Dorset Marine Training

Dorset Marine Training We offer bespoke training or RYA training on our boat or yours, allowing you to safely enjoy your time on the water.

Alongside powerboat and motor cruiser training, we also run shore based training: VHF radio, Navigation, Sea Survival, First Aid.. . We offer a variety of marine training, practical, theory and online. We are a RYA Recognised Training Centre offering certified courses and we also offer bespoke one to one training focusing on areas that you specify. We are a full time family led centre with full time instructors. We are keen to chat through your training requirements with you before booking courses to ensure the course undertaken will meet your expectations and requirements. Practical training can take place on our RIB in Poole or we can send an Instructor to your boat. Our Instructors are used to training on both single and twin engines boats and cover both RIBs and hard boats. Our courses are generally aimed at adults but we can run courses for those as young as 8. Training courses usually lasts 1-2 days, the most popular of which is the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course. This is equally suitable for complete beginners and also those looking to refine their skills. Completion of this course usually also enables you to apply for an ICC or International Certificate. We specialise in offering courses with a ratio of two students to one instructor which is great for courses with friends or family and allows plenty of 'driving' time. We offer bespoke training from a minimum of a half day and you might choose to focus on close quarter boat handling in the marina or practical navigation or bespoke training for crew members so that they could take over in a crisis. Our shore based theory courses include VHF Marine Radio courses and navigation courses. Again we like to work with small groups so the courses are ideal for families and friends attending together. Our radio kit is mobile so we can bring the training to you or your club if required. We are keen for everyone out on boats to be able to access training so if you have any concerns about the requirements of a course please don't hesitate to call us for a chat and we will do our best to accommodate you. The navigation courses are suitable for complete beginners at Essential Navigation stage right through to Dayskipper and Yachtmaster Theory. Our online courses include:
VHF Radio course
Navigation Courses
Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) Course - a requirement for those undertaking commercial endorsements
Safe & Fun Course for those needing child protection training (great for clubs with volunteers)
CEVNI - for those who will be boating abroad on inland waterways

04/10/2026

Ghost ship 🤔
Bit foggy in the harbour this morning! 🤣

On a recent course someone said they'd never seen a motor cruiser display an anchor ball day shape.... so when out dingh...
02/10/2026

On a recent course someone said they'd never seen a motor cruiser display an anchor ball day shape.... so when out dinghy sailing it became a challenge to get a pic of this motor cruiser whilst trying not to capsize and lose my mobile at the same time! 🫣🤣 Impressed to see it displayed.... only to realise it's a friend's boat and I'd expect no less! 🤣 I thought I'd add a pic of the nearby yacht as well to illustrate that both boats at anchor locally had these displayed.

Another great VHF radio course 🎙earlier this week, well done team, great results and lots of interaction. As always the ...
30/09/2026

Another great VHF radio course 🎙earlier this week, well done team, great results and lots of interaction. As always the biscuits were a popular concentration tool! 😁
Everyone has a different reason for attending.... in this case we hope the flotilla hol goes well 🌞 and the career on the water is amazing as soon as the commercial endorsement arrives 🛥

A stunning sunset last night from the classroom as we finished VHF radio assessments and packed up.  🥰
29/09/2026

A stunning sunset last night from the classroom as we finished VHF radio assessments and packed up. 🥰

No excuse for telling us you didn't know a course was running until after the event! 😁 As always we have some flexibilit...
22/09/2026

No excuse for telling us you didn't know a course was running until after the event! 😁
As always we have some flexibility for a bit of shuffling if needed or for bespoke courses.

21/09/2026

Brilliant work by our VHF group on Saturday, lots of engagement and practice on the radios. Time to go back and set up their own radios to best effect now. A busy week for VHF, our second course this week!

Great work from our PB2 students last week.   Not quite the blue skies we've become accustomed to but fabulous training ...
19/09/2026

Great work from our PB2 students last week. Not quite the blue skies we've become accustomed to but fabulous training conditions. We practised knots, planned a route to Studland, 'Bob' went swimming and lots of mooring alongside pontoons. Great standard of achievement. Well done team 🤩

Fantastic marks on Wednesday's VHF radio course... full marks 28 out of 28!  🤩 Congratulations!  Next courses are tomorr...
18/09/2026

Fantastic marks on Wednesday's VHF radio course... full marks 28 out of 28! 🤩 Congratulations!
Next courses are tomorrow Sat 19th or Mon 28th Sept.

An inspiring VHF radio refresher session for my lovely family yesterday .... the weather kept us off the water so at sho...
29/08/2026

An inspiring VHF radio refresher session for my lovely family yesterday .... the weather kept us off the water so at short notice we arranged an afternoon radio refresher. Fantastic to watch the confidence grow and watch a new generation getting ready for independence afloat over the next couple of years. 🤩

The adults already have SRC/VHF certificates but from a while ago so this was an opportunity to refresh skills and look at new radios, whilst the youngsters are new to VHF and we introduced to the concepts of how the radios worked and what to do in an emergency if something happens to the adult on board. I'm always amazed how quick this age group pick up information, excellent Mayday calls, learning channel numbers and the phonetic alphabet. Very impressive 🤩

Hopefully they enjoyed it as they've already decided to return for a full course as a family next year when the youngsters will be eligible age wise to take the full course and qualification.

As instructors, we love seeing intergenerational training, it's a wonderful communication tool learning together and a chance for parents to see their youngsters abilities and skills.

07/08/2026

Well done to our most recent PB2 course students, learning to skipper a boat. They showed great flexibility as we constantly had to adapt to the conditions, great work🤩

Address

Parkstone Bay Marina
Poole
BH148EW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 7:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 7:30pm
Thursday 8am - 7:30pm
Friday 8am - 7:30pm
Saturday 8am - 7:30pm
Sunday 9am - 7:30pm

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