International Yacht Training Worldwide

Powerboat Skipper

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Powerboat Skipper

The Powerboat Skipper course is a five to six day course.  This is a certificate of competency for those candidates who wish to skipper a power vessel up to 24 metres in length, in fair weather and in sight of land.

The “depth of knowledge” required for the theory portion of the Powerboat Skipper Certificate is the same as required for the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate. Candidates must have logged over 200 miles and 10 days at sea by the end of the course in order to obtain the Powerboat Skipper Certificate of Competency.

It is the level of competence required when chartering a boat in the Mediterranean or West Indies where there are restrictions in terms of cruising area and distance from the base and the vessel has to be safely moored in a marina or anchored before dark.

Candidates must either hold a recognised VHF Radio Operators Certificate or must take the full IYT VHF-SRC Marine Communications course which is included in this course and school must place order for the VHF certificate while placing the order for the Powerboat Skipper Certificate of Competency.  If ordering VHF at the same time as Powerboat Skipper please upload a note to this effect.  We have provided a sample note to upload when placing order. 
* Please note that we do not accept ISSA VHF qualifications.
 (If you are unsure if your radio license will be accepted, please send a scanned copy of the front and back of your license to [email protected].  We will verify that your license is sufficient to receive the IYT Powerboat Skipper license).  

Those who obtain the Powerboat Skipper qualification can automatically obtain the “International Certificate of Competency Power <24M” (ICC), provided the student meets the requirements as laid down by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Resolution 40).  Please click this link for more information.

Certificate Limitations

  • Command of a vessel up to a maximum length of 78 ft /24 metres as part of a flotilla
  • In coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore
  • In fair conditions with moderate wind and sea conditions
    • Most charter agencies will insist on daylight hours as a condition to charter.

Entry Standard

  •  Should be 16 years of age or over
  • Candidates with prior experience that equates to the competency in Modules 1 – 11 may skip these modules and proceed to Module 12 (VHF-SRC) through Module 25.
  • Candidates who hold a recognised VHF-SRC CoC may obviously skip Module 12 (VHF-SRC)
  • The candidate must have logged over 200 nautical miles & 10 days at sea by end of course.

Course Outline

This course is a combination of the International Crew, VHF/SRC and Flotilla/Bareboat Skipper Power course modules. It is also the same as the IYT ICC Power <24M.

Introductory Modules:

  • nautical terminology
  • safety
  • vessel checkout
  • basic rope work
  • refueling
  • man-overboard procedures
  • capsizing
  • swamping
  • sinking
  • anchors & anchoring
  • running aground
  • responsibilities of the crew

Command Modules:

  • small powerboats and rigid inflatable boats,
  • boat handling under power
  • basic meteorology
  • short passages including heavy weather
  • restricted visibility & negotiating harbour entrances
  • compasses and magnetism
  • charts, chartwork & basic navigation
  • tides & currents
  • buoyage
  • collision regulations
  • navigation lights
  • basic first aid
  • responsibilities of the skipper/captain



Next Steps

As you advance and become more proficient as crew or skipper you take on bigger challenges that require proper training to ensure the safety of your family and friends. The bigger the boat or length of adventure the more training you require.

Most of us prefer to spend our time on the water and not in a classroom. To facilitate this, IYT has a series of E-learning courses available for the theoretical part of sail and powerboat training.

  1. Take one of our online (Elearning) courses for your next level of training.
  2. Plan your practical training at one of our many schools worldwide to earn your final qualification.
  3. Book in advance with your school as class sizes and availability may be limited.
  4. Review the IYT course progression details to learn about professional level courses.
  5. Spend time on the water and properly log your seatime.

The Boating Lifestyle is one of the most rewarding pursuits available. There is something physically and emotionally invigorating when you are offshore. To enjoy the experience fully you need the proper training & skills to be safe, prepared and command a vessel.

RecreationalStudent Information

Benefits Of An IYT Certification

IYT is the largest provider of crew and skipper certificates for the recreational yachting industry in the world. Learn more about the benefits of an IYT Certificate.

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Certificate Renewal

For many IYT certificates, there is the need to re-qualify for your certificate every 3 to 5 years. This ensures that our certifications are meeting international standards.

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IYT Yachting Passport

The IYT Passport is recognized in over 40 countries around the world and offers you an opportunity to study and train worldwide.

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Course Progression

A beginner at sailing or operating a powerboat should be familiar with the training path that is available from IYT. Many recreational boaters progress to become crew on superyachts.

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