scuba_diver
new user
Reged: 11/05/2008
Posts: 1
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Hi, im a keen scuba diver and was sitting on the beach the other day looking out at all the boats and decided I want one.
I have no knowledge of motorboating or anything like that so have a few questions (some maybe stupid) that I would appreciate if somebody took the time to answer for me.
1. Do you need a licence or need to take a course to drive a motorboat?
2. Is there a course I can do that will teach me the basics of motorboating if so where are these?
2. Does anybody know of any companys that hire out boats for the day that let you drive them in the brighton area? (i have tried googling it but with no joy although im probably not using the proper terminology or something)
3. Instead of buying a boat is it possible to lease one for a short term like a six month period and if so could anybody point me in the right direction of companys that do this in the brighton and hove area?
Many thanks in advance to anybody who takes the time to help me with my questions
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hlb
regular
Reged: 16/05/2001
Posts: 17249
Loc: Any Pub Cornwall or Devon
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Right. You can buy a boat. No questions asked, You can insure it or not. You can drive it on the sea, most anywhere. There are no laws so far about the sea. However. Harbour masters have laws and other folk to.
I have nearly no qualifications, just learned the hard way. Yes you can get a course for the basics, or higher , or higher.
I'd google sites to find a course..
So, you need nothing to go to sea. Other folk might not let you out on there boat though.
I learned as I went on. But was lucky enough to miss the rocks. Duno, hows your feelings.
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No one can force me to come here. I'm a volunteer!!.
You get yer forum burgee here. PM me.
Haydn
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Oneaway
regular
Reged: 16/12/2005
Posts: 762
Loc: back in the UK
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As Haydn says, currently you don't need any qualification to own and use a boat up to 24mtrs in length,
other than a very deep pockets,
again only repeating what Haydn says, just google for "powerboat courses" there are plenty located along the south coast,
although my guess would be, that, without these courses under your belt, and some years of experience, no hire company is going to let you loose with thousands of pounds worth of motor boat,
to lease or rent is sound advice, did you get this advice from, Felix Dennis, "If it flies, floats or fornicates, always rent it.. it’s cheaper in the long run"  .
again google for powerboat leasing/renting, but you'll be faced with the same problem of no experience to show them
best of luck with your search.
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"It's Better to Have Memories Than Dreams"
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gravygraham
regular
Reged: 08/05/2007
Posts: 78
Loc: Faversham, Kent
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Take a look at the Royal Yachting Association's website for Powerboat Level 1 and Level 2 courses. Getting certificated or qualified will help with your confidence and lower your insurance premiums. Good luck.
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curve
regular
Reged: 09/02/2008
Posts: 875
Loc: North by Northwest
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Lagoon Watersports do powerboating in Brighton
http://www.lagoonwatersports.co.uk/activitydetails.aspx?a=Powerboats&aid=7
I've only done the sailing thingy with them but they are a decent company.
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Kawasaki
regular
Reged: 21/06/2004
Posts: 4400
Loc: Anglesey Wales
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Welcome Scuba.
You will get lots of advice on here ref your boaty question.
There is very little legislation regarding boating as hlb said.
Some Authorities who control slipways might require You to have Third Party Insurance cover to use their facilities.
Boats kept in Marinas certainly do.
Harbour Authorities too.
As to training, again this is not Compulsory .
As a Diver contact Your Dive Club, if your in one!
Clubs usually require a certain level of training if you want to drive their dive boat.
They will point you in the right direction.
The RYA, through Training Centres throughout the UK , have a course entitled Power Boat level 2.
Good intro into boating and the one lots of dive clubs use.
Look on the RYA sight to find out who does what in Your neck of the woods.
Talking about 'kneck of the woods.'
It's handy if you fill your profile in, there may be a Forumite in your Area that has just done what You are about to.
Yep, that's one of the beauties of Boating, little or no legislation.
Sensible requests for info like yours, will help to keep it that way!
Good luck.
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Jerk of all trades. Expert in none.
Plus Don,t do serious, lifes too short.
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tangerine
regular
Reged: 02/01/2008
Posts: 41
Loc: hampshire uk
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I too am a beguinner,and have enrolled on a day skipper/yachtmaster combined course, and am doing it on line. I cant tell you how much Im enjoying it, although I must admit it seems quite complicated as I get deeper into it. Can anyone tell me how my course compares with powerboat 1 and 2. Have I picked a tougher course?
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Racing motorcycles have been my profession,both riding and engineering/preparation/design from 1969.Employed by the Norton Factory race dept,till 1975, then the Honda racing corporation till 1980. Run my own business since 1982. Classic racing for fun since 1982. Raced in the USA, Europe,Japan,South Africa,New Zeeland.Loved every moment. Now is the time to return to my first love. The good old briny.
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MajorCatastrophe
regular
Reged: 31/05/2005
Posts: 14933
Loc: ust plague be upon you
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Quote:
Can anyone tell me how my course compares with powerboat 1 and 2.
They involve using a real boat, which is handy if you want to learn how to handle one.
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bazonbeleza
regular
Reged: 19/11/2005
Posts: 717
Loc: faro, portugal, & Liverpool fo...
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I recently did the rya pb 1 & 2 then the advanced, in the past Ive also done the raggy day skip and Yachtmaster offshore.
my experience tells me that the PB1&2 give you a good appreciation of powerboat handling with a basic level of chartwork and passage planning. I did the day skip course 20 odd years ago and it seems to me that the course content was more involved and went into things more deeply htan when I did my YM a few years ago, obviously sat nav was non existent then. In 1980 the day skip course I did even had an intro into celestial nav, that doesnt even get a mention on the YM these days.
My advice would be to book a residential RYA pb1&2 course, its busy but its fun and I learned a lot even after 30yrs of messing about in boats. Dont forget to do your VHF cert as well, all money well spent. then join the RYA and get the ICC cert that will allow you to hire boats abroad.
A good point hs been made regarding insurance, you are a better (cheaper) risk if you have shown a desire to educate yourself.
good luck and enjoy your boating
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Nauticat sailors do it in comfort (and carpet slippers)
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Kawasaki
regular
Reged: 21/06/2004
Posts: 4400
Loc: Anglesey Wales
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Blatant thread drift Folks.
Tangerine, you will get a PM from Drewstos.
Nortons and stuff.
Drew raced one in the Manx.
A while back I know.
Just after Petrol was invented.
I did a bit with Honda , even though I have Kawa tag!
Sorry to interlope folks! 
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Jerk of all trades. Expert in none.
Plus Don,t do serious, lifes too short.
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