Boating courses and certificates

People come to boating in all sorts of ways, from a canal holiday to a friend's RIB.

Two questions come up early. One is which course to take. The other is whether anyone needs a licence at all. These notes match the usual courses and certificates to the boating you want to do.

Do you need a licence?

For most leisure boating in the UK, the person in charge does not need a certificate. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) says this holds for a pleasure boat under 24 metres in UK waters.

The boat itself may need a licence. On Canal and River Trust waters, every boat needs one, from a narrowboat to a paddleboard. Many harbours also ask personal watercraft riders to hold an RYA qualification before they launch.

Since 31 March 2023, the owner of a jet ski, a RIB or another small boat with a motor in UK waters has had a legal duty to make sure it is used safely.

Matching a course to what you want to do

The RYA runs national training schemes, taught at more than 2,000 affiliated clubs and training centres. Around 165,000 people take its courses each year.

Powerboats and RIBs. The National Powerboat scheme runs one and two-day practical courses. Powerboat Level 2 is a two-day course in boat handling and the best-known standard.
Canals and rivers. The Inland Waterways Helmsman course takes two days and covers steering and locks. Children can take it from 12, and a crew course from 8.
Personal watercraft. The Personal Watercraft Proficiency course is a one-day practical course for riders aged 12 and over.
Yachts and motor cruisers. The cruising schemes start with short courses for new crew. They lead on to Day Skipper, for skippering by day in familiar waters.

Shore-based courses teach navigation, first aid, diesel engines and the marine radio.

Certificates of competence

The RYA Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat certificates are a step above the courses. You earn them by passing an exam, taken away from your training centre. The examiner tests your skill, knowledge and experience.

A Yachtmaster certificate can also carry a commercial endorsement for people who skipper boats for work.

Boating abroad

Other countries can ask a visiting skipper for proof of competence. One document for this is the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, known as the ICC. The RYA issues it on behalf of the UK government. British citizens and people living in the UK can usually apply.

Courses such as Powerboat Level 2 or Personal Watercraft Proficiency can count as evidence. A shore-based Day Skipper certificate covers coastal waters only. You also need proof for the type of boat.

Across much of Europe, the rules for rivers and canals are based on a code called CEVNI. For an ICC that covers inland waters, you pass a test on those rules.

A charter company abroad may ask for proof of competence. A company will usually tell you what the local rules need.

A radio on board