Learn to how to handle a powerful 90hp RIB at high and low speeds on this course based at Brighton Marina. When you've completed this RYA powerboat level 1 and 2 course, you automatically qualify for the International Certificate of Competence. And that could be your licence to ride the ocean waves and inland waterways if you own a boat, or decide to hire one in the UK or abroad!

The two-day course begins with manoeuvring the RIB in and around the Brighton Marina area to get a feel for the boat, its layout and controls. With up to two other cadets and the instructor, you'll then head out into the Channel for an afternoon of high-speed boat handling, as well as learning procedures such as how to recover a man overboard. Next comes some theory, including passage planning by piloting the RIB to Shoreham-by-Sea, along the coast from Brighton.

On the second day you will do high-speed navigation and handling tuition based around finding yellow racing buoys at sea. The instructor will also take you up the River Adur to practice boat handling and mooring in strong tidal conditions. The course finishes with a lap of honour to demonstrate your new skills.

Over the two days you'll learn all about boating - from the adrenaline of high speed manoeuvres to the satisfaction of bring the boat into a tricky mooring. The school operates both sports boats with inboard engine and RIBs with outboards and you'll be taught by fully qualified RYA instructors who will show you just how fast and agile these powerboats can be.

The RIB, or rigid-inflatable boat, has a rigid hull topped by sturdy inflatable tubes to give an exciting and stable ride. Even if you haven't got your own fancy speedboat, this course is great fun and gives you all the basic teaching you need to be captain and commander of your own launch.

Into the Blue also offers a wide selection of Zapcat experiences at different venues throughout the south of England, check our main Zapcats page for more details.

• Courses are taught between March to October over two consecutive days (generally weekends) usually 9:40am to 4pm

• Minimum age 16
• You will need to take suitable clothing for the weather, with flat-soled shoes which you don't mind getting wet
• Shorts are suitable for summer; tracksuits and sweatshirts for cooler days
• You will be provided with waterproofs and in summer you should wear sunscreen, glasses and a hat
• You will need to bring your own towels

• The operator has a floating office and changing facilities in Brighton Marina with showers and toilets
• As the activity is over two days, it's not suitable for spectators to watch, by anyone accompanying the boat driver will have plenty to do in and around Brighton and Hove

• Brighton has a full range of accommodation and the operators can give advice on where to stay