IYSA Powerboat Training — Powerboat Crew to Yachtmaster Ocean + PWC Operator | IYSA
International Yacht Skipper Agency  ·  Est. 2019
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Powerboat Training

4 Levels + PWC Operator · Crew to Ocean Yachtmaster · UNECE R-40 Compliant

Power Yacht & PWC Programmes

IYSA powerboat programmes take students from beginner crew level through to full ocean-going skipper. Training covers vessel construction, seamanship, COLREGs, meteorology, navigation and rescue — with increasing range and command responsibility at each level. The PWC & Dinghy Operator programme is available as a standalone qualification.

All courses comply with UNECE Resolution No. 40 and ITU Radio Regulations, CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04E. Vessels 6–24 m (up to 78 ft / 500 GT).

Course Programmes — click to expand

Competent motor yacht crew member able to keep watch, helm and work as a deckhand. Pathway to IYSA Powerboat Skipper.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+ (or 10+ with parental consent — Junior Powerboat Crew)
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • Motorboat structure & equipment
  • Seamanship basics
  • COLREGs-72
  • Meteorology
  • Motor vessel handling
  • Radio communications
  • Coastal navigation
  • First aid
  • Safety & vessel checks
Practical Skills
  • Daily yacht maintenance
  • Mooring & anchor work
  • Helming under motor
  • Basic manoeuvring
  • Safety equipment use
  • First aid at sea
Min. distance: 120 nm
Max cadets/instructor: 8
Max wind: 15 kn
Range: up to 20 nm offshore

Competent and independent skipper of a motor vessel up to 24 m / 78 ft, day and night up to 20 nm offshore. Includes IYSA VHF Short Range Operator certificate.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • Motorboat structure & equipment
  • Seamanship
  • COLREGs-72
  • Meteorology
  • Motor handling
  • Radio communications
  • Navigation & voyage planning
  • First aid
  • Safety procedures
Practical Skills
  • Yacht maintenance
  • Mooring & anchoring
  • Motoring & manoeuvring
  • Berthing & anchoring
  • Navigation & charts
  • Passage planning
  • Crew management
  • Safety & radio equipment
  • First aid
  • Outboard tender handling
Min. distance: 200 nm
Max cadets/instructor: 6
Max wind: 20 kn
Range: up to 20 nm offshore
Includes: VHF Short Range Operator cert

Experienced skipper able to command motor vessels up to 24 m / 78 ft, day and night up to 150 nm offshore. AIS required on training vessel.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+
  • IYSA Powerboat Skipper or equivalent
  • 500+ nm on motor vessels
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • COLREGs-72
  • Meteorology
  • Long-range motor passage handling
  • Radio & distress systems
  • Offshore navigation & planning
  • Fuel, water & provisions planning
  • First aid
Practical Skills
  • Yacht maintenance
  • Mooring & anchoring
  • Motoring
  • Manoeuvring & anchoring
  • Offshore navigation
  • Passage & supply planning
  • Crew management
  • Safety & rescue
  • First aid
  • Outboard tender handling
Min. distance: 250 nm
Max cadets/instructor: 6
Max wind: 35 kn
Range: up to 150 nm offshore
Vessel req.: AIS required

Elite qualification: skipper of a motor yacht on ocean passages without range limitations in challenging weather conditions.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+
  • IYSA Powerboat Yachtmaster Offshore or equivalent
  • 1000+ nm on motor vessels
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • COLREGs-72
  • Ocean meteorology
  • Heavy-weather motor handling
  • Radio & satellite comms
  • Multi-day passage planning
Practical Skills
  • Daily inspection & maintenance
  • Motor vessel handling
  • Offshore navigation & electronics
  • Passage & supply planning
  • Watch scheduling & crew management
  • Safety, rescue & self-rescue
  • Satellite & radio communications
Min. distance: 250 nm
Max cadets/instructor: 6
Max wind: 35 kn
Min. offshore distance: 60 nm

Competent operator of personal watercraft (jet ski) and/or small outboard dinghy in daylight hours. Can be taught by Bareboat Skipper Sail or Powerboat Skipper instructors.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • PWC, dinghy & outboard engine structure
  • COLREGs-72
  • First aid
  • Safety checks & procedures
Practical Skills
  • PWC or dinghy handling under power
  • Manoeuvring
  • Safe boat operation
  • Safety equipment
  • First aid
Range: up to 2 nm offshore
Max cadets/instructor: 2
Max wave height: 0.3 m
Conditions: Fair weather / daylight only

All IYSA powerboat and PWC courses comply with UNECE Resolution No. 40 and radio requirements of Articles 47 & 48 of the Radio Regulations, ITU res. 343, CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04E. Lifejackets and safety lines are mandatory for all deck work regardless of conditions.

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