Keelboat Instructor Programs

Cruising Catamaran Instructor

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Cruising Catamaran Instructor evaluation occurs aboard a cruising catamaran. Instructor candidates are evaluated on boat handling skills as well as their ability to maneuver using one or two engines. Candidates will cruise in a catamaran of at least 34 feet with wheel steering and twin-engine auxiliary power, while demonstrating practical skills.


COURSE FORMAT & LENGTH

This is a 1-day, 10-hour course. Attendance at all course sessions is mandatory. Absence from any portion of the course excludes the instructor candidate from certification.


COURSE PREREQUISITES

  1. Current US Sailing Cruising and Coastal Navigation Instructor certifications.
    This is a requirement for registration.
  2. Current US Sailing Individual, College or Family Membership.
    Only one instructor is allowed per family membership.
  3. Applicable Experience
  4. Current U.S. Coast Guard license.
    Includes Auxiliary Sail Endorsement.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are required for successful completion of this courses:

  1. Attendance at all portions of the course.
  2. Successfully passing all written tests and skill evaluations.
  3. A positive evaluation by the Instructor Trainer.
    Demonstrate professional conduct, an open-minded, positive and enthusiastic attitude, appropriate appearance (clothing, footwear and tidiness), participation in discussions, collaboration skills/team player, confidence and ease of manner.

A Cruising Catamaran Instructor Certification is not valid unless accompanied by:

  1. First Aid and CPR Certification: from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or and  U.S. Coast Guard approved provider. Candidates  do not need to complete the CPR/First Aid Training in advance of the Level 1 course, however a certification will NOT be valid unless accompanied by current First Aid and CPR.
  2. Valid SafeSport Certificate (Register separately). Anyone 18 years of age or older is required to hold a valid SafeSport certificate in order for their US Sailing instructor certification to be valid.  This free online training course must be completed every year. This program, developed by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), is required training for all Instructors.

    This requirement is also being put in place for other National Governing Bodies.  Instructor certification is not active unless SafeSport training has been completed.

    • A few notes on completing Safesport:

WHAT YOU CAN TEACH WITH THIS CERTIFICATION

Cruising Catamaran Instructors can sign off on a student-level Catamaran Endorsements. Certifications may only be issued through an accredited Keelboat School.


COURSE FEES

The course registration fee is: $200*. Registration is on a first pay basis. US Sailing will not reserve spots without full payment.

*Please note that an additional boat fee may be charged in some circumstances. This course is underwritten by candidates’ fees and a major subsidy from US Sailing. There is also a provisioning fee that will be charged at the dock.


CANCELLATION & TRANSFER POLICIES

Course fees are nonrefundable but are transferable to another course up to one (1) week prior to the course start date. Course Transfers are not available within the week of the course start. Fees are not transferable to another candidate. The fee for all transfers is $25.00.

To transfer into a different session:

    1. Log in to your US Sailing account here: MyUSSailing
    2. Select the My Certs and Courses tab from the options on the left, then click the transfer link.
    3. Submit Payment details
    4. Confirm transfer

US Sailing reserves the right to cancel, postpone, abandon or change the venue, date and time of the course should unforeseen circumstances occur or course minimums are not reached. In the event the course is unable to proceed, a course credit will be made available which is good for one (1) year or you may choose a refund.


REGISTER

Courses are scheduled when requested. If your organization is interested in hosting a Cruising Catamaran Instructor Course, please fill out the online "Host a Course Form."

Reminder: In order to register for this course, you must hold current Cruising and Coastal Navigation Instructor certifications.

Questions? email: Keelboat@ussailing.org