Essex Powerboat & Jet Ski School

I recently completed the PowerBoat 2 course with these guys and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. Some of the other reviews have covered exactly what you get over the two days so I won’t repeat that. What I will say is that both Pete and Ian were very welcoming, accommodating, engaging and a joy to be around for those two days. We learnt a huge amount with Pete in the classroom, and Ian really helped to build our confidence on the water. It was a lot of fun! I am so glad I did it and would urge anyone out there who is thinking about it to just get on and do it!

I had an great experience at Essex Power Boat School, where I recently completed the RYA Power Boat Level 2 course. From the moment I stepped on board the cruiser, it was evident that Ian was dedicated to creating a welcoming and relaxed learning environment. His expertise and knowledge were impressive, and he had a knack for making the topics, such as charts, tides, and weather, accessible and engaging. His teaching style was not just informative but also enjoyable, with lots of insightful anecdotes, making the two days of learning a fun and memorable experience.The highlight of the course was the hands-on driving of the RIB out on the water. It was exhilarating and educational, where I got to solidify the skills and knowledge, I have picked up over the years on boat trip and convert it into actual know how.Earning the RYA Power Boat Level 2 certificate and the opportunity to apply for our ICCs feels like a significant accomplishment, and it's opened up a world of possibilities for us on the water. I feel better prepared and more skilled when it comes to being safe and responsible on the water.Thank you Ian and Pete at Essex Power Boat School. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to enhance their boating skills and knowledge while having a great time in the process.

I did my RYA PWC proficiency course today with Ian and Pete. Had a great day and learnt a lot! By the end of the day I felt considerably more confident on the PWC after the training that had been provided. I would highly recommend this course with Essex Powerboat & Jet Ski School to anyone thinking of getting or riding a PWC. Safety is always a good thing right!

I rarely bother writing reviews but in this case I felt compelled to sit down and make sure I did! I completed the power boat level 2 course with 2 other happy customers I met on the course with instructor Ian. I can only echo the positive comments written by others. Ian drawers on a wealth of experience from his previous maritime careers and is a natural instructor. He was knowledgeable, patient and able to adapt his instructional inputs to meet each of our capabilities. I have completed other boat/sailing courses in the past and Ian is the only instructor that has stood out from the rest. Happy boating :)

I completed this two day course 28/29 Sep23. Ian and Simon were excellent and provided a very interesting and professional course that was a mixture of both theoretical and hands on learning. The course is not rushed but covers a multitude of different topics. I highly recommend this course with these guys who have increased my knowledge and confidence levels very much.

My boys bought me the 2-day Level 2 Powerboat course for Fathers Day, & it could well be the best present ever.I had absolutely no previous experience of powerboats - or any boats at all really. However, it really didn't matter.There were 3 of us on the course of various ages & with varying levels of experience.The mornings were for theory work, gaining an appreciation of subjects such as collision regulations, what info buoys tell you, towing, the effects of tides & winds, electronic navigational aids (apps), basic map reading & route plotting, etc.The mornings were held on the school's lovely cruiser , with lots of tea, in the beautiful setting that is North Fambridge Yacht Haven. The sessions were relaxed & very capably facilitated by Ian, who is professional, incredibly experienced, very patient & loads of fun. I'd go so far as to say that he's one of the best instructors I've had the pleasure of working with in any discipline - & I've worked with many!The afternoons were for practical handling of the boat - a 8m rigid inflatable boat with twin outboard engines limited to 20 mph (fast enough but not scary). We covered all the things you will need to be comfortable when you buy or hire your first powerboat; parking; turning in tight spaces; reversing; man overboard drills; mooring; tying off against buoys; high speed turns, etc.I am so glad I did the course & will very likely book a refresher at some point in the near future, if for no other reason than to just to catch up with Ian again.In summary; do the course - even if you just wonder what it's like to drive a powerboat. You definitely won't regret it!

Had the most brilliant day on the jet ski course with Pete. Having been abroad and wanting to use the jet ski which was part of the facilities at the hotel, I was told I couldn't unless I got a certificate. Found Essex Powerboat and Jet Ski course, went along with a friend and we had a fantastic day. Neither of us are young, 60 ++, but absolutely loved it. The course was really comprehensive covering safety, charts, buoys etc in the morning, then in the afternoon we were on the ski's doing figure of 8's, slalom, collision avoidance and more. I have also applied for the RYC International Certificate of Competence (ICC) which I shall be waving at the hotel on my next trip, along with my Personal Watercraft Certificate of Proficiency!

I found my Powerboat Level 2 Course outstanding. The coaching was clear and concise. The practical components were delivered with ample opportunity to practice and with the theory behind the manoeuvres explained. The mix between white board " learning and practical on the water experience allowed the teaching to sink in.The weather on the day of my course was exceptionally windy

I did the powerboat level 2 course with the Essex Powerboat and Jet Ski School recently and they were great. Pete was really thorough and patient, with both theory and practical elements to the 2 day course. Although I had some experience on the water, I now feel like I’ve got a more rounded knowledge and skill base which means I can take a boat up to 10 metres out on the water.Would definitely recommend.

I would like to say what a fantastic couple of days doing the Level 2 Powerboat Licence with these two guys Ian and PeteThey are two of the best guys you could ever meet . The course was very professionally and very friendly managed by both Ian and Pete . What they don't know about boats is not worth knowing...Thanks again for two fabulous days.If you're thinking about powerboats these are the guys to go to.