powerboat course sussex

Powerboat Level 1 (PB1)

Powerboat Level 2 (PB2)

Personal Watercraft (PW/Jetski)

Marine Radio (SRC/VHF)

First Aid At Sea

Phoenix Sea School

Take your powerboat or jetski course with us at littlehampton marina on the river arun and the south coast in west sussex, [email protected], 0800 246 5855, courses we offer, our instructors are here to deliver courses for you all year round subject to availability..

A one-day introduction to simple boat handling and the use of safety equipment.

A two-day course to get to grips with boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.

A one-day practical course aimed at both first time and experienced riders.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

A one-day course covering all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective.

Own Boat Training (OBT)

Our instructors are available to give owners training on their own boats (£325, minimum duration 1 day).

Introduction to Navigation

Join us and explore the Solent and surrounding waters under the watchful eye of our Advanced Powerboat Instructor. We will introduce you to navigating a powerboat during the day and night ( contact us for pricing).

Phoenix Powerboat and Jetski Club

Phoenix Sea School will be launching its powerboat and jetski club soon, where past students & friends and family can come bring their own boats/jetskis and cruise along the coast together.

Haslemere Solent Swim 2024

Saturday 14th August 2024

Phoenix Sea School provided a safety boat and crew to support this event. Swimming from Hurst Castle to Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Achieved in under two hours. Great effort.

Recent Reviews

What a fun time!! Wonderfully professional and reassuring. We all had a great time. Thoroughly recommend if you want to get into boating or just have a fun day out.

Completed my RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Phoenix Sea School and had a really good time. The course was fun, informative and easy going. Our group has the help of 3 instructors, who made everything easy to understand and helped us all out when we found things slightly difficult. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is thinking about getting more qualified or just enjoys time on the boat

Absolutely brilliant! My partner and I recently did our PWC with phoenix sea school with Mark and Steve. They were brilliant we had a wonderful day learning and using the jet ski! We will definitely be coming back to do more licenses! Professional and lovely people!

I did my PB2 with Mark at Phoenix Sea School in September 2022. I knew as soon as I'd started that I'd chosen the right school! Mark was so enthusiastic, knowledgable, funny and patient!! He filled me with confidence as soon as we'd set sail. I can't recommend Phoenix Sea School enough, they're always happy to help, very responsive to calls and messages and have many many years of experience on the water. Absolutely 5*+++

I had a wonderful time on a sunny October afternoon attending a 'come and try' power boating session. I felt immediately in safe hands with Mark being a fantastic, knowledgeable and passionate instructor. He ran through the necessary instructions and then let me have a go. You couldn't wipe the smile off on my face which was permanently there for the whole session. Thank you so much and I would highly recommend Phoenix Sea School.

I recently had a fantastic weekend with Mark and his team training for my Powerboat 2 qualification. The whole experience was carried out professionally with an element of fun and professionalism. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Phoenix Sea School.

Organisations we work with

Boat hire up the Arun at Houghton Bridge and a go-to place to eat

Our licencing authority on the river

Our meeting place serving great coffee and food

Where our boats are stored

They service our vessels

We work in partnership with them

Website Terms of Use

Privacy and Cookies Policy

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Our Courses

Find/contact us.

Littlehampton Marina, Ferry Rd, Littlehampton, BN17 5DS

© 2024 Phoenix Sea School Ltd

Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club

RYA Training | Racing | Supported Sailing | New Members Welcome

RYA Powerboat & Safety Boat Courses

RYA POWERBOAT COURSE Level 1 and 2 (PB2)

In the PB2 course you will learn to drive a RIB powerboat safely in light conditions, The RYA Powerboat  Certificate is recognised round the world. Meet at Seaford Clubhouse, then on to Newhaven Marina. The Training is done in the harbour, river and in Seaford Bay.

Course dates for 2024

Course 1: Saturday 6th April and Saturday 13th April Book this course here .

Course 2: Saturday 11th May and Saturday 18th May. Book this course here .

Course 3: Saturday 1st June and Saturday 8th June. Book this course here .

Course 5: Saturday 28th September and Saturday 5th October. Book this course here .

Fees.     Non-members: £300       Members who do duties: £150

Further courses can be arranged on demand.

There’s a description of what it’s like to have this training here: Training Experience . If you need more information on the courses don’t hesitate to contact the training team: [email protected]

Click here to view the full specification.

RYA SAFETY BOAT COURSE

This 2 day RYA certified course is aimed at those already holding a PB2 (RYA Powerboat level 1 & 2), who have at least one season’s experience, and want to upgrade their knowledge and practice with rescue techniques and safety training .  

At Piddinghoe  9.00 to 4.30

At Newhaven Marina 9.00 to 4.30

To express your interest, don’t hesitate to contact the training team: [email protected]

Privacy Overview

• Powerboat courses

Ideal for short passages and exploring your local waters, make the most of your time afloat with our powerboat courses

Powerboating offers the best of both worlds, the leisurely pace of a gentle cruise and the thrill of zipping across the open water. RYA training will give you the confidence and skills to handle the boat safely and make the most of your time on the water, whatever your pace.

As well as courses for recreational boaters, RYA powerboat certificates are also used by professional open boat skippers who need to prove their competence or require  professional qualifications  for work.

So whether you use powerboats for leisure, work, or in connection with another activity such as sailing or rescue, we have a course for you. Find out more about our powerboat courses below.

The National Powerboat scheme is comprised of a series of one and two-day practical courses that can be taken either onboard a centre’s boat, or your own. There’s something for all ages and levels of experience. 

A one-day introduction to simple boat handling and the use of safety equipment.

A two-day course to get to grips with powerboat handling.

Two days of practical pilotage, passage planning and navigating by day.

Two days of planning and navigating more challenging passages by day and night.

Two days of hands-on recovery and fleet management techniques for dinghies and windsurfers for those operating in a training or racing environment.

This two-day course builds upon Level 2 Powerboat Handling skills, focussing on short-handed operations, passenger safety and comfort. Designed in consultation with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA).

Increase your confidence and get qualified with our navigation and specialist short courses.

A basic introduction to navigation for new skippers, crew or anyone interested in getting out on the water.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

From first aid to diesel engine, there are a number of related classroom and online courses you may find useful as you develop your knowledge.

Test your skill, knowledge and experience as a powerboat skipper by taking the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat exam.

With more than 100 different titles to choose from, there’s an RYA book, eBook or audiobook for every age, interest and ability. Visit our webshop for course books and a range of supporting titles.

If you want to go powerboating overseas, you’re likely to need an ICC. The Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate can be used as evidence of your competence.

Powerboating can be great fun for the whole family and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Check our course descriptions for minimum age recommendations.

If you need a powerboat qualification for work, you might need a commercial endorsement. Find out more about professional qualifications and what it takes to work on the water.

• Racing results
• Stow’s Restaurant
• Our history

Sussex Yacht Club is a RYA Recognised Teaching Centre and all the courses offered are internationally recognised, following guidelines set down by the national body for our sport.

Our facilities are ideally suited to teaching beginners of all ages to enjoy boating, with the benefit of our two clubhouses in Southwick, with its protected non-tidal waters, and Shoreham, which enables direct access to the river Adur and the sea. Both of our clubhouses have changing/shower facilities.

SYC is also an ideal location for shore-based theory courses and training for practical exams such as the immensely popular RYA First Aid at Sea and essential VHF Radio courses.

We also work in partnership with schools in the Solent to provide cost effective practical training and examinations in the spring, with excellent value courses designed to help members quickly and economically achieve success in Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Preparation.

The Club has a variety of sailing craft ranging from Sonar keelboats to Oppies for our youngest members to use and we have a modern fleet of safety boats with trained crews on hand at every sailing session.

Please click below to download either our Training Application Form or our 2025 Training Brochure.

Day Skipper & Coastal Skipper Practical Courses

We run practical courses in conjunction with renowned RYA recognised partner Fairview Sailing Limited in the Hamble. This means we can offer members competitively priced practical courses in the spring to enable you to obtain your Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper practical qualification.

Fairview Sailing use superior quality yachts, we have arranged to use their Beneteau Oceanis 38s, which have 3 cabins, 8 berths. There is a maximum of 5 students per yacht.

The club provides an instructor, who has instructed Coastal Skipper and Day Skipper Theory courses at SYC for several years.

Sailing For Beginners

This two-day sailing course using the club Sonars, caters for both adults and children 13 and over, from complete beginners, or those who have attended a taster session.

At the end of these courses, you should be able to sail safely and independently in light conditions, and subject to suitable progress, you should obtain your RYA Keelboat Level 1, 2 or 3 certificate. The syllabus will include helming (steering) and crewing a sailing craft on all points of sail. This backed up with workshops and sessions ashore, so you are prepared and understand the basics of getting afloat safely. If conditions permit, we shall go to sea late in the course, which will enable the coastal endorsement to be awarded. It is suggested that you follow your training up with like-minded members with Pay & Play sessions.

Beginners sailing RYA level 1 (keelboat)

Click here to book a specific course date:

Beginners sailing RYA level 2 (keelboat)

Rya power boat training.

This course is an introduction to power boating and is run using the club safety craft. It is aimed at complete beginners and by the end of the course you will have covered all practical and theory requirements to safely pilot a powerboat in protected waters.

You will get opportunity to learn skills both on planing and displacement craft. Subject to suitable progress you will gain your RYA Powerboat Level 2 (tidal endorsement)

The minimum age for this course is 16 except the youth powerboat course when age is reduced to 14. All participants under 18 must be members of Sussex Yacht Club before attending course.

RYA Powerboat level 2

Safety boat course.

This is a weekend course for the experienced powerboat handler who provides safety cover for water sports activities.

Training covers rescue techniques for dinghies, canoes and windsurfers leading to the RYA Safety Boat Certificate.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Qualification or an equivalent is a prerequisite, preferably with a minimum further season’s experience.

This course run primarily for existing safety boat crews to upgrade the quality of safety boat cover for SYC dinghy racing and Sailability training, and these skippers will be given priority in booking for this course.

RYA Young Sailors course

The RYA Young Sailors Scheme has been developed to encourage young people to learn to sail in stages within a sound framework of safety and tuition.

No time limits are given for the different stages, as children learn at very different rates, according to their age and enthusiasm.

With each of the stages expressed in terms of competencies, it gives instructors the flexibility to sign off each part of the syllabus as competence in that skill is demonstrated. Nobody can fail – they may just need a little more time and experience.

Certificates are not awarded simply for attending a course. If your child falls into this category, we do not want them to feel they have failed in any way. Our aims are to ensure they will have had a lot of fun, learn a great deal and want to continue sailing in the future.

For further information and to book onto the course click below:

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

What is the icc.

The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) was introduced by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Inland Transport Committee to provide boat owners and charterers with a document issued in their own country and recognised throughout Europe.

Theory Courses

We run a number of theory courses, each designed to enhance your knowledge and skills on the water. Take a look below at the various courses we offer, from basic seamanship to advanced navigation techniques. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced sailor looking to refine your expertise, we have something for everyone. Explore our course offerings and find the perfect fit for your sailing journey.

Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory

This is an advanced classroom-based course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate and suits those who have already completed an RYA Day Skipper Course.

On successful completion of the course, you will have sufficient background knowledge to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.

The syllabus makes some provisions for the revision of subjects in the Day Skipper Course but those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper Course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course in the time available.

Following on from this course you will have the opportunity to put these newfound skills into practice on a five-day RYA Yachtmaster Preparation Coastal Skipper Practical Course. Several courses are arranged by Sussex Yacht Club through our partners at Port Hamble Marina for the spring in the Solent.

Pre Course Experience: Day Skipper Shorebased course

Course Duration: 48 hours plus 3 exams

Times: 6 x Saturdays (09:00 -17:00)

Dates: 16th & 30th November, 14th December, 4th, 18th & 25th January

RYA Day Skipper Theory Course

This elementary course offers a comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, and seamanship, ideal for beginners. It’s invaluable for those wanting to start making decisions on board or considering the Day Skipper practical course.

The course includes exercises, which will mostly be done as homework – you should allow sufficient time for this. There are also 2 assessment papers to be sat during the course.

Being based in the Yacht Club, you’ll meet fellow boating enthusiasts and have opportunities to join skippers for club races and rallies by becoming a Member and joining the Crew Register.

The course fee includes all training materials from the RYA. However, you will require your own plotting equipment – a Breton/Portland or Parallel Rules and a set of Dividers. You can either purchase these from a local chandler or on line.

Pre Course Experience: None Required

Course Duration: 40 hours plus 2 exams

Times: 5 x Sundays (09:00 -17:00)

Dates: 17th November, 1st & 15th December, 5th & 19th January

RYA marine radio SRC course & exam

The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and handheld equipment using international channels.

Astro Navigation – Sextant Introduction

This course is for students interested in the sextant and how to use it for navigation at sea. Students will need some basic navigation skills such as those from the RYA Day Skipper Course and be able to plot latitude and longitude and measure bearing and distance on a chart. Some simple arithmetic and chartwork will be used. The course will be partly classroom theory and partly practical sessions on a public beach a short walk away.

RYA radar course

Radar is an invaluable aid for navigation and collision avoidance, but it is most useful in the hands of a knowledgeable operator. This is a one-day course popular with those on both sailing and motorboats.

Sailing and motor yachts increasingly have radar on board, and the aim of this course is to teach students to use small boat radar to assist in navigation, pilotage and avoiding collision.

RYA first aid at sea

The course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of a safe haven. The syllabus is based on the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Transport. Upon successful completion of the course an RYA First Aid Certificate is issued and remains valid for 3 years.

Family and Cadet Evening

From May to July we run family and cadet evenings in our clubhouse in Southwick. These are informal and fun sessions, to give children the opportunity to experience dinghy sailings. The evenings run every Tuesday from 1800 to 2030. Please do note, no booking is necessary and the first 3 sessions are free.

Please contact us at training@sussexyachtclub.org.uk for more information.

Questions & Booking

If you are interested in refreshing your skillset by taking part in one of our RYA training courses, please contact training@sussexyachtclub.org.uk

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