Course Timings
Powerboat courses will start at 0930 on the first day, and generally run through until about 1630.
Powerboat Courses – Joining Instructions
What to Bring to your Powerboat Course
Please ensure that you bring the following with you to the course:
Waterproof clothing (oilskins). If you do not have these then we can loan you some from our school stock
Warm clothing for use outside and on the boat. Please also bring gloves, hats, buffs etc.
Sunglasses and Sunblock
Footwear that will not mark the decks (trainers or light sailing wellies are fine).
Personal lifejacket (subject to instructor inspection). If you do not have your own lifejacket then we will supply them.
Additional Information for specific courses
Please ensure that you bring a Passport Sized photo for your course completion certificate
Course timings: Course times are subject to change but are usually 0930 – 2130 on the first day and 1000 – 1700 on the second day.
Photo: The advanced course completion certificate is registered on the RYA online certification system. Please passport sized photo for the certificate
Additional items (we can supply if you do not have them)
- Handbearing compass
- Headtorch (with red function if possible)
- Personal VHF radio
- Any personal navigation equipment you would like to bring (chartplotters, dividers, charts etc).
Exam timings: Times are subject to change, but are usually 1200 – 2130. Please consider the long day and late finish when planning onward travel.
Required items for the exam:
- Completed Log Book
- First Aid Certificate
- VHF Radio Licence
- Passport sized photo for application
- Completed Exam application, found here
The Safety Boat Course involves participants entering the water in some circumstances. Please ensure that you bring the following:
- Swimming wear (to wear under wetsuit)
- Towel
- Shower Gel etc
- Wetsuit / Drysuit (if you do not have one then we will provide)
- Trainers / wetsuit boots that you can wear in the water
Getting to the Edinburgh Marine Academy
We are based at Port Edgar Marina, Shore Road, South Queensferry, EH30 9SQ. If you are driving then you can park in the main Port Edgar Marina car park where the parking is free (see note below on numberplate validation).
If you are taking public transport, the train station at Dalmeny is a 15 minute walk and trains regularly depart Waverley or Haymarket, and Inverkeithing and the other Fife stations. There is a regular bus from Edinburgh City Centre which stops at the end of Shore Road by the police station.
When you enter the marina, follow the pedestrianised road on the seaward side of the large buildings. Follow the road along past the Bosuns Locker boats and Scotts Restaurant. We are at the end of the road, in a large blue building and the office overlooks the Marina.
Parking
Port Edgar Marina have recently introduced a new parking system. All visitors dropping off and picking up will receive free parking for up to 1 hour, but anyone staying longer than this will be charged. However all Edinburgh Marine Academy customers will be able to register and validate their number plates to have all parking charges waivered.
Please make sure that you come into the Edinburgh Marine Academy office to register your vehicle first thing in the morning to avoid receiving parking charges.
Accommodation
There is plenty of accommodation in South Queensferry. There are B&Bs in the village, or a Premier Inn up the hill by the M90 junction. if you need any more assistance finding accommodation then please contact us.
Cafes and Local Shops
There are two cafes (‘Scotts’ and ‘Down the Hatch’) at Port Edgar where you will be able to buy lunch and refreshments throughout the day. These do get very busy during the summer, so we recommend that you book ahead. Alternatively bring a packed lunch or you can use the local shops in Queensferry.
Please note that the cafes and restaurants are subject to COVID restrictions, so contact them in advance for info on opening hours etc.
Safety at the Edinburgh Marine Academy
Your safety whilst onsite is our primary concern. You will receive a full brief on the first day of the course, and thereafter a daily briefing including weather updates and course plans for any multi day course. Please ensure that you follow all directions issued by your instructor at all times.
