Powerboat Level 2
This course provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competant powerboat driver and is the basis of the Intenational Certificate of Competence.
The course is ran over 2 days and covers Practical and Theory in the following areas:
The minimum age for this course is 12. On completion of the course 12 to 16 year olds will receive a level 2 certificate which will be endorsed - The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of an adult.
People over 16 Are issued with a Level 2 Certificate without any endorsements.
National Powerboat Certificate Level 2
Course Syllabus
AIM: To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.
SECTION A
Practical
1. Launching and recovery:
Knowledge of:
Use of a trailer or launching trolley
Consideration of launching and sea conditions, including hazards and obstructions
Number of persons required to launch/recover
Construction, width and condition of slipway
Steep/slippery slipways, beach launching, lee shores
Care of trailer bearings, hitch, lashings, ties, lights and winch
Trailer parking
Can:
Prepare the boat, lines, fenders, safety equipment, fuel tanks, lines and
secure gear on board
2. Boat handling:
Knowledge of:
Loading: effect on handling and performance, effect on balance and trim
CE Plate and Manufacturer's recommendation
Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way
Understands:
Crew members minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look-out
Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
High speed manoeuvring: planning, trim tabs and power trim
Planning boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low speed handling, tiller/console steering
Can:
Carry out pre-start checks, engine starting and stopping
Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times
Carry out low speed manoeuvres including:
turning in a confined area, effect of wind on bow and holding off.
Demonstrate an awareness of the danger of flooding when going astern
Carry out high speed manoeuvres including S-turns and U-turns
4. Anchoring:
Understands:
Method of approach in various conditions
Taking way off
Crew communication
Checking holding
Depth of water, holding ground, scope required
Knowledge of:
Types of anchor
Stowage and attachment to boat
Preparation of anchor chain and warp
Weighing anchor
Can:
Approach and anchor correctly
Weigh anchor correctly
5. Leaving and coming alongside:
Understands:
Preparation and use of painter, lines and fenders,
attachment to boat, stowage under way
Speed and angle of approach
Wind effect
Method of approach in tidal stream or current
Can:
Make fast alongside
Use springs
Leave - ahead or astern
SECTION B
Theory
Knowledge of:
Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping ability
Engines and drives: advantages and disadvantages of outboard, inboard and outdrive units, single and twin screws, choice and use of fuels
Siting of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring, fire extinguishers
Routine engine maintenance checks, basic fault diagnosis
Close down procedure
Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters
Use and limitations of GPS
Application of local byelaws, especially around commercial shipping
Sources of weather information
Understands:
Awareness of other water users
Communication with other craft - hand and sound signals
Disabled craft
Emergency action, preventing sinking
Adrift - alternative means of propulsion
Towing and being towed
Fire precautions and fire fighting
Distress signals and the Mayday call
Can:
Apply IRPCS, principally rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 12-19
SECTION C
Coastal
Knowledge of:
Understands:
Can:
