Next Step For Powerboat Training

Well there are still a few choices:

1. You could join a Boat Club, where you might get the opportunity to use the Club boats or even tag along with others, to build your experience.
2. Invest in a Boat Share scheme.  This is a cheaper option than full ownership, but can still be an expensive option.  However, you are splitting the cost of both the ownership and management fees.
3. Additional training days and events are available from a number of training providers, Solent Boat Training being one.  Offering bespoke events and training sessions, allows you to tailor the training to your own needs.  With no real laid down syllabus to follow, it provides the flexibility to practice certain areas as required or focus on specific skills that need additional time spent on.
4. And then there is the option of completing the same course again at a later date.  Sounds crazy to complete the whole course again, once you have passed it already, but remember, you will likely be with a different instructor, possibly with different students and on a different boat and, of course, the conditions will undoubtedly be different from when you last completed the course, due to our ever-changing UK weather.  Let's face it, you are unlikely to find a cheaper alternative to getting out on the water, with an instructor to guide you, at even close to the same cost.

In addition to practical boating, there are other courses or training that will benefit you as a boater.  These include:

1. RYA VHF Operators Course.  Having a full understanding of how a Marine Radio works, its benefits and limitations, would be considered a must for anyone venturing out to sea. In addition, it is a legal requirement to hold the Short Range Certificate as an operator of such a device.
2. Navigation knowledge is also a must.  While the introductory courses offer a basic level of navigation, going it alone can prove daunting.  The RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is a great way to improve your understanding of how to navigate safely, using additional techniques.  This course is often offered as an online distance learning course, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and in your own home.
3. Should you be looking at undertaking a higher level of practical training, with the intention of becoming the Skipper of a larger vessel (motor or sail), then the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course might be the way to go. During this course you will learn many of the techniques used, both digital and traditional, to enhance your passage planning and enjoyment whilst at sea.  The latter course can again be completed as a distance learning course. However, many prefer the interaction with an instructor and other students, where you can discuss real scenarios found in the real world as opposed to the digital or AI world we sometimes find ourselves.
4. Being able to treat someone with an injury or ailment at sea can prove difficult, so the RYA First Aid at Sea course could prove a useful adage to your knowledge and skill set.  Although a shorebased course, practical scenarios can be practiced and discussed.  This ensures that those going afloat, can best assist those who require your immediate medical attention, whilst also being able to ask for assistance or advice from the Coastguard, if required.
5. Being self sufficient at sea is a key skill and understanding how your engine ticks or not, is helpful.  Our own SBT Outboard Petrol Engine course has been designed with this in mind.  You'll be introduced to the basic fundamentals of how an engine works, what parts you as an owner user should and could service and maintain, whilst also learning about fault finding and conduct minor repairs.  The RYA's Diesel Engine course is very similar and will give you the opportunity to complete servicing tasks, such as filter and impeller changing.