Training at Preston Marina

Preston Marina now offers a range of training courses to help you and and your crew maximise enjoyment and safety when boating

As a registered RYA Training Centre we can offer internationally recognised training and qualifications.  The amount of practical and theory varies by course.  On-site courses are held at our Training Centre in Preston whilst the online courses can be studied anywhere you have an internet connection.

Paying a Course Deposit? – CLICK HERE

RYA courses at Preston Marina (On-site)

RYA Powerboat Level 2

The basic skills and knowledge needed to drive a powerboat.
  • 2 days training
  • On-site at Preston Marina
  • Part of course takes place on tidal river – experience real tidal conditions.
  • Course fee £325 per person, inc VAT. (Discounts for multiple bookings)

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course dates

Powerboat Level 2 scheduled courses run from March to October, when suitable tides allow.

(Two day course – times 09:30 – 17:30 both days unless stated)

2025 Dates;

April

Thurs 3rd & Fri 4th (Fri. 10.30am – 6:30pm)

Thurs 10th & Fri 11th

May

Thurs 1st & Fri 2nd

Sat 3rd & Sun 4th  (Sunday 11:30am – 7:30pm)

Sat 17th & Sun 18th

Thurs 29th & Fri 30th

June

Sun 8th & Sun 9th

Sat 14th & Sun 15th

Sat 28th & Sun 29th

July

Thurs 10th & Fri 11th

Sat 12th & Sun 13th

Thurs 17th & Fri 18th (Friday 11:30am – 7:30pm)

Sat 26th & Sun 27th

August

Sat 9th & Sun 10th

Thurs 14th & Fri 15th

Sat 16th & Sun 17th

September

Sat 6th & Sun 7th

Thurs 18th & 19th

Sat 27th & Sun 28th

October

Sat 4th & Sun 5th

Sat 18th & Sun 19th

More

RYA VHF Radio (Short Range Certificate) & Exam

The marine radio is the most important piece of safety equipment on any boat.

All users must have a licence, which is awarded on successful completion of this one day course and assessment.

  • One day classroom course, with assessment.
  • Ages 16+
  • Course fee £125 per person, inc VAT (plus £70 for the assessment and licence paid directly to the RYA)

RYA VHF (SRC) Course dates

2025 Course Dates;

Saturday 1st February

Friday 7th March

Saturday 29th March

Friday 25th April

Saturday 24th May

Friday 4th July

Friday 1st August

Friday 5th September

Saturday 8th November

More

RYA Diesel Engine

A beginners’ course to help prevent and solve diesel engine failures.
  • One Day
  • On-Site at Preston
  • No detailed knowledge required
  • RYA Course pack included
  • Course fee £125 per person, inc VAT.

RYA Diesel Engine Course dates

Diesel Engine Course Dates 2025;

Sunday 2nd February

Saturday 20th September

Sunday 12th October

More

RYA First Aid

Our one-day course covers all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective.

It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.

  • Course fee £125 per person, inc VAT

RYA First Aid Course dates

Course Dates 2025;

Sunday 9th March

Saturday 10th May

Saturday 25th October

More

RYA Day Skipper Shore Based

A comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers.
  • 40 hour classroom course
  • includes RYA Course Pack
  • Course fee £395 per person, inc VAT

RYA Day Skipper Theory Course dates

3 Consecutive Weekends 

January 2025 – 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th & 25th & 26th

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Consecutive

Feb 26th – 28th incl. and March 5th – 7th  incl.

More

RYA Coastal Yachtmaster – Shore Based

A comprehensive introduction to cruising for more experienced skippers.
  • 40 hour classroom course
  • includes RYA Course Pack
  • Course fee £395 per person, inc VAT

RYA Coastal Yachtmaster Theory Course dates

February 2025

3 consecutive weekends. Max 12 people.

  • 8th/9th Feb
  • 15th/16th Feb
  • 22nd/23rd Feb
More

Other courses at Preston Marina (On-site)

Powerboat Refresher Sessions

A 3-hour practical refresher for those who already hold an RYA PB2 certificate.
  • No exams or assessments – just an opportunity to increase your confidence
  • Covers key handling skills and the rest is tailored to your needs

£95 pp, or £85 for anyone who completed their PB2 with Preston Marina
2 people minimum.

More
For a list of online courses – click here