This course
Course hours: 9am–5pm each day.
UPCOMING PRACTICAL COURSE DATES
• 4 December 2026
• 29 January 2027
• 26 February 2027
• 26 March 2027
• 30 April 2027
• 28 May 2027
Choose a date in our online booking calendar. Availability and remaining places are shown there.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The RYA Start Motor Boating course is an enjoyable one-day practical introduction to motor cruising, designed for complete beginners, family members and anyone wishing to become a confident and capable crew member. It provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to assist the skipper and contribute safely to the operation of a motor boat.
Ideal for couples, families and friends who regularly go boating together, this course develops confidence on board while introducing the fundamentals of seamanship, safety and practical boat handling.
Course topics include:
• Personal safety afloat
• Essential safety equipment
• Basic seamanship
• Preparing the boat and crew
• Lines and fender handling
• Coming alongside
• Leaving a berth
• Picking up and leaving a mooring buoy
• Basic boat handling
• Crew communication
• Assisting the helm
• Emergency procedures
• Good housekeeping and care of the vessel
• Environmental awareness
Ready to take the next step? Book your place online or contact BH Marine Academy on 01305 564204 for dates, availability and advice on the right course for you.
Required experience
None
Minimum duration
One day as a standalone course, or two days when undertaken alongside another RYA practical course.
Minimum age
8 years
Content
Personal safety, seamanship, dealing with emergency situations, coming alongside, picking up a mooring, boat handling
Certificate issuing criteria
Successful candidates receive the RYA Start Motor Boating Certificate, demonstrating the ability to act as a useful crew member and effectively assist the helm during normal boating operations.
This course is an excellent introduction for those considering further training such as the RYA Helmsman Course or RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, and is particularly suited to partners, family members and friends who wish to become active and confident members of the crew.
At BH Marine Academy, our instructors are experienced professional mariners, commercial skippers and RYA trainers with thousands of miles of practical boating experience. Training is delivered in a relaxed, supportive environment, ensuring every student gains confidence, practical seamanship skills and an enjoyable introduction to motor boating.
Contact BH Marine Academy by telephone or WhatsApp to discuss your training requirements or to book your place.
Format
Practical training afloat on a motor cruiser under the guidance of an experienced RYA instructor.
Price:
£350
Course dates and availability: scheduled practical dates are listed in the course details above and on the course category page. Use the online booking calendar to select a date. For alternative dates, private tuition or courses without a published schedule, please contact BH Marine or complete the enquiry form below.
Make a booking enquiry
Please read our training terms before booking. This form requests dates and availability; your booking is confirmed separately.
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