Drivers
Every successful session is due, in part, to the skills of the boat driver.
Drivers are ultimately responsible for the safe operation of the boat and providing the skier or wakeboarder with a good experience.
Getting Qualified
Waterski & Wakeboard Scotland in partnership with British Water Ski & Wakeboard aims to improve the standard of ski boat driving in the absence of any legislation or licensing system in the UK.
In many parts of Europe, a boat driver’s licence is mandatory but not in the UK. Our aim is to offer our own training and awards to bridge this gap and offer our members a qualification which demonstrates a particular level of competence. The SBD series of driving awards are not simply about driving a boat, they are also about driving a boat and safely towing a skier or rider.
There are three tiers of award - the Ski Boat Driver Level 1, 2 and 3. Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland offer regular Ski Boat Driver Level 2 (SBD2) Courses at Town Loch the National Training Site.
Develop Your Skills
Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland have developed two Advanced Driver Training modules. These modules are designed to help those who have completed the SBD2 qualification and gained some experience driving at their club or venue to develop their skills.
The Driving for Slalom Skiers module will focus on making the best use of the course and surrounding waters to provide skiers with a great experience and the opportunity to run successful passes and achieve personal bests.
Driving for Wakeboarders will help drivers looking to improve their knowledge of how to provide the best possible environment for wakeboarders so they can land new tricks and have successful sessions on the water!
Boat Driver Training Courses
Ski Boat Driver Level 2
Who is it for?
The Ski Boat Driver Level 2 (SBD2) is designed for anyone who wishes to drive unassisted for water skiing and/or other associated disciplines and is, for many, the starting point on the ski boat driver pathway. It is considered the benchmark standard to drive at clubs throughout the UK on both Inland and coastal ski sites.
SBD2 is a prerequisite to becoming a licenced water ski and wakeboard coach – anyone wishing to drive at BWSW affiliated/accredited centres will be required to have an SBD2 as formal proof of their boat driving ability. Some of the benefits of taking the SBD2 include being issued with an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), which is the international counterpart for driving in European coastal and inland waters.
What is involved?
First, you will need to decide whether you need boat driving lessons, or if you have previous boat driving experience including towing skiers/riders. The examiner may agree to a driving assessment without the need for boat driving lessons.
If you have the required experience, the Ski Boat Driver Level 2 is roughly a day-long program consisting of a theoretical based assessment (assessment of boat driving knowledge) and a practical based assessment (assessment of boat handling skills). Prior to completing the theoretical based assessment, candidates will attend a tutoring session designed to develop an understanding of a number of key topics relating to driving a ski boat on coastal waters, this will take approximately 3 hours. Following this, candidates will complete a 30-minute multiple-choice SBD2 examination.
It is advantageous if candidates have previously studied the subject matter. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates should read, and be familiar with, the SBD2 Assessment Handout and Peter White’s ‘Powerboating’ book.
After successfully completing the SBD2 examination candidates can access the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for coastal waters if you require an ICC for European Inland waters (CEVNI Regulations) you can arrange an additional tutorial before taking a 20-minute multiple-choice Inland Waters examination leading to an Inland endorsement on the coastal International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
The practical based assessment consists of a 30-minute familiarisation session (to familiarise with the boat, the site and the assessment procedure) followed by a 15-minute slow manoeuvring skills assessment, and a 15-minute water ski/wakeboard driving assessment. Click here to see the driving assessment handout, which explains the assessment in detail.
What do I need before applying for the SBD2?
Before applying to complete a Ski Boat Driver Level 2 all candidates must meet the following pre-requisites:
- Be a current member of WWS /BWSW
- Be aged 16 years or over
- Have some experience of driving water skiers (under supervision).
- Read, and be familiar with, the SBD2 Assessment Handout.
- Read, and be familiar with, Peter White’s ‘Powerboating’ Book (Recommended)
How much does it cost?
Courses fees may vary some voluntary clubs have lower fees if you are a member of the club.
Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland offer regular courses at Town Loch the National Training Site at the following cost:
Course Fees:
- £200.00
Registration fees:
- SBD2 fee-only £40.00
- ICC fee-only £40.00
- SBD/ICC combined fee £70.00
Note: This pricing includes sufficient boat time and equipment hire to attend the course and sit the test, any additional boat time will be charged at normal session rates.
What can I do next?
Once qualified, Drivers may wish to develop further by undertaking the following:
- Ski Boat Driver Level 3 Qualification
- Introduction to Coach Award (coming soon)
- BWSW Level 2 Water Ski & Wakeboard Coaching Qualification
The scheme has been approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which has authorised BWSW to issue the ICC. Any holder of the SBDA is eligible for an ICC valid for coastal European waters. For an ICC valid for European inland waters an additional written test on European regulations must be passed.
The ICC is internationally accepted and has been adopted by region EAME of the International Water Ski Federation as the format for all European countries to adopt.
ICC candidates must be citizens of the UK or normally resident in the UK to qualify.
Where can I take the SBD2 course?
There are several centres around the UK that deliver the Ski Boat Driver Level 2. Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland offer regular courses at Town Loch the National Training Site. For more information and course details please visit the Town Loch website.
Advanced Driver Training
Who is it for?
The Advanced Driver Training modules are for those who have completed the SBD2 qualification, have gained some experience driving at their club or venue and want to develop their skills in driving for Slalom Skiers and/or Wakeboarders.
You can complete each module individually or both modules together to suit your needs.
What is involved?
There are currently two Advanced Driver Training modules: Driving for Slalom Skiers and Driving for Wakeboarders. The modules – which will each last around half a day - will be delivered in small groups with a focus on practical knowledge and skills development. Participants will spend some time in the classroom discussing the theory behind what participants want and need. You will then head out onto the water putting the theory into real-world practice before returning to the classroom to review your experiences.
The Driving for Slalom Skiers module will focus on making the best use of the course and surrounding waters to provide skiers with a great experience and the opportunity to run successful passes and achieve personal bests.
Driving for Wakeboarders will help drivers looking to improve their knowledge of how to provide the best possible environment for wakeboarders so they can land new tricks and have successful sessions on the water!
What do I need before attending an Advanced Driver Training module?
Before attending an Advanced Driver Training module candidates must meet the following pre-requisites:
- Have at least an SBD2 Qualification
- Be a current member of WWS /BWSW
- Be aged 16 years or over
- Have experience of driving water skiers or wakeboarders in their club or venues environment
How much does it cost?
The Advanced Driver Training modules are currently only available from Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland at Town Loch the National Training Site.
Course Fees:
- Individual Modules: £40
- Both Modules: £75
Where can I take the Advanced Driver Training modules?
The Advanced Driver Training modules are currently only available from Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland at Town Loch the National Training Site.
For more information and course details please visit the Town Loch website.