Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask - we are always at the end of the phone – 02381 242159.
There is no such thing as a silly question!
We are based in Saxon Wharf Marina, next to Shamrock Quay on the River Itchen in Southampton.
The best course will be the RYA Powerboat level 2, this course will take you from a complete beginner to having the confidence to undertake a short passage by day time, mooring the boat and have an understanding of rules of the road. Anyone can attend this course and you needn’t have attended the RYA Level 1 course before you attend the RYA Powerboat level 2 course.
This course is 2 days and is normally run at our base in Saxon Wharf Marina, Southampton.
Courses run at 0930 – 1700 unless otherwise stated.
Yes you can. We can offer any of our RYA Training courses on your boat, in fact Ocean Sports Tuition has built a reputation of offering courses throughout the world. We have been as far afield as the Falkland Islands.
No problem, we can supply you with a friendly MCA Qualified Skipper for a special event.
Yes we do, we have the very latest branded waterproofs from Gill.
We have a recommended list of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, please ask us at time of booking for our local accommodation list.
Mooring fees, all expert tuition and fuel apart from where stated.
A full list will be sent to you with the joining instructions. It’s also useful to bring with you paper, pencil and some lunch.
The great thing about our location in the Solent, is whatever the weather we can always find a suitable location for your training.
Yes we do, this type of training is perfect for people that just want that little bit of extra tuition.
It is our responsibility to fill the course, so we will typically run the course irrelevant of numbers. Unless there is a minimum course number set by the RYA.
Please note all RYA Instructor courses have minimum numbers, this is set by the RYA.
Yes, Saxon Wharf has plenty of paid parking available.
All our RIBS are capable of 40 knots, but our normal cruising speed on RYA courses is around 20 knots.
Bare boat charter is where you are the skipper and self drive the boat, effectively the boat is yours for the charter period.
All our RIBs are MCA coded and as such have to carry a minimum level of safety equipment, this would include:
- Life jackets for all passengers including spares
- Flares
- First Aid kit
- Buckets x 2
- Anchor
- Kedge Anchor
- VHF
- Hand Held VHF
- Charts of the area
- GPS
- Echo Sounder
- Horse Shoe Bouys
- Radar Reflector
- Life Raft
This is not the complete list, but you start to understand that we carry lots of equipment for your safety.
The maximum instructor student ratio is set by the RYA and differs for each course we deliver. At Ocean Sports tuition we deliver, some of our courses with less students for a more personalised training experience.
Please see below the maximum ratios set by the RYA for your desired course:
RYA Powerboat courses 1:3 - RYA Safety boat courses is 1:6 in 2 boats
RYA PWC courses 1:6 - with maximum of 3 PWC's
RYA Motor cruising courses 1:5 - apart from RYA Advanced navigation which is 1:3
RYA Sail cruising courses 1:5
RYA Shore based courses 1:12 - 1:16 for RYA Sea Survival courses
No we don't have any upper age limit for RYA training courses. Lower age limits for training courses are set by the RYA. Ocean Sports Tuition has a safe guarding policy in place this states that anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a fee paying adult or guardian.
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Carl GreensladeOctober 19, 2026
I attended Ocean Sports after a recommendation to do my Advanced Powerboat with them. Ian the instructor was on point with the course and really experianced. Facilities and boats are good and modern. Night Nav and unlight location are a very good learning curve especially in the solent.Posted on Google
Rebecca MabbettOctober 4, 2026Excellent VHF CoursePosted on Google
Robert MossSeptember 21, 2026Just completed my Powerboat level 2 course with Ocean Sports, Oliver was our instructor and honestly he was amazing, such a nice, patient and professional guy. I knew the course would be a lot of fun anyway but Oliver made it even better. Thanks a lot guys, I'll be back!Posted on Google
SaymSeptember 20, 2026Tricia is a very good instructor. Learnt a lot from her. Course went smooth. Will be doing advanced soon.Posted on Google
Chris WillisAugust 19, 2026Fantastic 2 day experience doing my Level 2 powerboat course. Professional, friendly super knowledgeable and patient. Couldn’t ask for more.
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martin rJuly 20, 2026Verified
RYA course Great experience and no stress ,Steve was a excellent instructor and may the two day training a pleasure..Posted on Tripadvisor
Rebecca HJuly 2, 2026World Class professionals, standards & customer experience Exceptional instruction, safety standards and customer experience delivered by highly skilled professionals. Andy Murray, the manager, went above and beyond, with service excellence, offering me exceptional, unique, personalised development and coaching, which I completed with Andy and Josh to further develop my knowledge, skills and confidence. I completed both my PB2 (Instructors: Ollie and Ramos) and PB Intermediate (Instructors: Andy and Trish) with Ocean Sports Tuition. We also completed a fantastic Axopar experience with Andrew, At first I was apprehensive and all the Instructors were extremely welcoming, patient and understanding (and offered refreshments). All the Instructors were first class and Ocean Sports is a stand out organisation in terms of exemplary professionals and standards in all areas.Posted on Tripadvisor
Dario PJune 5, 2026Professionals Great team and experience. ExcellentPosted on Tripadvisor
Matthew HMay 12, 2026RYA PB2 Course Review I recently took the PB2 course, couldn't recommend it enough. All the staff were friendly and helpful. The course was well organised with good facilities and great boats. Sharon was a great instructor and enabled me to get lots out of the two day course, keeping us safe and building my confidence and skills. Well done all.Posted on Tripadvisor
Craig YMay 5, 2026Great introduction to Power Boating and Certification Fantastic staff and a really enjoyable and informed experience. Highly recommend the 2-day Power Boat Level 2. Learned a great deal and will use my certificate ASAP to get back on the water safely!
