RYA Withdraws Training Centre Recognition

Demonstrating that the RYA can and will crack down on Training centres who try to bend the rules, two centres have had their RYA accreditation withdrawn following disciplinary hearings.

Aquafrolics Powerboat School in Tenerife was brought to the attention of the RYA when it placed orders for 250 powerboat level 2 certificates in one year. This is well in excess of any other powerboat school. After a thorough investigation the panel decided that: “the reputation and credibility of the RYA has been compromised, and concluded that Aquafrolics had contravened conditions of recognition by both running RYA training with a student/instructor ratio exceeding the maximum, and running courses without using English as the primary language.”

In the case of the second disciplinary hearing concerning Anglesey Sea and Surf Centre (ASSC) in north Wales, the panel concluded that the conditions of recognition had been contravened because the administration of the centre was inadequate and the inspection of the centre was unreasonably difficult.

James STEVENS, RYA Training Manager said: “It is always regrettable for the RYA to withdraw recognition from a Training Centre, but if standards fall below an acceptable level the RYA must take action. The other 2,060 Training Centres and the public need to be reassured that the correct levels of safety and tuition are being maintained.”

Issues with Training Centres are identified through complaints to the RYA by the public, from the annual inspection or other incidents brought to our attention. An inspection, re-inspection or spot check is then organised as appropriate. The best outcome is that standards are raised and problems resolved, but where the public is in danger RYA recognition is suspended immediately.

As soon as possible after suspension of recognition a panel is formed by the RYA to consider whether recognition should be permanently withdrawn. The panel consists of volunteers removed from the RYA’s day-to-day administration, who are usually members of the RYA Training Committee, and some will have specialist knowledge of the type of school involved. Witnesses are called and the Principal gives their account of events. After the consideration of all the facts a final decision regarding recognition is made.