During May 2011 our chief instructor, Simon Hemphill and Phil Gschwend travelled to the UK for further training. The training was carried out by Steve Tyler of Mendez Marine on the River Hamble near Southampton. Phil and Simon successfully completed the Advanced Powerboat course including the commercial endorsement exam before becoming qualified as Advanced Powerboat instructors.

Training in the Solent was an incredible experience considering the high density of water traffic including high speed ferries, abundance of navigational marks and not to mention the huge number of shore-based lights. There are simply thousands of boats and lights so a wonderful place to learn. Now they are back in Mombasa ready to share the skills that they have acquired.

This is a great development for IOPS since it not only enables us to offer both the Intermediate and Advanced Powerboat courses but also to be able to offer Powerboat training on your own boat outside of Mombasa. This could be elsewhere on the Kenya Coast, or on Lake Victoria, or the River Nile or in fact anywhere within the East and Central African region.

In addition, all of our instructors are now qualified to teach First Aid having completed an instructor course with the Red Cross Society of Kenya. We shall soon be offering a one-day course, a first aid qualification being mandatory for the Advanced Powerboat Course.

IOPS is now offering the following new courses:

Intermediate Powerboat Level

This is a natural progression from the Powerboat Level 2 course with a big emphasis on coastal navigation by day as well as more advanced powerboat handling skills. This is a 2-day course that covers the practical use of pilotage and passage planning on coastal waters using both traditional and electronic techniques.

Assumed knowledge: Boat handling to the standards of the Level 2 course with a coastal endorsement. It is recommended that candidates have a first aid certificate and a VHF/DSC Operator’s Certificate but these are not mandatory.

Minimum duration: 2 days

Minimum age: 16 years

Course content: Planning a day cruise; boat preparation including fuel and engine checks; more advanced boat handling in rougher conditions taking in to consideration the effect of waves; berthing in different conditions; the use of power trim and trim tabs; pilotage; passage making; and the use of GPS in high speed navigation.

Ability after the course: Able to plan and execute short coastal passages by day

Cost

Course fee - $450

Training material - $35

Certification - $15

Advanced Powerboat Level

This course is aimed at the more experienced powerboaters, both leisure and professional. This course is run over 2 days and an evening (night exercise) and aims at teaching the required boat handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigation skills needed to safely drive a planning powerboat both by day and by night in coastal waters.

Assumed knowledge: Candidates should be competent to the standards of the Intermediate Powerboat Cerificate and navigation and chart work should be to the level of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course. Candidates must have a valid first aid certificate as well as a VHF/DSC Operator’s Certificate. The first aid course attended must have been a minimum of 1-day duration and have included hypothermia, and drowning.

Minimum duration: 2 days including at least one night navigation exercise

Minimum age: 17 years

Course content: Preparation for sea; boat handling; passage making and responsibility as a skipper; pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road; use of engines; emergency situations and night cruising

Ability after the course: Able to plan and execute coastal trips and return to a familiar port by night

Cost

Course fee - $600

Training material - $35

Certification - $15

Own boat Tuition

We are able to offer all of our powerboating courses at your preferred location using your own boat. The location does not matter as we can travel to you anywhere within East and Central Africa. We encourage clients to enjoy courses on their own boats in a familiar environment so that we can develop your skills and boost your confidence whilst learning more about your boat.

If you wish to use your own boat you should ensure that the boat and engines are in good condition and the insurance is in order. Your boat should be equipped with the following minimum equipment:

1. There must be an operable kill cord fitted as well as a spare (with all RYA courses kill cords must be worn at al times);

2. There must be a suitable anchor with sufficient rope and chain for the location;

3. Bilge pump;

4. Distress flares (2 orange smoke and 2 pinpoint red or 2 day/night flares);

5. Fire extinguishers as well as a fire blanket;

6. Life jackets – there must be one for each person on board (life jackets must be worn at all times);

7. Life ring (this is a requirement in Kenya);

8. a tow line;

9. A bridle secured to strong points (used for towing another vessel);

10. VHF radio;

11. A bucket or bailer;

12. Navigational equipment (Almanac, charts, plotter, dividers and GPS);

13. First aid kit (waterproof);

14. Mooring warps (used for securing the boat to a pier or another boat);

15. Fenders;

16. Spare fuel;

17. Tool kit;

18. Sharp knife, preferably serrated;

19. GPS; and

20. Steering compass

In addition, boats used for either the Intermediate or Advanced courses must be fitted with navigation lights and a depth sounder. Laminated charts, tide tables (except on inland waters) and a torch must also be carried.

Cost

Course fee -  $350

Training materials - $35

Certification - $15

Plus travel & accommodation costs for the instructor