Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat Driving Courses, Lessons & Experiences
Do you want to learn to drive a speed boat? Want to gain the motor boat driving licence (ICC)?
Westminster Boating Base is a RYA approved centre offering RYA Powerboating Levels 2 and Safety Boat Certificates and the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) with CEVNI (Code Europeen des Voies de Navigation Interieure) endorsement. The CEVNI is a required endorsement for anyone using a boat on inland European waterways.
The following information applies to both young people and adults. All courses are run in our own powerboats which are light alloy assault craft with Yamaha High Thrust 60hp outboard engines and Humber Destroyer 5.8m RIBs with 100hp Yamaha outboards. Certificates will be endorsed for planing craft. All our courses take place at our centre on the tidal Thames in London.
On this page:
RYA Level 2 national powerboat certificate
ICC - International Certificate of Competence
CEVNI test for inland waterways
Already competent and want to brush up your practical skills or theoretical knowledge? We can provide private powerboat driving tuition with up to 3 people at a time.
Price: £75 per hr (minimum 2hrs).
Please enquire: enquiries@westminsterboatingbase.co.uk
Prerequisites: We can teach young people from 10 years upwards but they will not be able to gain the RYA Level 2 certificate unless 12 years or over.
The course: Students are continually taught and assessed throughout the 2 days to the required RYA standards. There is no test at the end. On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate.
Our instructors will make every effort to ensure you have a fun and relaxed time in the boat - and most importantly help you to pass the course - but there are occasions where you may need a little extra tuition to pass the course. If this is the case, it will be charged on an hourly basis - your first hour free.
RYA Powerboat level 2 syllabus
To obtain the ICC: The RYA level 2 certificate can be directly converted to an ICC (International Certificate of Competence, min age 16yrs). This is simply a paperwork exercise and the ICC can be obtained from the RYA. The application can be made online or if you prefer we can help you complete the application form on paper. See below for ICC eligibility. Can also include CEVNI test for inland waterways.
Times: courses run 10am-6pm each day.
Price: £475
Please read our terms and conditions when booking a course.
Dates: In the activities schedule on this page.
ELIGIBILITY
The UK ICC issued by the RYA, is issued on behalf of the UK Government under the authorisation of the UK Maritime and Coastguard (MCA). It is issued in conformity with Resolution No. 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Working Party on Inland Water Transport.
In accordance with Resolution No. 40, it is only available to a person who fulfils the following eligibility criteria:
Evidence of applicant’s identity and eligibility
Before issuing, amending or replacing an ICC the RYA must verify the applicant’s identity and their nationality (as the UK ICC issued by the RYA is not available to the nationals of countries that have adopted Resolution No. 40 unless they are resident in the UK).
You must provide copies of official documents which collectively evidence your name, address, date of birth, nationality and that the photograph you have supplied is a true likeness of you. See part 2 of the ICC application form for details of acceptable documents and a list of the countries that have adopted Resolution No. 40.
Please visit the RYA for the latest information.
A list of eligible nationalities can be found on Part 2 of the ICC application form HERE
The ICC assessment allows the holder to drive powerboats up to 10 metres in length on coastal water. If you want to be able to drive on inland waterways too, see CEVNI test below.
"I have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate"
If you hold an RYA Level 2 National Powerboat Certificate you can apply directly to the RYA for the ICC.
"I don't have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate"
To get an ICC: Book an RYA Level 2 powerboat course. The price includes the Level 2 certificate.
On successful completion of the course you will be given your Level 2 certificate and the ICC paperwork (signed by the instructor) that you need to send to the RYA (with an administration fee). Once you make your application to the RYA, you should receive your ICC within 21 days, although there is a 2 day fast-track service also available.
"I'm an experienced powerboat driver - without an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate"
If you are an experienced powerboat driver you can undergo a one-day assessment of your abilities by arrangement with us. For those that have significant experience in driving boats and a thorough knowledge of navigation, a pass can usually be achieved in one day.
A one day direct assessment for experienced helms can be made on a one-to-one basis for £440 (plus administration fee payable to the RYA for the ICC certificate).
This enables legal navigation of inland waterways in many European countries and tests your knowledge of signs, lights and symbols that are commonly used. Its a 30 question multiple-choice paper with a pass-mark set at a minimum of 22 correct answers. You will need to be well read on the signage before taking the test.
If you are booking a RYA Level 2 Powerboat course and want to take the CEVNI test at the same time, we will make time for it during the course - just let your instructors know at the start of the course.
You will need to know your waterway signs, symbols and lights and we advise that you purchase the RYA CEVNI Handbook (available from RYA website HERE) to aid with your revision.
The season begins on 01st April 2023. Kayaking and sailing continues throughout the winter on Sundays. Winter clothing regulations apply.
