A. Prerequisites for Entrance into the Course:

1. Current US SAILING Basic Keelboat Instructor Certification.
2. Coastal Passage Making sailing skills and knowledge (US SAILING Coastal     Passage Making Student Certification when available, or equivalent.)
3. Minimum 5,000 nm of coastal and offshore sailing experience (relevant to Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising) on an inboard auxiliary powered sailboat equipped with stove, head, and fresh water and electrical systems.
4. Ability to perform the procedures necessary to be a Cruising Instructor.
5. Current U.S. Coast Guard License (includes Auxiliary Sail Endorsement)
6. Current first aid and CPR cards.
7. Current US SAILING membership.
8. Letter of recommendation from current/most recent sailing employer or if self-employed, a letter from another instructor not associated with your program who knows you personally and professionally.
9. Three letters of personal reference.
10. Written resume, including sailing, teaching and business experience.
 

B. Prerequisites for Coastal Navigation Instructor Evaluation

1. Be able to perform all commonly required Piloting Skills used in safely piloting a sailing yacht in all conditions of visibility, by day and by night, to a high degree of precision.
2. Be thoroughly informed on the contents and application of the US SAILING Certification Series student training book Coastal Navigation.
3. Be familiar with the teaching methods described in the US SAILING Coastal Navigation Instructor Manual.

C. Evaluation Length: 3 days.

D. Successful Completion of the Cruising Instructor Course Includes Passing Each of the Following:

1. Demonstrate Cruising Instructor skill level and knowledge in the following areas in 24' to 40' auxiliary powered sailboats, including wheel steering , inboard, and outboard:

Boathandling in moderate to heavy conditions

Sail selection and trim

Operation and inspection of boat systems and equipment: engine, electrical, bilge pumps, head, fresh water, stoves, emergency and safety equipment, winches, anchors, harnesses and jacklines.

Docking - departure and arrival under sail and power, and adverse conditions

High level of seamanship skills

Reefing

Sailing under shortened sail

Anchoring during daytime or night, including 1 and 2 anchors, use of trip line

Picking up a mooring

Overboard recovery methods: quick-stop, quick-return, lifesling-type.

Nighttime sailing

Limited visibility situations

Simulate procedures for engine failure recovery, sinking, fire, dismasting, grounding recovery

Use of VHF radio and emergency procedures: Mayday, Pan and Securite

Use of dinghy and outboard

Setting watches

Storm tactics

Navigation: use of charts, tide/current tables, light list, coastal pilot, and cruising guides; use of variation and deviation; taking bearings and fixes; plotting a DR course and position using time/speed/ distance calculations; application of set and drift; use of accepted plotting and labeling techniques; use of ship’s log; confirm chart work with Loran or GPS.

2. Sailing Skills test - Practical
3. Marlinspike Seamanship Skills test - Practical
4. Demonstrative and communicative ability - Practical
5. Complete working knowledge of the US SAILING Keelboat structure and system - Practical
6. Professional attitude and conduct - Practical
7. Instructor Manual ( includes Navigation Rules, International - Inland, 1-38) test - Written
8. Basic Navigation test - Written and Practical
9. Instructor Trainers’ evaluation
The sailing and Marlinspike Seamanship skills test will be given to the Instructor Candidates by the Instructor Trainers at the course.

1. Demonstrate to a markedly higher degree all of the navigational skills mentioned in the Cruising Instructor Course, plus an increased level of awareness and demonstrated ability to pilot the vessel using practical "on deck" navigation skills as well as traditional plotting skills.
2. Be able to use the teaching methods and skills described in the US SAILING Coastal Navigation Instructor Manual in a competent and confident manner.
3. Complete the Coastal Navigation Instructor Written Test with an 80% or greater score, while using the US SAILING recommended plotting conventions described in the US SAILING Certification Series student training book Coastal Navigation.
4. Be recommended by both of the Instructor Trainers conducting the evaluation during the course.
The written tests will be handled in the following manner:
1. Instructor Candidates will be provided with the review questions in advance. These questions can be used for open book studying prior to testing.
2. The actual tests will be closed book. If using a calculator for the Coastal Navigation test, all programmable memory has to be cleared prior to taking the test.
3. A passing grade for each test will require answering 80% of the questions correctly.
Practical and written tests each stand on their own. Each test must be passed and each practical skill demonstrated in order to successfully complete this evaluation session. Absence from any part of the course will exclude the Instructor Candidate from evaluation. The Instructor Trainers determine whether the Instructor Candidate successfully completes the course.

Materials will be sent directly to the Instructor Candidate or to the US SAILING contact for distribution to pre-registered Instructor Candidates. To allow enough time to study course materials, US SAILING must receive your completed application and session fee at least 4 weeks prior to the course.

Instructor Candidates will receive the following:
1. Cruising Instructor Manual
2. Basic Cruising student book
3. Bareboat Cruising student book
4. Review questions
5. Other handouts and information as applicable

G. Validation of Cruising and Coastal Navigation Instructors

Validation will be for three years providing First Aid, CPR and US SAILING membership are kept current. Instructor validation is renewable.

H. Course Fees

Fees: $375 (course fee), $25 (Coastal Navigation Instructor evaluation fee - optional) and $45 (provisioning fee - brought in cash to the course). Candidates whose complete applications and course payment are received in the Keelboat Program Office 4 weeks before the course date pay a discounted Cruising course fee of $325. *Please note that a boat fee of $75-$100 may be charged in some circumstances. This course is underwritten by candidates’ fees and a major subsidy from US SAILING.

NOTE: Payment must be received at least 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the evaluation for the candidate to be eligible for the Early-bird Discount. Courses are filled on a "first paid, first registered" basis.

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