RYA Tender Operator Course

POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR OVERVIEW:

This course was written for deck crew on board superyachts, the 2-day Tender Operator course slots in straight after the RYA Powerboat Level 2. The course is specifically aimed at those who are likely to be driving guests ashore from an anchored superyacht by day and evening onboard the yacht’s tender. This course was written as a direct result of requests from the super-yacht industry and the PYA (Professional Yachting Association).

POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR AIMS:

To teach super yachts tender drivers to drive to the required standard to carry passengers and other crew members to and from the mother ship (superyacht) by day and night.

The tender operator course is designed to build on a candidate’s basic knowledge of powerboating and candidates should gain confidence in their own competence. They will have plenty of time to practice short handed techniques and working with outer crew for working with other crew. It is important that candidates understand the emphasis of the course is ship (super yacht) to shore transfers, and associated skills rather than coastal cruising.

Candidates should gain an appreciation of their role as tender skipper/operator and become more employable in the superyacht sector.

POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR COURSE CONTENT:

Pre-departure procedures for tender operators

Drive systems onboard superyacht tenders

Life Saving Apparatus (LSA)

Fuel and mechanical checks and diagnosing basic engine start problems

Passenger safety and comfort in waves and at planing speed

Dealing with non-compliant passengers and those under the influence of alcohol

Dealing with less mobile passengers and children

Strategies for ensuring the safety of non-English speaking passengers

Shorthanded anchoring, beam-to, bow-to and stern-to docking

Recovery of MOB by day and night

The principles of towing and being towed

Apply the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)

Passenger briefings

Effective management of an emergency situation by day and at night

Produce and use effective day-time and night-time pilotage plans

Chartplotter and waypoint navigation

POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR COURSE RATIO:

Maximum of three students per boat and per instructor.

Course Structure

POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR COURSE DURATION:

2 days including a night exercise on the first evening

Useful Information

POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR PRE REQUISITES:

Minimum age 17 (required)

RYA Powerboat Level 2 (required)

First Aid (recommended)

RYA Short Range Certificate (recommended)

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR COURSE:

2 days of instruction

Use of one of our RIBs

Fuel

Loan of a life jacket

RYA Powerboat Tender Operator Certificate/Photocard

Free (on street) parking

Tea & Coffee

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE POWERBOAT TENDER OPERATOR COURSE:

Wet weather gear (can be hired for £5 a day)

Lunch (available to buy locally)