The Maritime Studies Department of Orkney College UHI, known as the Nav School recently ran its first RYA Advanced powerboat course following recognition from the Royal Yachting Association. Maritime Lecturer James Burgon has recently been trained and approved to deliver the two day course which includes a night navigation exercise.

James Burgon said:

“The Advanced Powerboat course is the highest level of powered vessel training offered by the Royal Yachting Association and we are very pleased to be running it. The course introduces candidates to night navigation and boat handling in rougher weather. You do need a good level of navigational knowledge to pass and it is a good idea to call us for a chat first to discuss your training needs.”

The course can be commercially endorsed following a practical examination from the Maritime Coastguard Agency. This enables successful candidates to skipper vessels up to 24 meters, day and night up to 20 miles from a safe haven while carrying up to 12 passengers. The Nav School also delivers the Powerboat level 2 course which can also be commercially endorsed for daytime operations up to 3 miles from point of departure.

While both levels of training are popular in Orkney, not everyone chooses to commercially endorse their qualification, with people often taking the course for leisure use. Both courses cover boat handling plus navigation and chartwork, tides and buoyage to different levels. Commercial endorsement involves taking further courses.

The courses are taught on the Nav School’s 6 meter RIB “Dreadnought” .