Education, both in-person and online, to prepare you for offshore sailing
Why take a US Sailing Safety at Sea Course
- Be prepared for emergencies: Know what to do if someone falls overboard.
- Prepare for heavy weather: Develop a plan for dealing with severe conditions when reaching a safe harbor isn't possible.
- Choose the right safety equipment: Learn how to evaluate emergency communications equipment, storm sails, and other offshore safety gear.
- Earn a recognized credential: US Sailing is the U.S. National Governing Body for sailing and is sanctioned by World Sailing to issue Safety at Sea certificates.
- Understand the value of preparation: The linked 48° North article reinforces the idea that offshore safety cannot simply be solved by purchasing equipment—you need knowledge, preparation, and practice.
A Safety at Sea course isn't just about checking a certification box; it's about developing the knowledge, judgment, equipment choices, and practical skills needed to respond effectively when conditions offshore become dangerous.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Safety at Sea Course facts:
- The certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue.
- Moderated and taught by experienced, lifelong sailors who include some of the top names in sailing and safety.
- Online courses developed with the support of
- Appropriate for a wide range of boats and experience levels — small, big, monohulls, multihulls (and powerboats, too) — that are sailed and operated anywhere — nearshore and offshore.
- Sanctioned with the approved curriculum by US Sailing, with special attention to conditions and challenges of the host organization’s sailing area.
- More than 2,500 sailors attend safety courses around North America every year, and many bring their families and crews.
- Coastal and Offshore courses are offered in either in-person or online formats.
- Safety at Sea: Either attend a one-day seminar or take the Online Offshore course (Units 1-15). This online course is the MOST RECOMMENDED. It is hosted on US Sailing's online learning portal www.firsttack.org
- As the National Governing Body for the Sport of Sailing, we are the only organization in the United States sanctioned by World Sailing to issue Safety at Sea certificates.
Obtaining an International Offshore Safety at Sea Certificate
View the chart below for the different ways you can obtain an International Offshore Safety at Sea certificate. Click on the image to enlarge. If you are still unsure, please email safetyatsea@ussailing.org
OFFSHORE SAFETY AT SEA COURSES
Offshore Safety at Sea
This Course is for
Crew members of offshore races, long-distance cruisers, and any sailor wanting to improve his/her sailing skills. This course is also the first step for crew members of long-distance and international offshore races, long-distance cruisers, or persons requiring the International Offshore certificate that complies with World Sailing guidelines for Personal Safety (World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Appendix G compliant). If you are attending a hands-on-only course, this is the course you need to take. If you are unsure which online course you need to take, contact safetyatsea@ussailing.org.
As the National Governing Body for the Sport of Sailing, we are the only organization in the United States sanctioned by World Sailing to issue Safety at Sea certificates.
Safety at Sea: Offshore
Typically the in-person course covers 8-10 units listed in Appendix G of the OSRs, from Giving Assistance, Personal Safety Gear, Care and Maintenance of Safety Gear, Fire Safety, Crew Overboard, Cold Exposure, Crew Health, Marine Weather, Heavy Weather, Storm Sails, and Reefing, Damage Control, Search and Rescue, Signals, Emergency Communications, and Life Rafts.
Duration - 8 hours
Safety at Sea: Offshore (Online course) Units 1-15
Covers all 15 units from Giving Assistance, Personal Safety Gear, Care and Maintenance of Safety Gear, Fire Safety, Crew Overboard, Cold Exposure, Crew Health, Marine Weather, Heavy Weather, Storm Sails and Reefing, Damage Control, Search and Rescue, Signals, Emergency Communications, and Life Rafts. This is the most comprehensive training in preparation for the Hands-On course which is required for the International Offshore certificate (World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Appendix G compliant).
As the National Governing Body for the Sport of Sailing, we are the only organization in the United States sanctioned by World Sailing to issue Safety at Sea certificates.
Duration - Approximately 12-13 hours. You can log in and out at your convenience to complete the course.
Cost of the Course
US Sailing Members, $140.00 (discount code found in your "Member Login" account under Member Coupons and Benefits. You need to apply the code at the time of purchase). Non-members, $165.00. If you note your US Sailing member number when registering for the course, the course completion will be recorded in your membership record.
tAKE THE SAS OFFSHORE ONLINE COURSE, Units 1-15
COASTAL SAFETY AT SEA COURSES
Safety at Sea: Coastal (Online Course) Units 1-5
Coastal Online covers: Giving Assistance, Personal Safety Gear, Crew Overboard Rescue, Emergency Communication, Search and Rescue. This course satisfies the requirements for Coastal Races being sailed under the United States Special Equipment Regulations 4.3.2.
Duration - Approximately 4 - 5 hours. You may log in and out to complete the course at your convenience.
Cost of the Course
US Sailing Members, $55.00 (discount code found in your "Member Login" account under Member Coupons and Benefits. You need to apply the code at the time of purchase). Non-members, $60.00. If you note your US Sailing member number when registering for the course, the course completion will be written back to your membership record.
ACCESS A COASTAL SAS ONLINE COURSE
Safety at Sea: Coastal Upgrade (Online Course) Units 6-15
If you have already completed the Online Coastal course, units 1-5, you can take this online course. This upgrade course, units 6-15 will upgrade your Coastal certificate to an Offshore certificate.
Duration - Approximately 5 - 6 hours. You may log in and out to complete the course at your convenience.
Cost of the Course
US Sailing Members, $105.00 (discount code found in your "Member Login" account under Member Coupons and Benefits. You need to apply the code at the time of purchase). Non-members, $115.00. If you note your US Sailing member number when registering for the course, the course completion will be written back to your membership record.
ACCESS THE COASTAL UPGRADE SAS ONLINE COURSE
International Offshore with Hands-on Training
International Offshore Safety at Sea with Hands-on Training (In-person)
This Course is for
Crew members of long-distance and international offshore races, long-distance cruisers, or persons requiring the International Offshore certificate that complies with World Sailing guidelines for Personal Safety (World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Appendix G compliant).
Topics
Typically covers 8-10 units from Giving Assistance, Personal Safety Gear, Care and Maintenance of Safety Gear, Fire Safety, Crew Overboard, Cold Exposure, Crew Health, Marine Weather, Heavy Weather, Storm Sails and Reefing, Damage Control, Search and Rescue, Signals, Emergency Communications, and Life Rafts plus hands-on training that includes topics such as boarding a life raft (in a pool), working with inflatable life jackets, pyrotechnics, firefighting, etc. Some courses may include race-specific information.
Find AN IN-PERSON COURSE Hands-on Training Course
Junior Safety at Sea
Storm Trysail Foundation (STF) created and conducted, inspired by safety programs for ocean racers, Junior Safety-at-Sea stresses fun, hands-on practice, communication, teamwork, and the anticipation of trouble before it happens. Click here to find out more.
Storm Trysail's Junior Safety at Sea calendar
Host a Safety at Sea Course
Here are a few tips on how to get started:
- Review the 2026-27 Safety at Sea Planning Guide.
- Form a small committee and consider what dates would work for your area and your facility.
- Contact the Lead Moderator Trainer, Jonathan Kabak, to discuss potential dates and the preferred Moderator for your course.
Note: It is recommended that you dedicate three to six months of preparation to organize a course. - Review the Safety at Sea Course options listed in the Planning Guide and decide on what type of course(s) you wish to host.
- Once you have firm dates, secured a Moderator(s), and have a registration platform selected, it is time to move on to filling out the Host Agreement.
- To get your course approved and on the calendar, fill out and submit our online 2026-27 Safety at Sea Host Agreement, and you are on your way!
