The RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat exam is a practical test of skippering ability by day and night in the type of craft applicable to the National Powerboat Scheme.

 

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Powerboat Logbook (code G20) available from the webshop.

You will need to provide a seaworthy vessel capable of a minimum of 12 knots, equipped with the following:

 

• compass

• lights conforming with IRPCS

• VHF radio (may be portable)

• GPS (may be hand held) or plotter

• depth sounder

• anchor, chain and warp

• tow line

• torch

• basic tool kit and spares

• heaving line

• paddles or additional means of propulsion

• flares: 2 hand held, 2 orange smoke

• bilge pump or buckets/bailer

• first aid kit

 

Additionally if not on the boat, you will need to bring to the exam:

 

• laminated or waterproof charts

• GPS set (may be hand held)

• tide tables

• pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc

• plotting instruments. 

 

PREREQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Radio Operators Qualification - A GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher grade of marine radio certificate

• First Aid - A valid first aid certificate

• Seatime - 2 years relevant experience including night pilotage. As a guide 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours. If you hold an RYA Advanced Powerboat Course Completion Certificate the seatime is reduced to: 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 miles, 12 night hours. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

• Duration of exam - 1 candidate: 4 to 5 hours 2 candidates: 5 to 6 hours 3 candidates: 6 to 7 hours. No more than three candidates can be examined in one session.

• Minimum age - 17