I would like to know more about certification. How long do I have to sail (experience) to take a certification course? Do I have to take basic keel boat etc. first? Is there a difference between one certification and another? US Sailing and ASA. I have seen some places that offer what I believe is their own certification. Is it worthless? Anything else I might be missing? Thanks Ed
Bare Boat Certification?
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Bare Boating
Some of it depends on where you would be chartering and with which company. I've heard some talk of the only qualification being a credit card at some places.
Some of it depends on where you would be chartering and with which company. I've heard some talk of the only qualification being a credit card at some places.
Certification
Ed, I'm not sure that you do need to take basic keelboat and basic cruising prior to a bareboat certificate. You would have to demonstrate that you had equivalent knowledge. I learned under US Sailing certification and the school required ten days as captain prior to the bare boat class. That was after the two basic courses. I do not know the difference between what I did and ASA, but I suspect it is nominal. I would think that a recognized certification would be better than an unknown and certainly better than just the credit card. I agree that some places care less about your experience than others, but you should care more, unless you are taking them on the boat with you. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
Ed, I'm not sure that you do need to take basic keelboat and basic cruising prior to a bareboat certificate. You would have to demonstrate that you had equivalent knowledge. I learned under US Sailing certification and the school required ten days as captain prior to the bare boat class. That was after the two basic courses. I do not know the difference between what I did and ASA, but I suspect it is nominal. I would think that a recognized certification would be better than an unknown and certainly better than just the credit card. I agree that some places care less about your experience than others, but you should care more, unless you are taking them on the boat with you. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
ASA
I just completed the ASA Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising and Bareboat Chartering courses. All three were taught together over a week long period. In the course I attended at least, you had to pass the Keelboat test before you could take the next one, and so on. I have been sailing for about 10 years but had never had any formal instruction. I learned a great deal from these courses and would highly recommend them.
I just completed the ASA Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising and Bareboat Chartering courses. All three were taught together over a week long period. In the course I attended at least, you had to pass the Keelboat test before you could take the next one, and so on. I have been sailing for about 10 years but had never had any formal instruction. I learned a great deal from these courses and would highly recommend them.
Bareboat
Did it several years ago through Offshore Sailing School. Had to take the keelboat course first in Jersey City, then at a later date took basic cruising and bareboat in the Florida Keys. Tested at each level, and had to pass before moving on to the next. Certified through US Sailing.
Did it several years ago through Offshore Sailing School. Had to take the keelboat course first in Jersey City, then at a later date took basic cruising and bareboat in the Florida Keys. Tested at each level, and had to pass before moving on to the next. Certified through US Sailing.
It's more for yourself than charter company,
they are in bussiness, boats are insured and they already have your creditcard approved for large damage deposit so they aren't generally real picky cause you are liable for any damage. ASA allows you to challenge the 2 basic courses so you just pass the tests and can do the bareboat class if you have some experience & knowledge. I took a one week "cruise & learn" after lifetime in small boats with no formal instruction. If you can already sail should be able to do all 3 easily in a week. Many schools offer these "cruise & learn" classes for $995 to $1295 per person, good way to get a cert. and check out a cruising ground. Check the schools on ASA & USA websites.
they are in bussiness, boats are insured and they already have your creditcard approved for large damage deposit so they aren't generally real picky cause you are liable for any damage. ASA allows you to challenge the 2 basic courses so you just pass the tests and can do the bareboat class if you have some experience & knowledge. I took a one week "cruise & learn" after lifetime in small boats with no formal instruction. If you can already sail should be able to do all 3 easily in a week. Many schools offer these "cruise & learn" classes for $995 to $1295 per person, good way to get a cert. and check out a cruising ground. Check the schools on ASA & USA websites.
They want a resume, and money
I chartered in Florida and the San Juans before completing certification and found most companies ask for a sailing resume, and if it is thin, then they might ask for an on-the-water demonstration of skills before turning you loose. But I agree with the other fellas, your credit card is what most look for. If this is for chartering, give the company a call and ask them what they require. If it is for experience and skill training,. I recommend ASA or USSail , and there are several others with good reputations. You can combine a certification week with a charter in many places. Go for it.
I chartered in Florida and the San Juans before completing certification and found most companies ask for a sailing resume, and if it is thin, then they might ask for an on-the-water demonstration of skills before turning you loose. But I agree with the other fellas, your credit card is what most look for. If this is for chartering, give the company a call and ask them what they require. If it is for experience and skill training,. I recommend ASA or USSail , and there are several others with good reputations. You can combine a certification week with a charter in many places. Go for it.
Thanks
Thanks for the input. Guess that the cert is more for me than the charter company. Would be nice to know I could do it before ruining a week in paradise. Think I'll look into a week long course. Ed
Thanks for the input. Guess that the cert is more for me than the charter company. Would be nice to know I could do it before ruining a week in paradise. Think I'll look into a week long course. Ed
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