Professional Powerboat and RIB Instruction for Irish Boaters

Small Groups or 1:1

Inland/Coastal Locations

Safety First Training

Flexible Dates

Whether you’re brand‑new to helming or brushing up before the season, Maritime Expert delivers calm, practical coaching that gets you comfortably in control of your boat. Based in Athlone on Lough Ree — with sessions available from your boatyard or marina from Dublin to Galway — we tailor every lesson to your goals: docking, slow‑speed manoeuvres, trim and balance, river skills, and safe passage planning.

Our Courses

National Powerboat Certificate

The Irish Sailing National Powerboat Certificate is the industry benchmark for powerboat proficiency in Ireland.

Introduction to Powerboating

Introduction to Powerboating

You must successfully complete this Introduction to Powerboating course to be eligible for the National Powerboat Certificate.

This foundational one-day module is the mandatory first step in the Irish Sailing scheme. It ensures all candidates have mastered the fundamental handling skills and safety protocols before advancing to the more comprehensive command, navigation, and close-quarters syllabus of the National Certificate.

(Note: For highly experienced operators, a Direct Assessment pathway may be discussed. Contact us for details.)

National Powerboat Certificate

National Powerboat Certificate

The Irish Sailing National Powerboat Certificate is far more than just a course—it’s your key to unlocking a lifetime of boating adventure, both at home and abroad.

This intensive two-day programme is the ‘Driving Licence’ for boats in Ireland, designed to make you a truly confident and capable skipper. We’ll give you the hands-on skills and essential knowledge to handle a boat with precision, navigate safely, and ensure the safety of your crew in all conditions. 

Hands on tuition

One-to-One Certification

Want our undivided attention? You can take the National Powerboat Certificate as a dedicated one-to-one course, tailored entirely to your needs. It’s the ultimate way to build your confidence and master every skill at your own pace.

While our group courses are excellent, this private option is a game-changer for your learning and development. The entire focus of our expert instructor is on you, and you alone. There’s no pressure from a group, no waiting for your turn at the helm, and no moving on to the next topic until you are 100% comfortable and competent.

Confidence Clinics

Our Confidence Clinics target the very essence of true seamanship: impeccable close-quarters handling and stress-free, real-world docking. This intensive training will forge the crucial difference between merely getting by and navigating with the bold, decisive expertise of a genuinely confident skipper. Master close‑quarters handling & real‑world docking because it gets to the heart of what separates a casual boat operator from a confident, skilled skipper.

Tuition on your own boat

We deliver private, custom training on your vessel and at your location, ensuring complete discretion and convenience.

It’s common for boat owners to feel their skills could be sharper, whether it’s after a period away from the helm, after upgrading to a new vessel, or simply wanting to master a specific manoeuvre.

Our private tuition is designed to address this need with complete discretion, helping you bridge any gaps in confidence and turn uncertainty into assured command.

Safety Policy

Beginner to Advanced

Ready to master powerboating? Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to advance your abilities, our training helps you reach expert proficiency. We provide meticulously designed skill paths that ensure you gain practical mastery with every lesson. Forget endless lectures; our approach focuses on dynamic, hands-on instruction out on the water, giving you the confidence and capability you truly need for real-world situations.

RIB coming alongside

Powerboat Crew Certificate

This training isn’t just about learning the ropes; it’s about a complete transformation. You’ll master the art of crewing, evolving beyond a passive participant to become an undeniably active, confident, and highly skilled asset on any powerboat. Imagine yourself contributing effectively, making decisions with assurance, and executing tasks with impressive proficiency – that’s the crew member you’ll become

Why Choose Us for Training?

Group Size

Small Group up to 6 or 1 : 1 Coaching

Location

Inland and Sheltered-Coastal Options or we can go further onto the open seas

Vessels

Almost new modern, well-maintained training boats or we can come to your own boat

Safety

Safety-first, scenario-based practice with skippers who are first aid trained and fully equipped

Dates

Flexible dates and gift vouchers just call us to get the best date to suit your availability

“I feel so much more confident at the helm. The training was a game-changer and the one-on-one time was invaluable. Highly recommend!”

Sarah T.

“The Beginner Powerboat course was exactly what I needed. The instructor was excellent and I now feel completely ready to handle my own boat.”

Ben K.

“Training on my own boat was perfect. I was able to focus on the specific skills I needed and now I’m completely at ease on the water.”

Emily P.

Ready to feel in control?