Instructor Resources

Recertification

Basic Recertification Requirements

US Sailing/US Powerboating Instructor Certifications are valid for three (3) years. Instructors need only recertify at the highest level of certification they have achieved within each program. For example, if you hold Basic Keelboat and Cruising Instructor Certifications you only need to renew the Cruising Instructor Certification. If you hold Cruising Instructor and Small Boat Level 2 Instructor certifications (which are in two different instructional tracks), you need to renew both. For those of you who work for programs which issue US Sailing / US Powerboating Student Certifications, please note that an Instructor Trainer can only certify students if your Instructor Certification is current.

To Recertify:

  1. Hold current US Sailing membership. If your membership has lapsed, renew your membership here.
  2. Complete or renew your SafeSport Training. This program, developed by the US Olympic Committee, is required training for all US Sailing Certified Instructors. Beginning in 2019, you are required to take an abbreviated SafeSport refresher course annually. Instructor certification is not active AND recertification will not be available unless your SafeSport training is up to date. Take the training here (have your US Sailing ID ready).
  3. Submit the $75.00 recertification fee. If your recertification application is not accepted, your fee will be refunded. Log into My US Sailing and click the My Certs & Courses link on the left. View your certifications on the "Certifications" tab, and order recertification by clicking on the "Recertify" tab and checking the checkbox for the certification you need to recertify. Log into your My US Sailing Account here. 
  4. Complete one-time, online US Sailing Teaching & Coaching Fundamentals. Developed in conjunction with the US Olympic Committee (USOC), this course gives the building blocks of good instructional practices for becoming an effective educator on and off the water. Sign up / login to take TCFO on US Sailing First Tack here. A few Frequently Asked Questions about TCFO are answered here.

Certification will NOT be valid unless accompanied by current First Aid and CPR. US Sailing/US Powerboating can only accept First Aid and CPR courses that are on the U.S. Coast Guard’s approved list. Copies DO NOT need to be submitted.

Expired Certifications

If certification has expired for more than one year, candidates must pass online quiz(s) before recertification can be processed. Once payment is received, US Sailing staff (recert@ussailing.org) will initiate the online quiz(s) for your specific recertification.

If certification has been expired for MORE than 10 years, candidates must retake and pass the instructor course to become recertified.

For more information or questions contact: recert@ussailing.org.