Practical Training Course Matrix

With responsible sailing knowledge there is, of course, theory and practical skills to learn and demonstrate.

When you get with your practical instructor, it is highly recommended to complete the appropriate theory courses prior to the practical training. Otherwise, you’ll spend too much time on the basics preventing the instructor from doing their real work which is to get your hands on the helm and the lines. You don’t want the instructor spending valuable on-the-water time explaining who gives way or how the sails create forces. If this is the case, the instructor may not be able to spend the proper amount of time on the practical skills and thus be forced to fail your desired practical competence ability.

Here is the matrix of courses you should complete vs the Practical Competence Ability you are seeking from your instructor. We hope you take this list seriously. It has been designed by professionals to ensure your competence and confidence on the water. Please do your best to complete them PRIOR to your practical training.

MATCH YOUR PRACTICAL COMPETENCE ABILITY WITH THE THEORY COURSES AND RANKS BELOW

Crew Competence -Any of:
- Qualified Crew Course, or Skipper Small Keelboat Course, or Skipper Course
Skipper Small Keelboat Competence:
- Skipper Small Keelboat Course
Skipper Competence – Both of:
- Skipper Course and
- Maneuvering Under Power
Bareboat Charter Master – All of:
- Skipper
- Maneuvering Under Power
- Coastal Navigation
- Electronic Navigation
- Bareboat Charter
- Anchoring

Captain – All of:
- Skipper
- Maneuvering Under Power
- Coastal Navigation
- Electronic Navigation
- Bareboat Charter
- Anchoring
- Storm Tactics
- Weather
- SailTrim
- Safety at Sea

Also for Captain requirement, you are required to have been on an extended distance sailing trip of at least 200 miles with one through-the-night sailing whereby you participated in all aspects of navigation, helm, sail trim, life aboard tasks, and watch.