If you wish to tow waterskiers and/or other associated disciplines, including inflatables, on coastal waters you will need to take the Ski Boat Driver Level 2 Course (SBD2). On the Camel Estuary it has been necessary to hold the SBD2 qualification to acquire a ski permit for your vessel since 2016.
Introduction to SBD2 License
Recreational waterskiing and wakeboarding is great fun and most power boats are able to tow. However, if you do wish to tow waterskiers and/or other associated disciplines, including inflatables, on coastal waters you will need to take the Ski Boat Driver Level 2 Course (SBD2).
Before applying to take the Ski Boat Driver Level 2 all candidates must meet the following pre-requisites:
- Be competent driving and manoeuvring a boat. Ideally all candidates should have their RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent or have 10 hours driving experience. If you are new to powerboating and wish to take your RYA Powerboat Level 2 before taking your SBD2 course then we would recommend our neighbours – Camel Sailing & Powerboat Centre – situated next door on the Pontoon, Rock. They run courses throughout the season and you can book in with them direct.
- Be aged 16 years or over.
- Provide a skier to tow for the practical element of the course – they will be required in the last half hour of your assessment and will need to be experienced enough to complete a 200 metre tow and complete a turn behind the boat. If you cannot provide a skier we can provide a member of staff to ski for you – there will be an additional fee for this (see costs below).
- Read and be familiar with, the SBD2 Assessment Handout
- Read and be familiar with, the SBD2 Student Workbook
What does the course cover?
The SBD2 comprises both a theoretical and practical assessment.
Theory
The theoretical element of the course tests your boat driving knowledge. To prepare you for your theory test you will attend a Theory Presentation, conducted in-house by one of our SBD2 Instructors and designed to develop your understanding of a number of key topics relating to driving a ski boat on coastal waters – this takes 2 hours. Following this, candidates will be asked to complete and pass a 30-minute online multiple choice SBD2 examination.
Practical
The practical element covers boat handling and towing skills and ideally should be taken in your own boat. It may be possible to use a Camel Ski boat, but there is an additional charge for this. Camel Ski boats are not available in July and August. The practical takes a minimum of 2 hours (depending on the number of candidates) and covers basic familiarisation with the boat, the site and the assessment procedure, followed by a slow manoeuvring skills assessment and finishing with a towing assessment.
ICC
The SBD2 course also includes the International Certificate of Competence for coastal waters which you may require for European Inland waters (CEVNI Regulations) and qualifies you to hire boats abroad up to 8.5 metres. The ICC issued by BWSW is the only qualification recognised by the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency for towing water skiers on coastal waters. You can opt to include this in your Licence when you apply to join BWSW for an additional cost.
Course costs
SBD2 – ONE CANDIDATE
Duration: 2 hours for the theory presentation and 30 minutes to complete the theory questionnaire and 2 hours on the water: £248.00 per person taken in your own boat £20.00 extra if taken in one of our boats
(NOT AVAILABLE IN JULY AND AUGUST)
SBD2 – TWO CANDIDATES
Duration: 2 hours for the theory presentation and 30 minutes to complete the theory questionnaire and 3 hours on the water: £248.00 per person taken in your own boat £30.00 extra if taken in one of our boats
(NOT AVAILABLE IN JULY AND AUGUST)
SKIER
Need someone to tow for your course? We can provide a member of staff for you to practise towing. £27 per course.
ADDITIONAL COSTS PAID TO BWSW
Once you have completed the SBD2 Assessment with us you will need to pay BWSW for your actual Licence and then become a member to validate your Licence.
Costs are:
- £40 – for your Licence without ICC (one off payment)
- £70 – for your Licence with ICC (one off payment)
- PLUS £72 – single annual membership (normally £98, but you get a discounted rate as you took your SBD2 at Camel Ski).
Please note you will have to renew your membership annually to keep your Licence valid.
In addition to this, if you wish to tow on the Camel Estuary you will need to apply to the Harbour Master for a ski permit, this is £75 for the season – April to October, or £45 for two consecutive weeks. He can be contacted on 07786 702085.
How to book
To book onto our SBD2 please call the office on Tel: 01208 862727
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Why choose us
Camel Ski School operate on this Estuary year in, year out; so are best placed to deliver your SBD2 Course to comply with all harbour regulations.
Qualified instructors
Our team of SBD2 Instructors combine experience, patience and a wealth of expertise on driving a boat and towing.
Local knowledge
We can show you the ski areas and advise on which are best given wind and tide conditions. We can also help you navigate the sandbanks and channels safely.
Range of Equipment
We can advise on what kit your boat needs in order to tow safely and can supply direct from our shop so you are ready to go.
Ready to get on the water?
FAQs
Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to find quick solutions to common queries. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.
How many people can take the Course?
We can run the course for one or two people. If two people wish to take it together we do allow an additional hour on the water for the practical assessment to give each participant enough time to take their turn practising the necessary skills.
Can I take the Course in my boat or Camel Ski’s?
During the months of July and August all SBD2 Courses MUST be taken in your own boat. Outside of these months we may be able to make a Camel Ski boat available, but there will be an additional charge for this.
I can drive a boat, but I may be a little rusty?
If this is the case then we would suggest booking in for our one hour Refresher Course before taking the Practical. You can do this on the same day as your practical if you wish.
What happens when I have completed the SBD2?
On completion of the course we will send you a British Waterski and Wakeboarding (BWSW) membership application form to complete and return to us. If you want your ICC (International Certificate of Competence (for Coastal Waters) included you will also need to provide us a passport style photo. We will then send this off with your practical and theoretical paperwork to BWSW who will process your application and contact you to take payment. See below for details.
What do I need to bring?
Please check the local weather prior to taking the course and dress appropriately. We recommend that you bring plenty of warm clothing, even on warmer days it can get chilly out on the water, plus waterproofs and appropriate footwear for the boat. Other useful items to pack are a warm/sun hat and gloves, sunglasses and sun cream, and a water bottle. We provide buoyancy aids. We have a cafe at the Ski School selling a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Do you have lockers?
We do however have a number of small lockers available for clients which are ideal for storing a small bag and personal belongings in when you are on the water.
Is there a Café?
Yes, our Après Ski Café sells a selection of hot and cold drinks, toasted bagels, pasties cakes, crisps and snacks – perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. Outside seating available with views over the Estuary or takeaway to enjoy on the beach or boat.
What about equipment?
We have absolutely everything you will need to enjoy your time on the water with us including a huge range of thick wetsuits, waterskis and buoyancy aids – all included in the price of your session. Just bring yourself and some swimmers. However, it is best to wear your own wetsuit if you have one.
What about parking?
There is parking at the Rock Quarry Car Park at the end of Rock Road, about 320 metres beyond Camel Ski School. It is open 24 hours and parking fees apply. Payment by card or RingGo – Location Code: 15661. Please allow plenty of time to park before your session, especially in the busy holiday seasons.
What happens if I need to cancel, or the weather is bad?
If you need to cancel or change your booking you can do so via our online booking system. All cancellations or changes must be made 24 hours prior to the booking. Unfortunately, any no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours cannot be refunded.
We will only cancel sessions if the conditions are dangerous – rain won’t stop us! We will of course try and give you as much notice as we can – but please be aware weather conditions can change very quickly. We will always try and rearrange your session to suit – but of course will refund fully if this is not possible. For our full cancellation policy click here.
