Blogs

New to sailing? Find out what to expect on BH Marine’s five-day RYA Competent Crew course in Weymouth, with small groups, course dates and cabin options.

Buying a yacht or motor boat in Weymouth or Portland? Why appointing your own independent marine surveyor matters before you complete the purchase.

A practical guide to pre-purchase boat surveys: hull, structure, machinery, systems, sea trials, limitations and recommendations for buyers across the South Coast and Europe.

Bespoke own-boat tuition for sailing yachts, motor cruisers and powerboats in Weymouth, Dorset, the Solent and across the South Coast.

A practical explanation of ultrasonic steel hull thickness testing, how readings are taken and interpreted, and what corrosion or reduced plate thickness means for a buyer.

A marine surveyor explains what is checked during a sea trial, from engine loading and temperatures to steering, vibration, controls and performance.

What a marine surveyor looks for on a GRP hull, how moisture and percussion checks are carried out, what osmosis actually means and how defects should be addressed.

A marine surveyor explains what affects the cost of a boat survey in the UK, what is inspected and tested, and why the cheapest survey is not always the best value.

Practical autumn advice for boat owners in Dorset and the Solent: El Niño, marine forecasts, mooring checks, drainage and passage planning.

Preparing for an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore exam? Here are the practical skills, theory and skipper-level judgement to sharpen before examination.

Clear answers to common marine survey questions, including haul-out, engine inspection, moisture testing, valuations and BH Marine's South UK and European coverage.

A marine surveyor's practical explanation of what is inspected during a pre-purchase yacht survey and the testing methods used.

The practical difference between an insurance survey and a pre-purchase survey, including scope, purpose and the type of conclusions each report should provide.

How a professional yacht or motor-boat valuation is approached, what evidence is considered and why asking price alone is not enough.

A practical guide to BH Marine's marine surveying coverage across the South of the UK and Europe, and what clients can expect from a professional survey.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 is one of the most widely recognised practical powerboat qualifications and provides the core skills needed to operate a small powerboat safely and confidently. Day one Training normally begins with preparation, safety equipment and basic boat handling before progressing to low-speed manoeuvring. Students practise leaving and coming alongside, turning in confined spaces, using springs and understanding how wind and tide affect the boat. Building speed an

A pre-purchase survey is an independent inspection carried out for a prospective buyer before completing the purchase of a vessel. Its purpose is to identify defects, assess the vessel's condition and provide the buyer with a clearer understanding of what they are purchasing. What is inspected? The survey normally covers the hull and topsides, deck structure, machinery installation where accessible, steering, stern gear, electrical systems, fuel and water systems, seacocks an

A marine survey fee covers considerably more than the time spent walking around a boat. The surveyor prepares for the inspection, examines the vessel methodically, records findings and produces a written professional report for the client. The inspection The vessel is inspected systematically from hull and structure through machinery, systems, deck equipment and accommodation, subject to the agreed scope and normal non-destructive limitations. Where suitable, instruments and

Competent Crew and Day Skipper are both practical RYA sail cruising courses, but they are designed for different stages of a sailor's development. Competent Crew Competent Crew is aimed at people who want to become useful, confident members of the crew. Training concentrates on practical seamanship, sail handling, helming, ropework, safety and living aboard. It is a good starting point if you have limited sailing experience or want to build confidence before moving towards sk

When it comes to mastering the sea, nothing beats hands-on experience combined with expert guidance. Whether you're dreaming of navigating your own yacht, managing a commercial vessel, or simply improving your boating skills, maritime training programmes offer the perfect pathway. These courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to thrive on the water. Let’s dive into why investing in maritime training programmes is a smart m