ASA certification series: from zero foundation to sailing expert

The American Sailing Association provides standards for progressive sailing certification programs, from beginner’s level to advanced. Listed below are the summaries of several most popular ASA Certifications.

Each certification requires the participants to fully satisfy both knowledge and skills standards, which will be verified through a written exam and an on-the-water practical exam. The standards are intended to be a minimum set of requirements. SAIL GLOBAL instructors will also include additional requirements to emphasize knowledge or skills appropriate to local waters, conditions or practice vessels based on their abundant experiences of navigation around the globe.

Learn how to sail on board of J80 sailboats or similar (20-28 feet) with tiller and outboard motor in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. You will learn the basics of sailing, terminology, safety, points of sail, tacking, jibing, man overboard, docking, and more. No previous experience is required. Learn more...

Students will learn to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on a 25–36 feet sailboat in moderate conditions. Learn terminology, safety, reefing, anchoring, heaving to, man overboard, docking and more. More often than not, SAIL GLOBAL combine ASA 101 and ASA103 as a package to enable students complete two levels in only 4 days plus online theory sessions, which save quite a lot time as well as tuition of students. Learn more...

An all-inclusive advanced course for individuals with sailing experience. Completion will prepare you to act as skipper and/or crew of a 30 to 50 feet sailboat, during daylight hours in coastal waters. Learn systems, maintenance, advanced anchoring techniques, basic navigation, food provisioning and cooking aboard, plus much more. Ports of call vary with weather and season. Learn more...

Very High Frequency, abbreviated as VHF, indicates the 30~300MHz band on the radio spectrum . VHF band for marine use is 156~174 MHz, which provides a communication system consisting of coastal radio stations and ship installed VHF equipment. It is the main communication method between ships and the Vessel Traffic Service center. ASA173 mainly contains basic radio and GMDSS function, proper use of pro-words,proper message structure and formulation, general use of radio and familiarization with GMDSS equipment and use.

The student will be able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters. There is no Sailing Skills part to this Standard. Training is accomplished via a combination of home study and in-school sessions. The successful student will be able to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters without the aid of GPS, radar or anything else that requires electricity.

The students will learn chart interpretation, be able to chart a course, find a position, take visual fixes, anticipate tidal fluctuation, understand ocean currents and plan extensive cruises.

Chartering your own sailboat in a new destination is a rite of passage for most sailors. The freedom to sail your own plan and set your itinerary is a dream come true for anyone who has ever tossed the lines and held onto the mainsheet.  A bareboat charter is the definition of freedom on the water. 

Are you qualified to Bareboat Charter? That is a question that charter companies will ask when deciding whether or not to put you in charge of your own vessel.  In the Caribbean, charter companies will often use your ASA logbook, certifications, and sailing resume as evidence of your sailing experience.  In Europe, the situation is a bit different and you will most likely need an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) to charter your own boat. 

You must be certified through at least ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising, in order to be eligible to apply for an International Proficiency Certificate. 

Your certifications should include:

ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing, ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising and VHF ceritifcation (either ASA VHF certification or non-ASA VHF certification).

This certificate is mandatory when chartering in most European / Mediterranean waters. SAIL GLOBAL strongly recommends you apply for an International Proficiency Certificate if you are chartering in the Mediterranean as well as the inland waterways of Europe and northern Europe. The IPC is valid for 5 years from date of issue.

Once you have achieved certification, practice, practice, practice! How your sailing ability will be evaluated depends on many things; when, where, and to what level you become ASA certified, and how much you have sailed since your certification. However, being ASA certified will be yours for life as a testament to your ability and commitment from the day your ASA instructor signs your Logbook.