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Training & Safety

Training with RDYC

We are an approved RYA training centre and our courses are open to both members and non-members. We aim to offer opportunities for all those who want to experience the fun of being on the river or out on the open sea. Whether you are an experienced sailor or wanting to be on the water for the first time you will find the appropriate RDYC course. Whether you want to experience an exhilarating racing dinghy, learn how to be a competent yacht crew, you have ambition to cross oceans, you want to drive a rib or a river launch, or, you want a first aid course we will help you explore the possibilities.

Scheduled courses are listed in the

and regular club newsletters.
To discuss your requirements please
Contact Us

Confidence on the water

Being on the water, whether on the open sea or on the river, is a magical experience. Enjoyment is significantly enhanced when you understand your environment and equally you know what you don’t know! Undertaking a RDYC training course starts you on a positive path. Working with highly experienced instructors the mysteries of wind and tide become much easier to understand. Whether you simply want to come alongside with panache or you need to undertake a rescue come along and chat with us about the right course for you. Scheduled courses are listed in the

Two full days of tuition both on and off the water

These courses are run by Colin Bower our Chief Powerboat Instructor and Powerboat Instructor Paul Jewell, both members of the Club, using the Club safety launches, Delta, Zulu and Bravo.

The PB2 course needs a minimum of 3 candidates ( with 1 instructor), and can accommodate up to 6 (with 2 instructors).

Costs for these courses will be £250 for members and £292 plus VAT for non-members. These prices include all RYA course materials.

2025 Course Dates – now all booked for 2025
f you are interested please contact Suzanne via

RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

It focuses on low speed close quarters handling,high speed handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed and collision regulations. The course is taken on the River Dart and out in the bay so is classed as a coastal certificate.

RYA Dinghy Instructor Course

This course teaches you the RYA method, the structure of the RYA and how to teach sailing.

The course is run by an RYA Coach Assessor and is moderated on the final day by a second RYA Coach Assessor.

If interested and you would like more information, please contact Suzanne at admin@royaldart.co.uk
Ideally, we would run the course during the Easter or Early Summer holidays. This timing would allow some of our younger sailors to take part. Cost s still to be finalised but will be approx £400 for the pre-assessment and the 5 day course.

At this stage we are gauging interest so we can finalise the date that suits most (each course is for a maximum of 6 candidates).

Please read the selection criteria carefully – this is a tough course and needs strong dinghy sailing ability as well as good communication skills.

Training course

Normally a 50 hour/5 day week. Training in teaching techniques afloat and ashore is provided during the course.Run by an RYA Coach/Assessor and moderated on the final day by another RYA Coach/Assessor who has not been involved in the candidate’s training.Candidates will be required to demonstrate competence in course preparation, delivery and management, as well as customer liaison.

Minimum age

16

Required certificates

First aid certificate

Experience

Experienced sailor in strong winds

Experience

To be completed within one year prior to the instructor course. This will be arranged by the Club prior to the actual course.

Safety on and off the water

We are proud of our excellent safety record. Please take the time to review our recommendations.

In and around the Club

Please be aware that there is a big drop beyond the terrace walls and, last time we checked, people don’t bounce too well off rock! If you fall on the river side at low tide you are in for, at best, a very muddy experience. At high tide please see the note below on tides.

On the pontoons

Please be aware that the River Dart can have very strong tidal currents, particularly on spring tides – you could be halfway to Dittisham or halfway across Start Bay if you are not careful. We strongly recommend that all adults wear life jackets and we insist that all children do.

Safety Training

RDYC runs regular Safety at Sea courses as well as First Aid courses – see our training page

Penang Yacht Club, Malaysia

The club has 4 motor boats – Bravo, Tango, Zulu and Delta which are used by the Special Interest Groups for taxi, support and safety boat duties. Bravo is also used for Race Officer Duty. Only approved drivers are permitted to drive the club motor boats. Safety is very important to each of the club’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and further details of their own safety guidelines are available under each individual section on the website. In order to become an RDYC approved motor boat driver, you will need to have an RYA PB2 certificate (or ICC Power/Yacht Master or any similar approved rating) and then pass an assessment with one of our club powerboat instructors. If you would like to become an approved driver please contact the RDYC at office@royaldart.co.uk or 01803 752496. Aides-memoires covering the motor boat operations and required mooring procedures are available from the Club News section of

Safety Documents and Protocols

Documents and Protocols

NOTE: This page is under construction. Documents will be added as they are reviewed and updated.Scheduled courses are listed in the

Operating Procedures Manual (OPM). This is designed as a reference source for our Junior Sailing Events. It focuses on organisation, risk management, safety and emergency procedures and explains how the risks are to be managed. The OPM and the associated documents can be downloaded Water Based Facilities Regulations. The object of these regulations is to encourage members to utilise and enjoy club facilities by adhering to protocols that achieve a high standard of safety without unduly constraining sailing activities. The Regulations cover club moorings, pontoons, tender and paddleboat berths on the pontoon, rowing boats, club motor boats, club dinghies, the bosun’s locker including outboard storage, VHF’s, and Special Interest Group (SIG) activities. The Regulations can be downloaded

Avoiding rocks – an informal members’ guide to avoiding rock hazards in Start Bay: