Update on US SAILING Level 1 Instructor Course prerequisite

and NASBLA requirements

In the past, US SAILING has obtained NASBLA approval for the Small Boat Level 1 Instructor Course. NASBLA’s new standards for course approval have far exceeded the time we have available to cover the material in the Level 1 course. Therefore US SAILING has not been able to renew the course approval for 2006.

While the course will no longer cover the NASBLA safe boating information, nor will we be administering the Boating Basics written exam, it is important that Instructor Candidates still be familiar with safe boating practices and be in compliance with state regulations. To that end, US SAILING is requiring all Level 1 Instructor Candidates to possess a NASBLA safe boating certificate. A list of approved providers is available at www.nasbla.org. Options range from an online test to more lengthy classroom courses. The NASBLA website also lists any state-specific requirements; it is the responsibility of the Instructor Candidate to be aware of the safe boating laws of the states in which they are taking the course and where they are teaching, and make sure they are in compliance with those laws.

Instructor Candidates possessing a current U.S. Coast Guard license are exempt from this requirement.

Instructor Candidates should please plan well in advance and bring the safe boating certificate (or USCG license) to the course on the first day. Instructor Candidates will not be permitted on the water in a powerboat without possession of their certificate.

We hope this helps to clarify the new prerequisite. Please spread the word as much as possible so the 2006 ICs are not surprised. And of course, please let us know if you have any questions!