Overview

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

Syllabus:
  • Prepartion for Sea
  • Boat Handling
  • Awareness of the effects of wind and tide when manoeuvring
  • Responsibilities of Skipper
  • Passage making and Pilotage
  • Meteorology
  • Rules of the Road
  • Safety

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

Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence Exam Pre-Requisites:
  • Minimum Sea-time:  

    Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing powerboat in the last 10 years:

    • 30 days at sea, which may be reduced to 20 days at sea if an RYA Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate is held;
    • 2 days as skipper;
    • 800 miles, which may be reduced to 400 miles if an RYA Advanced Powerboat Course completion certificate is held;
    • 12 night hours.
  • Form of Exam:
    • Practical
  • Certification Required:
    • A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.
    • An RYA First Aid Certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website.
    • Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time detailed above.
  • Minimum Exam Duration. 

    No more than three candidates can be examined in one session.:

    • 1 candidate: 4 to 5 hours.
    • 2 candidates: 5 to 6 hours,
    • 3 candidates: 6 to 7 hours.
  • Minimum Age

    17 at the time of the exam.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

  1. Can provide a boat (See Below)
  2. Have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
  3. Hold a VHF Radio Operators License or Short Range Certificate
  4. Hold a valid first aid certificate
  5. Have read the syllabus in RYA publication G20
  6. Have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

PPSA are able to deliver the RYA First Aid Certificate Course (MCA approved) and the VHF Short Range Certificate Course if required.  Please call for more details.  If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA’s codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed

Exam Booking:

The examination fee is set by the RYA each year.  It is payable to the RYA through the examiner on the day either by credit card or cheque.  You can book your exam through the RYA here Exam Booking or directly with PPSA.  You will also need to either provide your own boat or charter one of our RIBs.

Boats used for exams. 

Candidates should be familiar with all the equipment on board the vessel, as they may be asked to use this during the examination.  You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below. The vessel must be capable of a minimum of 12 knots, equipped with the following:

  1. Compass
  2. Lights conforming with IRPCS
  3. VHF radio (may be portable)
  4. GPS (may be hand held) or plotter
  5. Depth sounder
  6. Anchor, chain and warp
  7. Tow line
  8. Torch
  9. Basic tool kit and spares
  10. Heaving line
  11. Paddles or additional means of propulsion
  12. Flares: 2 hand held, 2 orange smoke
  13. Bilge pump or buckets/bailer
  14. First aid kit

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

  1. Laminated or waterproof charts
  2. GPS set (may be hand held)
  3. Tide tables
  4. Pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc
  5. Plotting instruments.
Boat Charter Prices

PPSA manages a Coded Vessel suitable for exams which can be chartered for exams and comes fully equipped.  Prices are variable depending on the number of candidates per exam – 2 x candidate = £350 pp, 3 x candidate = £250 pp

Dates

Please note, the exams run at PPSA are normally run during the winter/autumn months when light levels allow a full evening availabilty.  Please give us a call to arrange dates for your exam when you and the examiner are available.  Pre-booking is essential.  Get in touch with the staff at enquiries@ppsa.co.uk or on 01646 564660

Accommodation

Accommodation may be available with Neyland Yacht Haven should you require it here: www.yachthavens.com/neyland-yacht-haven/stay/haven-pod.