Setting up an RYA Super Yacht PWC / Jet Ski Training Centre

Setting up an RYA Super Yacht PWC / Jet Ski Training Centre

Most large motor boats and super yachts carry jet skis and wave riders (PWC personal water craft) for guests’ entertainment. Captains are concerned about guest’s safety onboard a personal water craft and the legal consequences if an accident were to occur. In the med all maritime administrations require Jet Ski operators to be licensed and hold a certificate. The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has developed clear standards for the operation of personal watercraft (jet skis), including the rule that if jets skis / PWC are on a yacht, the yacht must employ a qualified RYA PWC instructor. Many yachts in the Med today have become certified as RYA PWC training schools so as to ensure Jet Ski operation is legitimate.

Super Yachts can now become recognised by the RYA to run the new ‘PWC Safety Course’ for guests, owners and crew.

Successful trainees receive an RYA certificate valid for the duration of their charter onboard the specified yacht, so they can then use PWCs under supervision.

We offer a complete service including training instructors and assistance to complete the process of RYA recognition, including your operations manual.

 What you need to get your yacht recognised to run this course:

• A crew member trained as an RYA PWC Instructor

We regularly run RYA PWC instructor courses at our centre in Antibes and can also organise an instructor course onboard Yachts for up to 6 crew members

• One or more PWCs and relevant equipment.
• An operations manual stating how PWC operations take place onboard.

Operating procedures for PWC courses and their subsequent operation need to be put in place. Zephyr Yachting offers a full service in producing an Operations Manual tailored to the yacht

• Safety cover in the form of a powerboat or tender.
• Application made to the RYA for recognition
• The RYA then inspects the yacht and operating procedures

We are able to assist in organising with the RYA a local inspector

 The Training

(To become a Personal Watercraft Instructor (PWI) you will need to sit your PWC first)

Personal Watercraft – PWC

This 1 day course has been designed to suit both first time Jet Ski riders and those with previous Jet Ski experience, wishing to operate P.W.C. (personal water craft), otherwise known as a Jet Ski. With new laws on the Mediterranean, whether you want to rent a Jet Ski or buy your own, you must present the appropriate Jet Ski licence to the authorities. The Jet Ski course prepares you and makes you aware of the dangers of such craft and how to handle the ski in a safe manner.

The one day RYA PWC course will cover everything from launching and recovery, safety on the water, navigation, high speed Jet Ski handling and taking care of your PWC.

Personal watercraft instructor – PWI

Personal Watercraft (PW) Instructors are experienced PW drivers who have been trained and assessed to run the RYA’s Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course and the Introduction to PW Safety course, which is for guests on Superyacht charter holidays.
This is a three day course run by an RYA PW Trainer and moderated by an independent RYA moderator on the third day. The qualification will be valid for Five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.

We can organise this training onboard the yacht or at our centre in Antibes