Meet the powerboat training team
Here at Powerboat Training, we have a commendable wealth of experience and passion, and as a team, we are committed to sharing our love of boating and promoting best practices on and off the water. We pride ourselves on our professionalism whilst delivering the training in a considerate, friendly manner, making people feel comfortable while advancing their knowledge, skills and confidence.
Lead Instructor
Captain J. Andrew Flanagan leads the Powerboat Training team. A former Search and rescue commander, Andrew has dedicated his life to equipping people to handle watercraft safely.
Andrew is a qualified RYA Trainer, placing him at the top of his field.
Since his early introduction to Maritime Rescue, as a young Lifeguard on the beaches of the West Coast of Ireland, he has been passionate about and has dedicated his entire career to minimising maritime-related harm.
Andrew’s career has seen him navigate the roles of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Trainer, teaching thousands of Search and Rescue crews, and SAR commander for the offshore oil and Gas industry before emigrating.
Since moving to New Zealand, Andrew has established Powerboat Training NZ to continue his passion for reducing boating-related harm. He brings his education to millions of viewers via our social media channels.
Andrew prides himself on his ability to pass on his extensive knowledge in an approachable manner. We regularly receive feedback from his students saying that they loved their time with him and appreciated his ability to train on serious topics in a fun, engaging, and light-hearted way. Even the old salty sea dogs always say they have learnt something new, which is very gratifying.
OUR TEAM
Jason
Jason has been boating for over 40 years and has had many great experiences along the way, including ocean racing (Sydney to Hobart), expedition trips to Antarctica as well as delivering many vessels and Superyachts worldwide.
Prior to joining Our Powerboat Training Team as our more senior instructor Jason was a Maritime Lecturer and Head of Training for NZ Coastguard Boating Education.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys snow skiing, diving and time with his family.
Jakob
Jakob is a passionate and highly experienced boating instructor. He has been with the New Zealand Defence Force for over 20 years and currently is the Senior Boating Instructor for the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Being a key member of our team, Jakob is adept at personalising training for all skill levels. Along with many boating qualifications, Jakob is an RYA instructor and Coastguard Boating Education tutor.
When not on the water, you will find Jakob spending time with his young family, camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Scott
Scott is from Picton, so spent his childhood growing up around boats in the Malborough Sounds. The newest member of the team, Scott’s professional but approachable style, has proved a great asset.
Scott has served in the Royal New Zealand Navy for 12 years, serving on 6 ships and is now their Small Craft boating instructor.
His other passions outside of Powerboating include playing Rugby, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
Shane
Shane is the longest-serving member of our team. With 47 years of service and counting, in the RNZN and also tutoring both theory and practical courses for the Coastguard Shane's lovely wife Janet is a very understanding woman.
Other interesting projects include training Course Marshalls for the 2020 America's Cup and circumnavigating NZ a number of times , as well as being the Senior sailing instructor for RNZN Sail Training Craft.
Shane likes visiting new unexplored places but in reality, it’s hard to keep him off the water.
WHY CHOOSE POWERBOAT TRAINING NZ?
We specialise exclusively in Powerboating, and it's our forte.
Our highly qualified instructors boast impressive credentials, holding well-recognised certifications such as "RYA Advanced" and "RYA Yachtmaster Power Instructor." Notably, our Head Instructor ranks among only six RYA Trainers in New Zealand, holding the authority to train Instructors, attesting to our commitment to excellence.
Our array of training encompasses various powerboat types, ranging from nimble jet skis to substantial motor launches.
You have the flexibility to choose private instruction on your own vessel or on one of ours. In contrast to overcrowded training, we prioritise quality, limiting practical course enrollments to a maximum of three participants. This personalised approach ensures that our training aligns precisely with your level of experience, delivering the highest quality boating education available. You're in capable hands, rest assured.
Where you’ll find us on training day:
Our training courses that are hosted on our boat, depart from Z Pier, Westhaven Marina.
Happy clients
“I had a great experience doing my RYA Powerboat course. My trainer was very good to learn from and very very well qualified. Overall a fantastic course leaving me more confident then ever with my boat skills even after having my own boat for years ! Also very quick response with emails”
“What a fantastic course. Two days on the water with Mat has taught me so much. I have had some previous experience, but now feel confident and more importantly safe on the water with my kids. Highly recommend to anyone that intends on skippering a powerboat.”
“Despite only spending a short time with Andrew for the duration of my Powerboat Level 2 course, I definitely came away with a sense of achievement, as well as a breadth of new knowledge. His methodical yet personable approach to teaching gives you both the tools and the confidence to get behind the wheel and excel with ease. An immensely experienced and highly recommended boating instructor. Five stars all round.”
“Completed the on the water training through Powerboat Training New Zealand and highly recommend it. Was informative, tailored, practical and met the needs of our capabilities in order to skipper a vessel and look after those on board. Our trainer Andrew was really informative, engaging and answered all the questions we had along with providing useful tips for future use. Would definitely use them again if required in the future.”
Organisations we work with:
WHICH COURSE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
What type of boat are you interested in training on?
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