24M Powerboat Skipper Course

Certificate Limitations

• Command of a vessel up to a maximum length of 78 ft /24 meters as part of a flotilla

• In coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore

• In fair conditions with moderate wind and sea conditions

  • Most charter agencies will insist on daylight hours as a condition to charter.

Entry Standard

• Should be 16 years of age or over

• Candidates with prior experience that equates to competency in Modules 1 – 11 may skip these modules and proceed to Module 12 (VHF-SRC) through Module 25.

• Candidates who hold a recognized VHF-SRC CoC may skip Module 12 (VHF-SRC)

• The candidate must have logged over 200 nautical miles & 10 days at sea by the end of the course.

Course Description: 

The 24M Powerboat Skipper Certification Course is an intensive program designed for individuals aspiring to become competent powerboat skippers, capable of handling power vessels up to 24 meters in length. This course provides a comprehensive certificate of competency that enables candidates to navigate in fair weather conditions and within sight of land.

The course spans a duration of five days, during which candidates will acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to skipper a powerboat effectively. The theoretical portion of the course aligns with the depth of knowledge required for the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate. To obtain the Powerboat Skipper Certificate of Competency, candidates must also have logged over 200 nautical miles and spent at least 10 days at sea by the end of the course.

The training emphasizes the level of competence necessary for chartering a boat in regions like the Mediterranean or West Indies, where specific restrictions on cruising areas and distance from the base apply. Candidates will learn essential skills such as safely mooring in marinas, anchoring before dark, and navigating within prescribed boundaries.

To enroll in this course, candidates must either possess a recognized VHF Radio Operators Certificate or complete the full IYT VHF-SRC Marine Communications course, which is included in the curriculum. When ordering the Powerboat Skipper Certificate of Competency, the school will also place an order for the VHF certificate. It is important to note that ISSA VHF qualifications are not accepted. 

Upon successfully obtaining the Powerboat Skipper qualification, candidates will automatically be eligible to obtain the "International Certificate of Competency Power <24M" (ICC) as per the requirements set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Resolution 40). The ICC opens doors to various international cruising opportunities and destinations.

Course Outline

This course is a combination of the International Crew, VHF/SRC, and Flotilla/Bareboat Skipper Power course modules. It is also the same as the IYT ICC Power <24M.

Introductory Modules:

• nautical terminology

• safety

• vessel checkout

• basic rope work

• refueling

• man-overboard procedures

• capsizing

• swamping

• sinking

• anchors & anchoring

• running aground

• responsibilities of the crew

Command Modules:

• small powerboats and rigid inflatable boats,

• boat handling under power

• basic meteorology

• short passages including heavy weather

• restricted visibility & negotiating harbour entrances

• compasses and magnetism

• charts, chartwork & basic navigation

• tides & currents

• buoyage

• collision regulations

• navigation lights

• basic first aid

• responsibilities of the skipper/captain