Introduction to Powerboating

In this hub I will be writing to you about what you should expect when taking part in an introduction to powerboating course in Ireland. In other countries it may differ but the base knowledge should be the same on completion. I will be writing a series of powerboat lessons on the topics found in this hub. Please note that under no circumstance is this a complete course and it is not in any way a substitute for good instruction on an accredited powerboating course. If you have never stepped foot an a powerboat then this course is for you.

What to expect:

In the introduction to power boating course you would expect a foundation knowledge in:

• Preparing the boat for use
• Correct clothing and equipment use
• Boat handling for beginners
• Planing and high speed maneuvers
• Departing and berthing
• Tying off to a mooring buoy
• Anchoring
• Man overboard drills
• The "rules of the road"
• Laws and regulations
• Safety while on board
• Knots and rope work
• Towing procedures
• Understanding the weather
• Navigation
• Coastal knowledge

The course:

This course is for people who have never been in a powerboat before and their main role will just be to help out as crew onboard. If you have some experience there are other more advanced options for you which will be covered at a later date. The duration must be a minimum of 7 hours though it can be extended if a more relaxed approach is better suited. You would tipically expect to have 1 instructor per 3 students in each boat. There are several different types of boats that your school may have though you will only be certified on the boat types that have been used on the course and in which you have demonstrated adequate competency. The course will be run in an open powerboat, such as the one seen in the picture above, and be run by a certified and approved powerboat instructor. Your certificate should be countersigned by the powerboat school and is normally recognised by your government. I highly recommend that you check this is the case before departing with your hard earned cash. Also note that the instructor alone can not issue your certificate. There are two types of assessments one or both of them might be adopted by the powerboat school. Those are: continuous assessment where the school monitors your progress throughout the course. The second is direct assessment where your school will give you a final exam at the end of the course.

In short:

If you have never stepped foot an a powerboat then this course is for you. It is best suited for those who will just be helping out on a powerboat and driving under supervision. If you are under 16 years old please speak with your powerboat school before enrolment as there are special provisions which must be taken into account. It is difficult to predict the cost of powerboat school classes as there are several options to choose for example one to one tuition, two half day courses and so on. Contact the local powerboat school in your area and I'm sure they will be happy to provide any and all information you require. If you get a test at the start of the course don't worry, they just want to check your knowledge of the topic so they can better suit the course to your needs. Would I recommend you do this course? Yes. Why? Because it's just plane fun :)