MCA/RYA Advanced Cert. of Competence

Aims:

Having completed the RYA Advanced Powerboat Course, you may wish to take the MCA / RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence. This exam is intended for advanced drivers who wish to work commercially with open powerboats. It is broadly equivalent to the Yachtmaster Coastal Power Certificate of Competence Exam but examined in a smaller boat.

To give you the best chance of passing, we offer an intensive three day preparation and exam. This will include two night exercises with our Instructor and a third one on the final night with your examiner.

Course Duration:

We need 4 to 5 hours of daylight and 3 to 4 hours of darkness each day so exact timings vary depending on the season. As an example, December courses run 1200 to 2030 and summer courses will start and finish later.

Pre Requisites:

• Minimum age 18
• RYA First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• SRC or VHF Certificate
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate (highly recommended)
• Knowledge to at least RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Level

You should have the following minimum sea time (gained over at least two years):

• 30 days on board
• 2 days as skipper
• 800 miles
• 12 night hours

For holders of the two day Advanced Course Completion Certificate, this sea time is reduced to 20 days and 400 miles. We generally run these two courses back to back.

Course Content:

During the exam, candidates will be tested on their night pilotage and navigation skills as well as boat handling and supporting knowledge. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate that they are competent skippers. The two days preparation will largely be spent planning and carrying out the night exercises, although some time will be spent practicing the other skills.

What's Included:

• 2 days and 2 nights of instruction
• Use of one of our RIBs for the 3 days and nights
• Fuel
• Loan of a life jacket and light
• An exam arranged for you
• 1 Year free introductory RNLI membership
• Free parking on site

What's Not Included:

• RYA examination fee (£177, from January 2014)
• Wet weather gear (£5 per day to hire)
• Meals

Optional Extras:

In order to then commercially endorse this qualification, skippers will also need a RYA Sea Survival Certificate, a Seafarers Medical from a doctor and RYA PPR certificate. The RYA will charge £30 for the commercial endorsement.

Booking:

The dates listed below indicate the first day of the course. If they do not suit please contact us as we may be able to arrange some dates around you.

Is this course for me?

This training course and exam is specifically aimed at the commercial sector (i.e. those wanting to drive powerboats for a living). The Advanced Certificate of Competence will qualify you as skipper (master) of powerboats up to 24m in length, up to 20 nm from a safe haven and to carry up to 12 passengers. The Advanced CoC is popular across the industry from corporate entertainment RIB drivers, through wind farm transfer crew and onto parts of the offshore industry. It is a good stepping stone on the way towards Yachtmaster Power and probably the most appropriate Certificate of Competence for drivers operating RIBs.

Why choose Stormforce Coaching for this course?:

We want you to pass the final exam so we will push you hard during your time with us. Our Instructors will give you 100%. Our approach to your exam preparation is second to none and as a result we have an excellent pass rate.

Dates & Booking

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