CSUMB
Boating Education Program

ASA Certification

CSUMB offers American Sailing Association certification programs with experienced ASA certified instructors. The instructors are required to be highly proficient sailors as well as competent teachers. These classes can take you from beginning sailing to bareboat chartering.

Driven by a clear need for uniform teaching standards and increased access to sailing activities, the American Sailing Association (ASA) has been the leader in U.S. sailing education for nearly two decades. The association has grown to include an international network of 200 plus professionally accredited sailing schools. More than 200,000 students have graduated from ASA schools since 1983.

ASA was instrumental in establishing national education standards and early on joined Canada and England in setting Certification Standards. Standards make it possible for individuals with varying degrees of experience to determine their starting point from which they can plot a course to reach their goals. ASA certifications are mirrored in 10 countries and accepted internationally.

Charter companies across the USA and abroad are asking for ASA certifications when renting vessels without a paid captain. The basic keelboat sailing course is approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrator's (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard as a recognized Safe Boating course. The ASA has a strategic partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary uses the ASA book, Sailing Fundamentals, in its classes.

Each ASA certification is attained by completion of both on the water and written tests. ASA Standards can be "challenged" by testing on request.

ASA has two divisions, the Educational Division and the Membership Division. The purpose of the Educational Division is to bring uniformity and quality control to sailing education. The purpose of the Membership Division is to provide sailing enthusiasts with collective benefits. Some of those membership benefits are:

• American Sailing publication
• Annual subscription to Sail
• National sailing club
• Recognition
• Travel discounts
• Rental and charter discounts worldwide
• Insurance discounts

The ASA set competency standards for both sailing knowledge and on-the-water skills. Certification simply means a person has demonstrated a standard of proficiency by passing both written and on-the-water skills tests. It provides a means for charter companies and others to assess a sailor's ability. To be eligible for certification after completion of a course, students must be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge prescribed by ASA. Standards for certification are summarized here.

To be eligible for certification after completion of a course, students must be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge prescribed by ASA.

All CSUMB instructors are licensed by the United States Coast Guard and certified by the American Sailing Association.

The certification levels offered at CSUMB are as follows:

•    1st Level -- Basic Keelboat
  The student will achieve the ability to sail an 18 - 27' sailboat with ballasted keel and tiller steering in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision. A preparatory Standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required.
  
  Prerequisite: None
  
  
•    2nd Level -- Basic Coastal Cruising
  The student will be able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered sailboat of about 20 to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions. Expanded knowledge includes docking, maneuvering, and large boat systems and handling.
  
  Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat
  
  
•     Challenge - One time testing to receive ASA certification. This is for the person who already has sailing skills at the level for which they are testing. It will include written and practicum testing. It does not include instruction. Successful passage will result in ASA certification.

Copyright © 2008 CSUMB Boating Education

Last updated April 2, 2008