Level 1 Start Powerboating Course
This is a brilliant introduction to the world of powerboating which includes sports boats, RIBs and Dories and other boat that do not provide accommodation or cooking facilities. The lower age limit is 8 years old, but the RYA would not recommend under 16s being left in charge of a powerboat without adult supervision.
The syllabus includes launching and recovering, safety equipment, pre-start checks, personal buoyancy, and a host of everyday manoeuvres including starting, stopping, securing to a buoy, leaving and coming alongside, being towed and man overboard drills and course tutor will provide other general knowledge to young participant during this 1 day course.
Requirements and Outcomes
| Assumed Knowledge | None |
| Minimum Duration | 1 day |
| Minimum Age | 8. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate |
| Course Content | Launch and recovery (8-11 year olds observe). Preparation of boat and crew, boat handling, picking up and securing to a mooring buoy, leaving and coming alongside, being towed |
| Ability after the course | Able to drive under supervision |
| Times | Course Agenda |
|---|---|
| 9.00 | If you are 8-15 years Arrive at Ancrum Outdoor Centre to sign in for your course and meet your instructors who will introduce the course and issue your kit and they will show you the location of the changing rooms, toilets, lockers and drying rooms. |
| 9.15 | If you are 16+ years Arrive at Grassy Beach to meet your instructors who will introduce the course and provide you with your kit. Please note that you should contact Ancrum Outdoor Centre prior to your course to provide sizes for the kit you require. |
| 10.00 | Boat prestart checks, launching and using basic boat controls and use of kill cord |
| 13.00 | Break for lunch. There is a recreation room onsite and there is plenty of room for groups to sit and enjoy their packed lunch whilst enjoying the amazing views of the Tay Estuary. |
| 14.00 | Coming along side, securing to a mooring and being towed |
| 16.30 | Finish sessions and recover powerboats, theory of man overboard and IRPCS |
| 16.45 | Debrief and certificate presentations |
| 17.00 | Depart |
What to bring and other essential information
Included in your course cost is the use of our wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray tops. Students will need to bring with them suitable footwear (Close toed footwear) (old trainers or wetsuit boots), swimwear (for under wetsuits) and shorts and T shirts, finally a towel is essential. A warm change of clothes for afterwards is also advisable. Other useful items not to forget are a water bottle ( drinking water available in kitchen), sun cream, sun hat and a waterproof camera. There are lockers available however we look after personal possessions belonging to the group. *RYA Books – If you already have a log book we would kindly ask you to bring it with you on your first day and hand it to your instructor. If you do not have a log book, you will be issued one as part of course cost. Remember that the log book is yours to keep and should be used to record and log all sailing qualifications gained at an RYA recognised training centre.
Venue
The course begins at 9.15am sharp at Grassy Beach Sailing Centre which is based within Dundee Sailing Club’s facility. The Centre has toilets, changing facilities and a recreation room. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. The kitchen also has cooking facilities to support any dietary requirements.
If you are driving to the venue we recommend parking in the car park at the bottom of Ogilvie Drive, Broughty Ferry to the right of the level crossing. Once parked, candidates should cross the level crossing by the gates and turn right onto the foot/cycle path and the building is about 100 metres on the right hand side.