The American
Sailing Association has adopted two separate Progressive Certification
Programs: a seven stage Keelboat Sailing Certification Program and
a two stage Small Boat Sailing Program. The following are the general
descriptions or summaries of these Standards. Candidates must have
attained the stated prerequisites before they may "Challenge"
or take the required ASA examination.
Basic Keelboat (101)
Prerequisites: None
General Description: Able to sail a boat of about 20 feet in length
in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without
supervision. A preparatory Standard with no auxiliary power or navigation
skills required.
Basic Coastal Cruising (103)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
General Description: Able to cruise safely in local and regional waters
as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary powered sailboat of about
20 to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.
Bareboat Chartering (104)
(Intermediate Coastal Cruising)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising Certification
General Description: An advanced cruising Standard for individuals
with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew
of a 30 - 50 foot boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The Standard
includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures.
Coastal Navigation (105)
Prerequisites: None
General Description: 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 and practical application
of this sailing knowledge is found in the Advanced Coastal Cruising
Standard.
Advanced Coastal Cruising (106)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat
Chartering and Coastal Navigation Certification
General Description: Able to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing
vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length. This is a day and nighttime
Standard in coastal and inland water, in any weather.
