RYA Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) Proficiency Course
The RYA Personal Watercraft (PWC) Proficiency Course provides the knowledge and practical skills required to safely and confidently operate a personal watercraft, commonly known as a Jet Ski.
This course combines classroom learning with hands-on riding experience to teach safe operation, responsible use of waterways, and proper handling techniques both at speed and in close maneuvering situations.
Students will learn how to operate a PWC independently while being supervised by an instructor aboard a safety powerboat.
Training takes place in the protected waterways of Hollywood, Florida, offering ideal conditions for developing both safety awareness and riding confidence.
Your RYA Instructor: Steele Greyling
Steele Greyling brings a lifetime of on-the-water experience and a deep passion for catamarans to every course he leads. Originally from South Africa, Steele has built his career around sailing, yacht management, and helping owners navigate the realities of life at sea. With extensive experience as both a yacht broker and hands-on operator, he offers a unique perspective that blends real-world seamanship with practical ownership knowledge. Steele has spent years working closely with modern power and sailing catamarans, giving students insight not just into how to handle a vessel, but how to confidently operate and enjoy it. His instruction style is clear, approachable, and rooted in real experience, focusing on building confidence through hands-on learning whether you are new to powerboating or refining your skills.
Certifications & Experience:
- RYA Powerboat Instructor
- RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
- Extensive experience with power and sailing catamarans
- Yacht brokerage and ownership consulting expertise
- Offshore passage and delivery experience
What You'll Learn
- Weather awareness and trip planning
- Safety procedures and courtesy on the water
- Launching and recovery techniques
- Personal watercraft handling and control
- Riding safely at speed and low-speed maneuvering
- Collision avoidance and rules of the road
- Basic navigation and orientation at sea
- Emergency procedures and recovery techniques
Course Format
- 9:00 AM arrival
- Classroom session and safety briefing until approximately 11:00 AM
- On-the-water riding instruction until approximately 4:00 PM
* Students may bring lunch or purchase food during the mid-day break.
** Once riders demonstrate competence, they will operate the personal watercraft independently while instructors supervise from a safety powerboat.
Who This Course Is For
Anyone looking to safely learn how to operate a Jet Ski
Families and groups seeking a fun and structured introduction to PWCs
Young riders ages 12 and up
Boat owners wanting to add personal watercraft skills to their experience
Book Your Power Boat Course
Below these instructions are the courses the Sailing Academy is offering. See our course prices and descriptions here.
- For the course of interest (in picture gallery below – Competent Crew, Day Skipper or ICC Certifcation), click its “Book” button.
- Once the calendar opens up, choose the month you prefer. Look for GREEN DATES as they are the start of AVAILABLE CLASS SLOTS.
- Click on the green date then choose your cabin type: owner’s cabin, double cabin, or single occupant.
- Note that Bahamas courses are subject to favorable conditions. Typically the classes are done in Florida unless otherwise notified. Please discuss with us before you book if you have questions.
What to Expect
CATAMARAN GURU SAILING ACADEMY LOCATION
The Catamaran Guru base is in Loggerhead Marina, 1400 Marina Drive, Hollywood, FL 33109. We are about 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Arrival Arrangements: Boarding is at 3pm on your start date. The Sailing School catamaran is a Bali 4.4. If you have luggage to be stowed, you are welcome to leave it at our office while the boat is being cleaned and prepared for your school.
ONBOARD PROVISIONING
All meals provided from Sunday morning to Friday lunch. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated. Note that as part of your education, you will do the cooking. Catamaran Guru provisions the boat; you will stow it away. Adult beverages are not included. Please supply your own. No cocktails before the anchor goes down!
DAILY SCHEDULE
See suggested itinerary above. IMPORTANT PRIOR TO BOARDING: Prior to arrival, you are required to sign up and register with the RYA and complete the theory course online if applicable. Please check with your instructor what course you will sign up for and what is required for
Please provide 1 x Color ID photo (with your name on the back of each photo).***Note that dates are subject to change due to weather**
GENERAL INFORMATION: What you need to bring with you
- Suitable clothing – layers are a good idea, T- Shirts, sun shirts / rashguards, swimsuit, shorts, windbreaker, warm jumper, trainers etc
- Sunscreen, hats/caps
- Weatherproof jacket
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Extra money for food & beverages for your off-boat dinner or lunch days
- If you prefer your own snorkel gear, please bring that along, otherwise we have some available onboard
Please read Catamaran Guru Sailing School Terms and Conditions.
Testimonials
Didn't Find The Classes You Need?
We partner with vetted sailing schools in other parts of the US and Bahamas that offer different class schedules.