RYA Safety Boat Course
Who is this course for
Ideal for sailors and powerboaters involved in safety cover, coaching, or race support activities
About Course
This intensive two-day course prepares candidates to become qualified RYA Safety Boat operators.
Course Content
- Boat handling
- Dinghy rescue
- Windsurfer rescue
- Kayak or canoe rescue (can be covered as theory)
- Towing, end-of-day procedures
- Safety
- Suitability of craft
- Local factors
- Communication
- Rescuing other water users
Course Objectives
This two-day course equips you with the essential skills to operate as an escort, safety, or coach boat for dinghy, windsurfing, and paddlesport activities. It covers rescue techniques, race management, and mark laying. First aid knowledge is strongly recommended for at least one crew member.
Pre requirements
Must hold a RYA Powerboat Level 2 or higher and has basic knowledge of sailing boats and windsurfing.
Important additional items
- Please make sure you have your RYA Powerboat Level 2 or higher certificate and logged experience
- A suitable first aid certificate like the small craft first aid
Duration
Training runs for 2 days
Location
Booking
Book online from the dates on this page or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a suitable dates please contact us.
Location
What to bring
- Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
- Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
- Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
- Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Money for lunch or a packed lunch
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FAQ's
Brighton Boating offers a range of powerboating options, including the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course (which includes the International Certificate of Competence/ICC), Safety Boat courses, Powerboat rides, Own Boat training, and Powerboat Instructor training.
For the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, no prior experience is required — beginners are welcome, and training covers all essential boat handling, manoeuvring and safety skills.
Yes — Own Boat Training is available, where an experienced instructor helps you train on your own vessel while completing RYA courses tailored to your needs.
Powerboat rides are thrilling high‑speed RIB experiences along the Brighton coastline, led by qualified skippers — perfect if you want an exciting ride without formal training. They are suitable for first‑timers and adventurers alike.
All powerboating activities start from Brighton Marina (Pontoon 4), providing direct access to open water and the Sussex coastline.
The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is suitable for age 12 +, we have youth and adult courses available.
For our rides, it is generally 12+ for public trips and age 10+ for private.
Courses and rides run in most conditions, but if the weather makes it unsafe, instructors may adjust the programme with shore‑based learning or reschedule your session. Safety is always the priority.
We generally recommend not taking part in our activities if you’re pregnant, as being on the water can involve movement and conditions that aren’t always predictable.
If you do feel comfortable taking part, we usually suggest no later than around 21 weeks, but this is very much a personal decision. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so please go with what feels right for you and consider speaking to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
If you let our team know in advance, we’re always happy to have a chat and help you decide what’s best for you.