RYA Tender Operator Course
Duration
2 days course
Minimum Age
12+ Years
Maximum Students
Max 3 Students per Course
Duration
2 days course
Minimum Age
17+ Years
Maximum Students
Max 3 Students per Course
Required Experience
Strong practical powerboating experience
Build the confidence, precision and professionalism to operate a tender safely by day and night in coastal waters. The RYA Tender Operator course is designed for experienced powerboat drivers who want to refine their boat handling, improve passenger management and develop the advanced pilotage skills needed for professional tender operations. Over two practical days, you will gain hands-on experience in day and night pilotage, short ship-to-shore passages, electronic navigation, close-quarters manoeuvring and working effectively with passengers and crew. Whether you’re preparing for a role in the superyacht industry, operating commercial tenders or simply looking to become a more capable and confident tender operator, this course will help you handle every journey with greater control, judgement and assurance.
Course Overview
The RYA Tender Operator course builds on your existing powerboating knowledge and helps you develop the skills needed to operate a tender with confidence, control and professionalism. You will focus on smoother boat handling, day and night pilotage, passenger carriage and passenger management. The course includes plenty of time on the water, with practical experience working with a crew member and operating short-handed. Training includes short passage planning from ship to shore, use of electronic navigation such as chart plotters, basic chart work, berthing practice, emergency situations and practical techniques to improve safety, comfort and control. This course is particularly relevant for superyacht crew, commercial operators and anyone responsible for carrying passengers in a powerboat or tender. It can also be a useful stepping stone towards the RYA Advanced Powerboat course.
Course Information
- Duration
- Minimum Age
- Maximum Students
- Qualification
- Training Boat
- Training Location
- Course Fee
- 2 Days
- 17+ Years
- 3 Students per Course
- RYA Tender Operator Certificate
- Powerboat / Tender
- Chichester Harbour and coastal waters
- £375 per person
What You'll Learn
Smooth Tender Handling
Develop more polished and controlled powerboat handling, with a focus on manoeuvring smoothly and professionally in practical tender operating situations.
Passenger Carriage and Management
Learn how to manage passengers safely and confidently, including giving appropriate safety briefings, considering comfort and maintaining control throughout the journey.
Day Pilotage
Practise pilotage techniques for short coastal passages and ship-to-shore transfers in daylight, using visual references, charts, navigation marks and electronic aids.
Night Pilotage
Build confidence navigating after dark, including the use of light characteristics, route planning, situational awareness and safe tender operation at night.
Electronic Navigation
Use chart plotters and electronic navigation tools to support safe short passages, backed up by basic chart work and sound pilotage technique.
Basic Chart Work
Refresh and apply the essential chart work needed for planning and completing short passages in coastal waters.
Working with Crew
Practise operating with a crew member, including communication, roles, positioning and teamwork during berthing, transfers and manoeuvres.
Short-Handed Operation
Develop confidence operating short-handed, with practical techniques to help you manage the boat, passengers and situation safely.
Berthing and Close Quarters Manoeuvres
Spend time refining close quarters handling, including coming alongside, leaving a berth and manoeuvring in confined spaces with control.
Emergency Situations
Discuss and practise responses to common emergency situations, including man overboard, passenger safety, distress situations and how to prevent small issues becoming serious.
Available Course Dates
Choose a date and book online.
Required Experience
Candidates should be competent to the standard of RYA Powerboat Level 2 Powerboat Handling with a coastal endorsement. You should have basic boat handling ability and be comfortable navigating and planning short daytime passages in coastal waters. The course is designed to develop those foundations into smoother, more confident and more professional tender operation. It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a first aid certificate and a VHF/SRC operator’s certificate.
Why Train with Chichester Boat Club?
Tender operation calls for calm handling, clear communication and confidence under pressure. At Chichester Boat Club, our training is practical, focused and supportive. With a maximum of three students per course, you will have time to refine your boat handling, practise realistic scenarios and receive individual guidance from your instructor. Training in Chichester Harbour and nearby coastal waters gives you a varied environment for developing pilotage, short passage planning, berthing and passenger-focused tender skills. Whether you are working towards a professional role, developing your confidence as crew, or looking to become a more capable powerboat operator, this course helps you take a clear step forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the RYA Tender Operator course for?
This course is for people who already have basic powerboating skills and want to develop the confidence to operate a tender safely and professionally, especially when carrying passengers by day or night.
Is this course suitable for superyacht crew?
Yes. The course is particularly relevant for superyacht crew who may need to transfer guests or clients between ship and shore using a tender.
Do I need RYA Powerboat Level 2?
Candidates should be competent to the standard of RYA Powerboat Level 2 Powerboat Handling with a coastal endorsement. Holding the certificate is preferable, although equivalent experience may be considered.
What experience do I need?
You should have basic boat handling ability and be comfortable navigating and planning short daytime passages in coastal waters. The course is designed to build on those skills and make your handling smoother and more professional.
Does the course include night navigation?
Yes. The course includes day and night pilotage, helping you become more confident planning and operating short tender passages after dark.
Will I learn how to manage passengers?
Yes. Passenger carriage and management are key parts of the course, including safety briefings, comfort, communication and safe tender operation.
Do I need a VHF or first aid certificate?
It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a first aid certificate and a VHF/SRC operator’s certificate before attending this course.
How long does the course take?
The course takes two days.
How many people are on each course?
There is a maximum of three students per course, giving you focused instruction and plenty of practical time on the water.
Where does the course take place?
The course is based around Chichester Harbour and nearby coastal waters, giving you practical experience in a real coastal environment.
Is this course useful before the RYA Advanced Powerboat course?
Yes. The RYA Tender Operator course can be a useful stepping stone towards the RYA Advanced Powerboat course, especially for those wanting to strengthen pilotage, night operation and passenger-focused powerboat handling.