Powerboating/ICC Courses

Learn to drive a speed boat and gain your motor boat driving licence (ICC)at Westminster Boating Base.

This information applies to both young people and adults. Our courses are conducted using our own fleet of powerboats, including light alloy assault craft equipped with Yamaha High Thrust 60hp outboard engines, and Humber Destroyer 5.8m RIBs powered by 100hp Yamaha outboards.

Certificates issued will be endorsed for planing craft. All training sessions are held at our center on the tidal Thames in London.

Please read our terms and conditions when booking a course.

Private powerboat driving tuition

Already competent and want to brush up your practical skills or theoretical knowledge? We can provide private powerboat driving tuition with up to 3 people at a time.

Price: £75 per hr (minimum 2hrs).

Email us for more information.

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CEVNI (Code Europeen Des Voies De Navigation Interieure) Test

This test allows for legal navigation of inland waterways in many European countries and assesses your knowledge of the commonly used signs, lights, and symbols. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, with a minimum pass mark of 22 correct answers. Thorough preparation on the signage is essential before attempting the test.

If you're booking an RYA Level 2 Powerboat course and wish to take the CEVNI test at the same time, we can accommodate this during the course—just inform your instructors at the start.

To prepare effectively, you’ll need a solid understanding of waterway signs, symbols, and lights. We recommend purchasing the RYA CEVNI Handbook (available on the RYA website HERE) to support your revision.

RYA Level 2 National Powerboat Certificate

Minimum age for this course is 10 years but you will not be able to gain the RYA Level 2 certificate unless 12 years or over.

The course:

* 2 day course - 16hrs - on the Thames in London
* Recognised nationwide as the standard for hiring a boat.
* Basis for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) up to 10m LOA - the paperwork you need to drive a boat in Europe 
* Suitable for complete novices
* Includes close-quarters handling, planing manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations.
* Endorsed for planing craft and course will include coastal elements.
* Taught on a maximum ratio of 3 students to 1 instructor per boat
* Continuous learning and assessment - no exam at the end.

To obtain the ICC: The RYA level 2 certificate can be directly converted to an ICC (International Certificate of Competence, min age 16yrs). This is simply a paperwork exercise and the ICC can be obtained from the RYA. The application can be made online or if you prefer we can help you complete the application form on paper. See below for ICC eligibility. Can also include CEVNI test for inland waterways.

Times: Courses run from 10am-6pm each day.

Price: £475

Next Dates (2025):

March: 8th and 22nd 

April: 5th, 26th and 29th 

May: 3rd, 6th, 10th, 20th, 24th and 31st

International Certificate of Competence (ICC) (pleasure craft)

* This is often thought of as the driving licence for boats.
* An ICC obtained after one of our RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses will endorse you for powerboats up to 10 metres in length.
* There is no engine size restriction.
* The ICC is accepted and required across most of Europe. It is advisable to check with the maritime authorities of individual locations as to the exact requirement.
* Administration fee of £50 payable to the RYA with your application. Free to RYA members.

ELIGIBILITY

The UK ICC issued by the RYA, is issued on behalf of the UK Government under the authorisation of the UK Maritime and Coastguard (MCA). It is issued in conformity with Resolution No. 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Working Party on Inland Water Transport.

In accordance with Resolution No. 40, it is only available to a person who fulfils the following eligibility criteria:

has reached the age of 16; and
is physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft, and in particular, has sufficient powers of vision and hearing.

Evidence of applicant’s identity and eligibility

Before issuing, amending or replacing an ICC the RYA must verify the applicant’s identity and their nationality (as the UK ICC issued by the RYA is not available to the nationals of countries that have adopted Resolution No. 40 unless they are resident in the UK).

You must provide copies of official documents which collectively evidence your name, address, date of birth, nationality and that the photograph you have supplied is a true likeness of you. See part 2 of the ICC application form for details of acceptable documents and a list of the countries that have adopted Resolution No. 40.

Please visit the RYA for the latest information.

A list of eligible nationalities can be found on Part 2 of the ICC application form HERE

 
Across much of Europe, the ICC is acceptable as the licence to use a British flagged vessel for leisure. The ICC may be accepted for their native flagged vessels, eg. if you were to rent a boat in Europe, but you should seek confirmation from the hirer.

The ICC assessment allows the holder to drive powerboats up to 10 metres in length on coastal water. If you want to be able to drive on inland waterways too, see CEVNI test above.

I have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate:

If you hold an RYA Level 2 National Powerboat Certificate you can apply directly to the RYA for the ICC.

I don't have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate

To get an ICC: Book an RYA Level 2 powerboat course. The price includes the Level 2 certificate.

On successful completion of the course you will be given your Level 2 certificate and the ICC paperwork (signed by the instructor) that you need to send to the RYA (with an administration fee). Once you make your application to the RYA, you should receive your ICC within 21 days, although there is a 2 day fast-track service also available.

I'm an experienced powerboat driver - without an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate

If you are an experienced powerboat driver you can undergo a one-day assessment of your abilities by arrangement with us. For those that have significant experience in driving boats and a thorough knowledge of navigation, a pass can usually be achieved in one day.

A one day direct assessment for experienced helms can be made on a one-to-one basis for £440 (plus administration fee payable to the RYA for the ICC certificate).