RYA Dinghy Instructor Course

Successful attendance at an RYA DI Presassesment is required. There is a Pre Assessment being run at Largs on 29th March (https://www.prestwicksailingclub.co.uk/event/rya-dinghy-instructor-pre-assessment-course)and also one at Port Edgar (https://www.edinburghwatersports.com/activities/adult-courses/instructor-training/) on 18/19 April

Minimum age

• 16 years old

RYA Stage 3 Youth or Level 2 Adult Dinghy Sailing

• Or equivalent sailing ability
• You should be confident in:
  • All points of sail
  • Boat handling and control
  • Capsize recovery

RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding

• Online course
• In date (valid 3 years)

RYA First Aid

• Minimum 1-day course
• Must include CPR and hypothermia
• In date (valid 3 years)

RYA Powerboat Level 2

• Required before you can qualify as a Dinghy Instructor
• Often expected before the Pre-Entry Assessment (PEA), though some centres allow it afterwards

RYA Pre-Entry Assessment (PEA)

• Practical sailing assessment confirming Level 2+ standard
• Must be passed before attending the instructor course

Not formal qualifications, but expected:

• Good personal sailing experience
• Basic theory: rules of the road, weather, safety
• Suitable personal equipment

Last updated 8:57pm on 11 March 2026