Advanced Powerboat CoC Preparation and Examination


The top level commercial and leisure qualification for boaters seeking to operate powerboats up to 24m with 12 passengers.

This prep and exam can be run on our craft (RIB Endeavour) or on your own vessel.

Total duration 3 days comprising

  • 2 day preparation run by a APBI to cover all aspects of the Advanced CoC to ensure that your skills and knowledge are at the right standard for you to undertake your exam
  • 1 day exams conducted by an external MCA/RYA Examiner

Our exam preparation will be run by a RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor who over the two days will aim to cover each of the areas that will be addressed in the exam. The exam looks at your boat handling, your understanding of all aspects of boating and navigation and particularly your ability to take command of and manage the vessel and crew.

During the course the Instructor will run sessions to help you to improve all of the tested areas and ensure that you are best placed to pass the exam. Some areas may simply be a refresher whereas others may brush up an area you have got quite rusty on, either way it is really key that you are at the right level for the exam before coming on this course as if there are areas that need material improvement then it is probable that you are not yet at the right level for the examination.

The Advanced Powerboat Preparation course & exam is ideal for:

  • Leisure boaters keen to achieve the ultimate qualification available to them yet who have no intention of working commercially
  • Those helming powerboats for corporate entertainment type work.
  • Boat operators keen to work in the wind farm or renewables sector helming the support vessels operating out to their operating sites
  • Those involved in the marine industry looking to operate up to 20nm from a safe haven by day and night (Category 3)
  • Military or Law enforcement operators operating craft and in locations necessitating the Advanced PB CoC

This level of training is suitable for you if you have been boating for a number of years and have operated on board as skipper or navigator. You will need to hold the following qualifications before starting the exam: 

  • RYA VHF certificate
  • A valid First Aid Certificate (within 3yrs of the exam) 
  • Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time
  • Knowledge to the level of Yachtmaster Offshore theory

Please ensure that you meet the RYA exam pre-requisites prior top booking onto this course – for the most up to date list see the RYA page HERE.

Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing powerboat in the last 10 years:

  • 30 days at sea, which may be reduced to 20 days at sea if an RYA Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate is held;
  • 2 days as skipper;
  • 800 miles, which may be reduced to 400 miles if an RYA Advanced Powerboat Course completion certificate is held;
  • 12 night hours

The preparation will include at least one night pilotage session so the course timings will vary.

Start and finish times for days incorporating the night pilotage will vary depending on the season.

Minimum Duration: 2 days Prep plus 1 days exams

Minimum age 17 at the time of the exam

Maximum of 3 students to one instructor / vessel

Your exam fee is payable directly to your examiner – for the latest exam fees please see the RYA website at: https://www.rya.org.uk/courses-training/exams/Pages/exam-fees.aspx

1 candidate: 4 to 5 hours

2 candidates: 5 to 6 hours

3 candidates: 6 to 7 hours

No more than three candidates can be examined in one session