Who is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
- Complete beginners with no previous experience
- Adults, families and younger students aged 12+
- Anyone wanting a fun introduction to powerboating
- Ideal before progressing to Powerboat Level 2
- Great for building confidence at the helm
- Suitable for those wanting basic boat handling and safety skills
Most adults looking to gain a practical and widely recognised qualification generally find the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course the most suitable option, as it provides a more comprehensive introduction to powerboating and boating safety.
RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course
What is RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course
The RYA Powerboat Level 1 course is a fun and practical introduction to powerboating, designed for complete beginners and younger students looking to gain their first experience at the helm. This one-day course focuses on the basics of powerboat handling and safety, providing an enjoyable and confidence-building introduction to being on the water.
During the course you will learn the fundamentals of driving a powerboat including steering, throttle control, stopping, turning, coming alongside and basic safety procedures. Training is delivered in a relaxed and supportive environment with plenty of time spent on the water developing practical skills and confidence behind the wheel.
The course is ideal for anyone wanting to try powerboating for the first time before progressing onto the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. It is also popular with younger students and families looking for an exciting introduction to boating in a safe and controlled environment.
At Infinity Yachting our experienced instructors tailor the training to suit the ability and confidence of those onboard, ensuring everyone leaves having enjoyed their first experience of powerboating.
What you will learn.
✅ Launching and recovering a boat (assisted)
✅ Basic controls and steering at low speed
✅ Simple manoeuvres and coming alongside
✅ Essential safety equipment and awareness
✅ Rope work and securing the boat
By the end of the course, students will have a fundamental understanding of how powerboats operate and the confidence to assist as crew or take the helm under supervision.
Pre-Requisites for an RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course
There are no formal pre-requisites for the RYA Powerboat Level 1 course, However, you should:
- Be in reasonable physical health and able to move safely around a small boat
- Be confident on or near the water
- Be aged 12 or over, Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult also booked on the same course.
No previous boating experience is required — this course is designed for complete beginners.
Why Choose Infinity Yachting For Your Powerboat Course?
At Infinity Yachting we believe powerboat training should be practical, enjoyable and tailored to the people onboard. Our courses are delivered in the outstanding training waters of Weymouth and Portland Harbour, giving students the opportunity to experience everything from sheltered manoeuvring areas to real coastal conditions. We keep our instructor-to-student ratios small to maximise time at the helm and ensure you receive plenty of individual coaching throughout the course.
Whether you are completely new to boating or looking to build confidence and experience, our relaxed and supportive approach helps students learn in a professional but enjoyable environment. With a strong focus on real-world boating skills, safety and confidence building, our aim is not just to help you pass the course, but to leave you feeling comfortable and capable on the water long after the training finishes.
On successful completion, you’ll be awarded the RYA Powerboat Level 1 Certificate.
Next steps after Powerboat Level 1 course.
Completing the RYA Powerboat Level 1 course is just the beginning of your boating journey. Once qualified, many students go on to gain the Powerboating Level 2 Certificate. This certificate also opens up opportunities for boat hire in the UK and abroad, as well as acting as the foundation for more advanced training.
From here you may choose to progress onto courses such as Intermediate or Advanced Powerboat, VHF Radio, First Aid or specialist navigation training. If your goal is to use powerboats commercially, the Powerboat Level 2 certificate can also form part of the pathway towards obtaining a Commercial Endorsement.
At Infinity Yachting we are always happy to help guide you on the next stage of your boating adventure and recommend the best route based on your experience and future plans.
How to book:
Click on the button at the top of the page 'Check Dates & Availability' this will take you to a booking page where you can select your date.
If you can't find dates to suit you please get in touch, we can always add bespoke dates to suit our customers
What boat do we use for Powerboat Training?
The Rib we use for our Powerboat training is a well equiped XS650 Rib with Suzuki 150hp Engine.
Our Rib 'Rocket Dog' is fully equipped for both performance and comfort, offering a comprehensive livery of high-quality gear to suit powerboating, training, and coastal adventures. Here are just a few of the key features onboard:
- Performace sea going design –
- Modern drive by wire engine controls –
- Individual Jockey seats for performance and comfort –
- Latest Electronics including Chartplotter and sonar –
- All safety equipment on board – Including lifejackets, flares, MOB recovery gear, and DSC VHF radio
- High-Quality Waterproofs – Provided for all crew members
- Auxillary engine for safety -
Where we are:
Related Courses:
RYA SRC / VHF Course
RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Day Skipper Theory
RYA Essential Navigation
