on afterwards. It's one of the tickets you actually use every single day as a deckhand, so getting proper time on the water for it matters more than for some of the shorter box-ticking courses.
For a powerboat course specifically:
Out of everything I did early on, this is one of the tickets I actually used every day. Get proper water time, not just a signature.
It is not always legally required, but RYA Powerboat Level 2 is expected on most yachts as it qualifies you to drive tenders, so it makes green deck crew far more employable.
The course is typically two days of practical on-water training. Experienced drivers can sometimes take a shorter direct assessment.
Close-quarters boat handling, high-speed driving, launching and recovery, man-overboard recovery and passage planning for small powerboats and tenders.
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