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Staff courses
The qualifications that go with working on or near the water. VHF radio, first aid, safeguarding, powerboat handling and safety cover, for your own staff, club volunteers and event teams.
Courses.
RYA courses with qualified instructors. Book a place on a public course, or a course just for your team. Wirral Watersports is an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
Classroom
RYA Marine Radio SRC (VHF)
The licence to use a marine VHF radio, including DSC and distress calls.
1 day · exam age 16+RYA First Aid
First aid for the water, accepted for RYA instructor courses. Renew every three years.
1 dayRYA Safe and Fun
The RYA’s safeguarding course for anyone working with children and young people on the water.
Age 16+ · short courseOn the water
RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling
The standard ticket for driving a small powerboat, and an entry requirement for RYA dinghy instructors.
Age 12+ · 2 daysRYA Safety Boat
Safety cover for dinghy, windsurf and paddle fleets, at clubs, centres and events.
Age 16+ · needs Level 2 · 2 daysCourse dates go on sale before we open in spring 2027. Classroom courses run all year, including winter.
Who books them.
- Watersports centres
- Get new staff qualified before the season: first aid, Powerboat Level 2, safety boat and Safe and Fun.
- Sailing and paddle clubs
- Train your safety-boat crews and race officers, or book a course just for your members.
- Businesses on the water
- Marinas, boatyards, harbour and events teams who need VHF, first aid or powerboat tickets.
- Instructors in training
- These are the tickets you need before an RYA instructor course. See instructor courses.
Good to know.
Can you run a course just for our team?
Yes. Tell us how many people and which course, and we’ll find dates that suit you.
Can you run courses at our venue?
Ask us. Classroom courses such as VHF and First Aid can often be run elsewhere.
How long do the certificates last?
RYA First Aid should be renewed every three years. The VHF licence and powerboat certificates don’t expire.
Book your team in.
Tell us the course and group size, or sign up for opening news to hear when public dates are out.