Beyond Powerboat Level 2
Turn your new qualification into genuine boating experience during two days of route planning, navigation, skippering and exploration from Poole to Wareham and Swanage.
Your certificate is the beginning—not the destination.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 gives you the essential skills required to control a powerboat safely. You learn the manoeuvres, understand the fundamentals and prove that you can operate the boat to the required standard.
The next challenge is combining those individual skills into a real boating day.
Our Beyond PB2 Powerboat Explorer Weekend has been created to help recently qualified skippers make that transition. Rather than spending two days completing exercises in a small training area, you will help plan and undertake two genuine journeys.
The objective is not simply to cover more miles. It is to help you begin thinking, planning and making decisions like a skipper.
From quiet river navigation to the open Dorset coast.
Poole is an exceptional place to develop as a powerboat skipper. Within a compact cruising area, we can experience sheltered harbour waters, narrow channels, a tidal river and a genuine coastal passage.
Day OnePoole to Wareham
Harbour, channel and tidal-river navigation
We begin by planning a route through Poole Harbour and into the River Frome. The journey towards Wareham introduces a very different style of boating, where careful observation and thoughtful navigation matter more than speed.
- Channel marks and harbour buoyage
- Tidal height and available depth
- Local speed limits and regulations
- River navigation and position monitoring
- Berthing in an unfamiliar destination
- Crew communication and lookout
Day TwoPoole to Swanage
Pilotage, coastal navigation and open-water decisions
The proposed coastal passage to Swanage takes us beyond the harbour entrance and onto the Dorset coast. You will help assess the conditions, prepare the passage plan and navigate towards an unfamiliar destination.
- Marine forecasts and sea conditions
- Coastal route and hazard planning
- Leaving and entering harbour safely
- Charts and electronic navigation
- Choosing speed for the conditions
- Contingency and alternative planning
This is not a sightseeing trip with an instructor making every decision.
The group will take an active role in preparing each journey. You do not need advanced navigation knowledge; we will guide you through the planning process and explain how each decision affects the day.
Choose the plan
Consider the intended destination, the group’s objectives and whether the proposed journey is appropriate.
Check the conditions
Review weather, tides, visibility, sea state and the operational limitations of the boat and crew.
Prepare the passage
Identify channels, hazards, timings, fuel needs, safe havens, alternatives and important navigation points.
Skipper the journey
Take turns at the helm, monitor progress, communicate with the crew and adapt the plan when circumstances change.
From boat handling to genuine skippering confidence.
The precise training will respond to the weather, the routes and the needs of the group. These are the principal areas we expect to cover.
Passage planning
Turn an idea for a day out into a safe, realistic and properly prepared boating plan.
Weather and tides
Use forecasts and tidal information to decide where, when and whether it is sensible to go boating.
Pilotage
Prepare for departures and arrivals using visual references, buoyage and a simple, practical pilotage plan.
Navigation underway
Use charts, electronic navigation, buoyage and visual references to monitor your position and progress.
Unfamiliar berthing
Apply your PB2 manoeuvres when approaching and berthing somewhere you have not previously visited.
Skippering decisions
Look ahead, communicate clearly, brief the crew and make calm decisions as the situation develops.
Professional training meets real recreational boating.
Get Lost Powerboat Training
Your coaching, instruction and on-water development are delivered by Get Lost Powerboat Training. The aim is to build upon your PB2 foundations through structured, instructor-led experience.
PowerboatClub.uk
PowerboatClub.uk provides the recreational setting and the destination-led spirit of the weekend—using your skills to travel, explore and enjoy a genuine day on the water.
Created for PB2 graduates who are ready for the next step.
This weekend is ideal if you:
- Have completed RYA Powerboat Level 2.
- Want more supervised time at the helm.
- Can perform basic manoeuvres but lack trip experience.
- Would like to explore beyond your original training area.
- Want experience of harbour, river and coastal navigation.
- Are considering hiring, sharing or owning a powerboat.
- Want to become a more confident recreational skipper.
You do not need to be an expert.
This experience has been designed as an approachable next step after Powerboat Level 2. You are not expected to arrive with advanced navigation knowledge or extensive sea time.
You should, however, have completed PB2 or possess equivalent practical experience. Please contact us if you are unsure whether the weekend is suitable.
You do not need to be a PowerboatClub.uk member unless a particular event is specifically advertised as members-only.
Real boating means working with real conditions.
Wareham and Swanage are our intended destinations, but routes can never be guaranteed. Weather, tides, visibility, sea state, operational considerations and the experience of the group will determine the final plan. The instructor may alter a route, use an alternative destination or postpone an element of the event. Learning when to change the plan is an essential part of becoming a skipper.
Powerboat Explorer Weekend details
What is included
- Two days aboard a PowerboatClub.uk boat.
- Instruction from Get Lost Powerboat Training.
- Collaborative route and passage planning.
- Harbour, river and coastal boating experience.
- Supervised turns as helm and skipper.
- Use of the boat’s normal safety equipment.
- Pre-event joining information.
- Post-passage review and development guidance.
What should I bring?
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event. As a guide, participants should bring the following:
- Your RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate.
- Warm layers and suitable waterproof clothing.
- Comfortable, non-slip footwear.
- Sun protection appropriate to the season.
- Food and drink as advised in the joining instructions.
- Any personal medication, glasses or essential items.
- A notebook and pencil for planning exercises.
- A willingness to take part, make decisions and explore.
Lifejackets and the boat’s essential safety equipment will be provided.
Beyond PB2 questions answered
What should I do after completing RYA Powerboat Level 2?
The most valuable next step is to gain supervised practical experience. A post-PB2 development event allows you to consolidate your boat-handling skills while learning how to plan and complete genuine recreational journeys.
Do I need further training after Powerboat Level 2?
Further training is not always compulsory, but many new skippers benefit enormously from additional time at the helm. PB2 provides a strong foundation; supervised experience helps develop confidence, judgement and practical decision-making.
Do I need navigation experience?
No advanced navigation qualification is required. We will introduce the planning process and guide you through the decisions required for each proposed passage.
Will I drive the boat?
Yes. The weekend is intended to provide meaningful practical experience. Participants will take turns at the helm and will have opportunities to act as skipper under the instructor’s supervision.
Will we definitely visit Wareham and Swanage?
They are the intended destinations, but routes are subject to weather, tides, visibility, safety and operational considerations. Suitable alternative routes may be used when required.
Is this an official RYA qualification?
No. This is a developmental training event delivered by Get Lost Powerboat Training. It is intended to consolidate and extend your practical experience but does not add another formal RYA qualification to your existing certificate.
Do I need to be a PowerboatClub.uk member?
No, unless an individual event is specifically advertised as members-only. The weekend is intended to give PB2 graduates an opportunity to experience the type of destination-led boating their qualification makes possible.
Is accommodation included?
Accommodation is not included unless a particular date is expressly advertised as an accommodation package.
Learn how to turn your PB2 skills into a complete day on the water.
Plan the route. Check the conditions. Prepare the boat. Brief the crew. Navigate somewhere worth visiting—and bring everyone safely home.
Call 01202 923 060Register your interest
Complete the form below and we will contact you with proposed dates, pricing and availability for the next Powerboat Explorer Weekend.