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 & Mon 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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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
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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.

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For a list of online courses – click here