ASA Sailing Courses Explained
| Beginner Crew Skills |
Intermediate Skipper Skills |
Advanced Skipper Coaching |
Expert Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASA 101 & 102 | ASA 103 & 104 | ASA 106 | ASA 108 |
About
American Sailing
The American Sailing Association (ASA) — also known as American Sailing — was founded in 1983 to teach people to sail safely and confidently. It introduced the first unified sailing education standards in the United States and has since grown into a network of more than 400 accredited schools across the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
ASA sailing courses are recreational certifications, guiding sailors from ASA 101 – Basic Keelboat through ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising and all the way to ASA 108 – Offshore Passagemaking. Together, these levels form a clear pathway from beginner to accomplished offshore skipper.
With over 600,000 sailors certified, ASA qualifications are recognised by many charter companies worldwide — particularly in North America, the Caribbean, and many European countries. Graduates of ASA 104 sailing courses and above are also eligible for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), accepted by most Mediterranean charter operators.
Not sure which sailing course is right for you?
ASA Sailing Courses Progression Explained
Learn all you need to know about each ASA sailing course below:
Beginner
Start here if you’re brand new. Learn foundational skills: steering, sail handling, personal safety.
ASA 101 - Keelboat Sailing
The ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing course is the perfect introduction for anyone new to sailing.
It teaches you the essentials of how a sailboat works, how to handle it safely, and how to become a confident, active member of the crew — and take the helm for the first time.
Beginner
Skill level
2-3 Days
Duration
None
Prerequisites
Crewing, Keelboat skippering
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
- Complete beginners with little to no sailing experience
- Anyone who wants to learn how to sail safely, handle sails, steer, and understand how a boat responds to wind and trim.
- Sailors planning to sail smaller keelboats or prepare for ASA 103 & 104 Cruising courses
If you’ve always wanted to try sailing, this is your starting point.
📚 How to Prepare?
ASA 101 requires no formal preparation — you can arrive with zero experience.
However, if you’d like to feel a bit more ready, we suggest:
- Enrolling in the ASA Online Introduction to Sailing course or browsing the ASA Sailing Made Easy textbook.
- Learning the one knot every sailor needs: the round turn and two half hitches.
- Getting familiar with basic boat terms like bow, stern, starboard, port, shrouds, etc.
⛵ What to Expect?
You’ll spend most of your time on the water — learning by doing.
Training is typically delivered as day sailing on a keelboat.
You’ll cover the essentials: sail handling, points of sail, steering, tacking, gybing, docking, safety manoeuvres, and man-overboard recovery.
The course also introduces basic navigation, weather awareness, collision regulations, and teamwork on board.
Assessment: Your instructor will coach you during the course; and continuously assess your progress throughout the course. There is typically a written exam towards the end.
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
After completing ASA 101, you’ll be able to:
Prep, sail, and dock a small keelboat safely in moderate conditions.
Act as a competent, helpful crew member — or take the helm with confidence under supervision.
Progress naturally to ASA 102 or 103 – Coastal Cruising, where you’ll learn to handle larger yachts on coastal passages.
ASA 101 is the foundation of confident, independent sailing — the skills that open the door to every next adventure on the water.
Ready to take the plunge?
Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn
ASA 101 Syllabus
- Basic sail theory and points of sail
- Sail trim and balance
- Steering under sail and under power
- Tacking and gybing manoeuvres
- Docking and departing
- Safety equipment and procedures
- Man-overboard recovery
- Basic knots and line handling
- Rules of the road (COLREGS basics)
- Basic weather awareness
- Crew communication and commands
All ASA courses are delivered by ASA-accredited schools under qualified ASA-certified instructors.
Student Story
ASA 102 - Keelboat Sailing 2
ASA 102 builds on the foundation from ASA 101 and takes you deeper into the essentials of confidently sailing a keelboat.
You’ll refine your boat-handling skills, improve sail trim, and develop the confidence to skipper a keelboat in moderate conditions.
Beginner
Skill level
1-3 Days
Duration
ASA 101
Prerequisites
Keelboat skippering
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
- Sailors who have completed ASA 101 and want more hands-on practice
- Anyone who wants to strengthen their fundamental sailing skills before moving to cruising yachts
- Keelboat sailors aiming for more precise sail trim, maneuvering, docking, and situational awareness
- Students who want additional confidence before ASA 103 & 104
📚 How to Prepare?
Before taking ASA 102, you should:
- Hold an ASA 101 certification
- Be comfortable with basic sail handling and steering
- Review the ASA textbooks or online materials if you want a refresher
⛵ What to Expect?
ASA 102 goes deeper into the practical skills introduced in ASA 101.
Training is almost always delivered as day sailing, focused on:
- Refining sail trim
- Improving tacking, gybing, and other maneuvers.
- Docking and undocking
- Stronger crew-overboard recovery skills
- Winch handling, line management, and teamwork
- Safety awareness in higher winds (up to ~20 knots)
Assessment includes continuous practical assessment and typically a written exam at the end.
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
After completing ASA 102, you’ll be able to:
- Confidently skipper a keelboat in moderate conditions
- Make informed decisions about sail trim, power, and boat handling
- Apply safer, more efficient manoeuvres in tighter or windier situations
- Progress smoothly into ASA 103 – Coastal Cruising
ASA 102 bridges the gap between beginner and coastal cruising — building the confidence you’ll rely on later aboard larger cruising yachts.
Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn
ASA 102 Syllabus
- Advanced sail trim (mainsail + jib)
- Controlling sail shape and power
- Boat handling in stronger winds (up to ~20 knots)
- Advanced tacking and gybing
- Docking/undocking in more challenging situations
- Winch handling and safe line management
- Crew-overboard recovery methods
- Safety procedures and on-board teamwork
- Decision-making as a developing skipper
- Situational awareness and vessel control
All ASA courses are delivered by ASA-accredited schools under qualified ASA-certified instructors.
Student Story
Intermediate
First skipper steps: Learn docking, navigation, and command skills.
ASA 103 - Coastal Cruising
ASA 103 is your first skipper step into sailing cruising yachts.
It teaches you how to handle a sailing yacht, plan short coastal passages and manage the boat as skipper.
Intermediate
Skill level
2-3 Days
Duration
ASA 101
24 sailing hours
Prerequisites
Skippering yachts
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
ASA 103 is for sailors who already know how to handle a keelboat and are ready to go beyond the basics. and step into command.
It’s ideal for:
- Sailors preparing to take charge of a cruising yacht on coastal passages
- Anyone working toward bareboat charter competence and ASA 104
- Sailors who want to understand boat systems, navigation, and seamanship on a larger vessel
If ASA 101 taught you how to sail, ASA 103 teaches you how to apply those skills on a cruising yacht.
📚 How to Prepare?
By this level, you should already be comfortable trimming sails, steering, and handling a boat under supervision.
To get the most out of your course:
- 🗺️ Refresh basic coastal navigation
- 📘 Flip through Coastal Cruising Made Easy handbook
- 💻 Consider an online 103 prep class if you want a theory refresher before arriving
If you’d like to make the most out of your course, we highly recommend taking an ASA 103 Online prep class to feel more confident and prepared.
⛵ What to Expect?
ASA 103 is typically a day-sailing course taught on a cruising sailboat. Some schools may offer it liveaboard, but that’s not required.
You’ll cover the practical foundations of coastal cruising and skippering:
- 🧭 Passage planning and pilotage
- ⚓ Docking, anchoring, and watchkeeping
- ⛅ Weather interpretation and navigation
- 🧰 Boat systems, maintenance, and troubleshooting
You’ll learn through hands-on practice, with your instructor coaching you every step of the way.
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and usually includes a written exam towards the end of the course.
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
Anchor and dock with confidence
Plan short coastal passages using charts, tides, and basic navigation
Progress directly to ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising
ASA 103 is the step where sailing stops being theoretical — and starts becoming practical, independent cruising.
After completing ASA 103, you’ll be able to:
- 🧭 Skipper a 25–35 ft cruising sailing yacht by day in moderate wind and sea conditions
- ⚓ Anchor and dock with confidence, manage your crew
- 🌍 Plan short coastal passages using charts, tides, and basic navigation
- 📄 Progress directly to ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising
This is your ticket into cruising.
Are you ready for it?
Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn
ASA 103 Syllabus
- Skippering a 25–35 ft sloop in moderate conditions
- Boat systems: electrical, engine, water, galley basics
- Intermediate sail trim and sail-handling
- Docking and departing in various conditions
- Anchoring techniques and mooring procedures
- Navigation rules (COLREGS) & coastal navigation
- Weather interpretation for coastal sailing
- Safety equipment, onboard procedures, and emergency readiness
- Crew roles, communication, and seamanship fundamentals
All ASA courses are taught by ASA-accredited schools under certified ASA instructors.
Student Story
ASA 104 - Bareboat Cruising
ASA 104 is an intermediate skipper course where you learn to skipper a cruising yacht independently on multi-day coastal passages. It also opens up the world of chartering.
You’ll learn to plan and run multi-day coastal passages, manage a crew, handle a 30–45 ft cruising yacht, anchor overnight, understand and service onboard systems, and make good decisions underway.
Intermediate
Skill level
3-5+ Days
Duration
ASA 103
Prerequisites
Skippering, Charter, IPC
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
ASA 104 is for sailors ready to take full command of a cruising yacht.
It’s ideal for:
- Sailors aiming to skipper a yacht on coastal passages or charter holidays.
- Anyone wanting the skills and confidence to skipper multi-day coastal passages
- Sailors applying for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) for Mediterranean charters.
- Sailors aiming to progress towards sailing Catamarans (ASA 114)
If ASA 103 taught you to cruise, ASA 104 teaches you to run the boat end-to-end.
📚 How to Prepare?
Before you join, you should already have a basic level of experience handling a cruising yacht under sail and power, including basic navigation and emergency scenarios.
To get the most from your course:
- 🗺️ Refresh your navigation and chartwork — you’ll use it every day.
- 📘 Flip through Bareboat Cruising Made Easy handbook for a quick theory refresher.
- 💻 Revise all your ASA 103 knowledge and skill.
If you’d like to make the most out of your course, we highly recommend taking an ASA 103 Online prep class to feel more confident and prepared.
⛵ What to Expect?
Because of the syllabus, ASA 104 is generally a liveaboard course: you’ll eat, sleep, manage, and sail on the yacht for several days.
You’ll take on real skippering responsibilities:
- 🧭 Passage planning and pilotage, Crew leadership
- ⚓ Docking, overnight anchoring, night sailing exposure (as conditions allow), emergency procedures
- ⛅ Weather interpretation and navigation
- 🧰 Boat systems, maintenance, and troubleshooting
You’ll learn through hands-on practice, with your instructor coaching you every step of the way.
Practical assessment is continuous. Towards the end of the week there is typically a written exam.
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
After completing ASA 104, you’ll be able to:
- 🧭 Skipper a 30–45 ft cruising yacht on multi-day coastal passages.
- ⚓ Plan and execute coastal passages, manage your crew, and handle your yacht with confidence to keep learning more.
- 🌍 Charter yachts — ASA 104 is widely recognised as the standard for bareboat charter.
- 📄 Apply for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) required for Mediterranean charters.
- If wishing to progress to multihulls, enroll in ASA 114 – Cruising Catamaran
It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding — the stage that puts you in a position to sail a yacht on your own.
Are you ready for it?
Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn
ASA 104 Syllabus
- Skippering a 30–45 ft cruising yacht on multi-day passages
- Coastal navigation: chart plotting, GPS operation, route planning
- Advanced sail trim and sail-handling
- Boat systems: diesel engine, electrical, plumbing, gas, bilge, galley
- Provisioning, stowage, and crew management
- Multiple-anchor techniques and overnight anchoring
- Docking, manoeuvring, and close-quarters handling
- Night sailing awareness (when conditions allow)
- Emergency operations: fire, flooding, MOB, towing
- Dinghy/tender operation and safety
- Health & safety, risk assessment, and seamanship
All ASA courses are taught by ASA-accredited schools under certified ASA instructors.
Student Story
Advanced
Coaching level. Refine your skippering with advanced techniques, extended passages, night sailing, and heavy weather preparation.
ASA 105 - Coastal Navigation Theory
ASA 105 is a shore-based navigation course that teaches you how to plan and execute safe coastal passages without relying entirely on electronics.
You’ll learn the chartwork, plotting, and decision-making skills that every skipper needs before stepping up to ASA 106 and longer coastal passages. This course can be taken in a classroom or online.
Advanced
Theory
Skill level
40 hours
Duration
None
Prerequisites
ASA 106
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
ASA 105 is ideal for sailors who:
- Want to support their practical skills with solid navigation knowledge
- Are preparing for ASA 106 – Advanced Coastal Cruising
- Want to understand charts, tides, bearings, currents, and plotting without relying solely on GPS
- Are planning longer coastal passages where traditional navigation is essential
If you want to feel confident navigating anywhere along the coast — even if the electronics fail — this is the course that gives you those tools.
📚 How to Prepare?
You don’t need to arrive with advanced navigation knowledge — ASA 105 takes you from the basics.
However, having some on-the-water experience (ideally up to ASA 103 or 104 level) makes the course far more intuitive, as you’ll recognise the situations you’re plotting on paper.
If you want to feel extra prepared, reviewing basic chart symbols can be helpful, but it’s not required.
⛵ What to Expect?
This is a theory-only course — no on-water sailing.
You’ll work through practical chart exercises and real navigation scenarios, including:
- 🗺️ Reading and interpreting nautical charts
- 🌊 Using tide & current tables
- 🧭 Bearings, fixes, and position plotting
- ➡️ Calculating dead reckoning & estimated positions
- 📐 Determining a course to steer with wind/current applied
- 🚨 Understanding navigation rules & lights
- 📚 Using key references (Light Lists, Notices to Mariners, Navigation Rules)
Assessment: written exam at the end
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
After completing ASA 105, you’ll be able to:
- Plan safe coastal passages
- Plot routes, bearings, and fixes on a chart
- Interpret tides, currents, and weather inputs
- Navigate confidently even without GPS
- Meet the navigation prerequisite for ASA 106 – Advanced Coastal Cruising
This is the navigation knowledge every skipper needs before taking responsibility for a larger passage.
Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Syllabus
Chartwork & Publications
- Chart symbols & conventions (Chart No. 1)
- Required local navigation publications
- Light lists, notices to mariners, local regulations
Navigation Tools
- Steering and handbearing compasses
- Parallel rules, protractors, dividers
- Soundings and depth interpretation
- Log usage
Tides, Currents & Calculations
- Times and heights of tides (primary & secondary ports)
- Current rates and directions
- True ↔ Magnetic ↔ Compass conversions
Plotting & Position Fixing
- Dead reckoning positions
- Estimated positions (accounting for current & leeway)
- Course to steer with current applied
- Running fixes, bearings, and transits
- Determining current from two observed positions
- Plotting a 20-mile passage with multiple legs
All ASA courses are taught by ASA-accredited schools under certified ASA instructors
ASA 106 - Advanced Coastal Cruising Practical
ASA 106 is an advanced skipper course that builds on your cruising experience to prepare you for extended coastal passages in challenging conditions. You’ll refine advanced sail handling, heavy-weather tactics, and night navigation while managing a yacht and crew over multi-day voyages.
Advanced
Skill level
5+ Days
Typical duration
ASA 105
80h sailing
Prerequisites
Extended Coastal & Night passages
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
- Skippers already confident sailing and skippering a yacht on coastal passages by day.
- Sailors preparing for more ambitious routes involving night sailing, tidal strategy, and varied weather conditions.
- Those looking to push their seamanship and decision-making to a higher level of competence.
Prerequisites: ASA 105 – Coastal Navigation (theory) and at least 80 hours of sailing experience.
This is a coaching-based course that builds on your existing skippering experience — refining your judgement, confidence, and advanced sailing skills
📚 How to Prepare?
Before starting ASA 106, you should have logged several coastal passages as skipper and feel confident with the fundamentals of navigation, seamanship, and boat handling.
To get the most from your course:
- 🗺️ Brush up on navigation
- ⚓ Get out on the water if you can, and note any gaps in your skills you’d like to refine.
- 📘 Review your ASA textbooks, particularly Bareboat Cruising Made Easy and Advanced Cruising & Seamanship.
If you’d like to make the most out of your course, we highly recommend taking an ASA 105 Coastal Navigation theory course to feel more confident and prepared.
⛵ What to Expect?
This is a liveaboard course with a focus on practical skippering and decision-making under real-world conditions.
You’ll sail longer legs — often day and night — while rotating through leadership roles aboard.
Expect to:
- ⚙️ Plan and execute extended passages with full consideration of crew, tides, and weather.
- 🌙 Navigate by night using lights, buoys, radar, and electronic aids.
- 🌊 Practice heavy-weather tactics.
- 🧭 Refine advanced sailing and boat-handling skills through hands-on drills and coaching.
You’ll receive continuous feedback, coaching, and assessment throughout. There is a written exam at the end.
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
After completing ASA 106, you’ll be able to:
- 🧭 Skipper a cruising yacht on extended coastal passages by day or night.
- ⚓ Plan, prepare, and execute multi-day voyages safely and efficiently.
- 🌊 Handle heavy-weather sailing and make calm, informed decisions under pressure.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Lead your crew with confidence and clear communication.
- 🚀 Progress toward ASA 108 – Offshore Passagemaking.
It’s a demanding but deeply rewarding course — one that gives you the tools and independence to brave the deep blue.
Ready to refine and push your skills?
Syllabus & Key skills you'll learn
ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising Syllabus
- Sail theory, balance, and advanced sail trim
- Heavy-weather seamanship and storm tactics
- Passage planning and night navigation
- Weather interpretation and forecasting
- Advanced anchoring, mooring, and rafting
- Towing and assistance procedures
- Emergency drills and damage control
- Systems knowledge and basic engineering
- Advanced boat handling under sail and power
- Navigation and watchkeeping
- Safety, etiquette, and crew management
All ASA courses are taught by ASA-accredited schools under certified ASA instructors
Student Story
Expert
Take your sailing to the highest level. Offshore passage planning & execution, astronavigation, expert skippering techniques and decision making.
ASA 107 - Celestial Navigation Theory
ASA 107 teaches you how to navigate using the sun, moon, stars, and planets.
It’s a shore-based course focused entirely on traditional ocean-navigation skills — the knowledge every offshore skipper should have before attempting ASA 108.
Expert
Theory
Skill level
40+ hours
Duration
ASA 105
Prerequisites
Astronavigation
ASA 108
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
Ideal for sailors who:
- Want the skills to navigate offshore without relying on electronics
- Are preparing for ASA 108 – Offshore Passagemaking
- Want to understand sextant use and astronavigation: sun sights, star sights, and twilight navigation
- Enjoy the challenge of mastering traditional ocean-navigation techniques
If you’re planning long-distance sailing — or want the confidence that comes from knowing you can navigate without GPS — ASA 107 is the natural next step.
📚 How to Prepare?
You don’t need previous celestial-navigation experience — ASA 107 starts from the basics.
To get the most from the course:
- 📘 Refresh your ASA 105 chartwork skills
- 🌞 Familiarize yourself with basic celestial terms.
Your school may recommend specific sextant-practice resources.
⛵ What to Expect?
ASA 107 is a theory-only course taught on land.
You’ll work through practical celestial problems and plotting exercises, including:
- 🌞 Taking and reducing star, sun, planet and moon sights.
- 🧭 Applying corrections (index error, dip, total correction)
- 🕒 Time conversions (local, GMT, zone time), compass checks
- 📐 Solving the navigational triangle
- 🗺️ Plotting celestial lines of position and advancing them
Assessment
- ✔ Celestial plotting exercises
- ✔ ASA 107 written exam
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
After completing ASA 107, you’ll be able to:
- Use the sun, stars, planets, and moon to determine your position
- Reduce sextant sights and plot accurate celestial lines of position
- Navigate safely offshore without modern electronics
- Move confidently toward ASA 108 – Offshore Passagemaking
Syllabus & Key skills
ASA 107 Celestial Navigation Syllabus
- 🕒 Time conversions: GMT ↔ zone time ↔ longitude
- 🌞 Sun-sight reductions and meridian passage
- 🌙 Reducing star, moon, and planet sights
- 📐 Correcting sextant altitudes (index, dip, total correction)
- 🧭 Solving the navigational triangle
- 🗺️ Plotting & advancing celestial LOPs
- ⛵ Sun-run-sun running fixes
- 🚨 Compass error by celestial bearing
All ASA courses are taught by ASA-accredited schools under certified ASA instructors
ASA 108 - Offshore Passagemaking Practical
ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking is the expert-level qualification in the ASA cruising pathway — the final step for advanced sailors ready to take their skills beyond the coastline and into true blue-water sailing.
You’ll learn how to plan and execute offshore passages over several hundred miles, manage your vessel and crew at sea for extended periods, and navigate using both modern and traditional celestial methods.
Expert
Skill level
4-7 Days
Typical duration
ASA 106 + 107
Prerequisites
Ocean Sailing
Enables
👉 Who is it for?
- Skippers who are confident in their coastal sailing skills and want to gain true offshore competencies.
- Sailors preparing for ocean passages, delivery work, or extended bluewater cruising.
- Those aiming to apply and refine their celestial navigation skills at sea.
ASA 108 completes your sailing skillset — equipping you with the confidence and knowledge to brave the open ocean.
Prerequisites: ASA 106 & 107 Competencies.
📚 How to Prepare?
Before enrolling, you should have experience skippering multi-day coastal passages and a working knowledge of celestial navigation.
To get the most from your course:
- 🧭 Review your ASA 107 – Celestial Navigation theory and practice sight reductions.
- ⚓ Sharpen your advanced sailing skills — get out on the water if you can before your course.
- 📘 Study your USCG Navigation Rules & Regulations Handbook
Prior to the practical course, you’ll need a solid theoretical grasp of Celestial Navigation.
If unsure, we highly recommend taking the ASA 107 Celestial Navigation theory course beforehand.
⛵ What to Expect?
This is a liveaboard offshore course, including a continuous passage of more than 100 NM and 72 hours at sea without touching land.
You’ll plan, execute, and manage a real offshore voyage as part of a small crew, rotating between skipper and crew roles.
Expect to:
- 🗺️ Plan and conduct an offshore passage — considering weather, vessel readiness, crew management, and provisioning.
- 🌙 Stand watches by day and night, maintaining logbooks and navigation records, including celestial fixes and heading checks.
- ⚙️ Prepare for and respond to emergencies such as equipment failure, fire, dismasting, man overboard, or abandoning ship.
- 🌊 Manage sail plans and heavy-weather tactics throughout offshore conditions.
Your instructor will coach and assess you continuously during the passage — focusing on seamanship, leadership, and sound judgement at sea. There is a written exam towards the end.
🗺️ What does it Enable you to do?
After completing ASA 108, you’ll be able to:
- 🧭 Plan and skipper offshore and ocean passages.
- ⚓ Apply celestial and electronic navigation confidently at sea.
- 🌊 Lead bluewater cruising adventures with full command of your vessel and crew.
It’s the capstone of the ASA cruising program — proof of the knowledge, confidence, and skill it takes to sail our ocean planet.
Ready to take your skills beyond the horizon?
Syllabus & Key skills
ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking syllabus
- Offshore passage planning and great-circle routing
- Voyage preparation, vessel selection, and provisioning for long passages
- Offshore safety management and emergency procedures
- Watchkeeping systems and crew organization
- Medical preparedness and first aid at sea
- Food storage, cooking, and galley safety underway
- Advanced celestial navigation
- Navigation rules and international distress signals
- Jury rigging, lightning strike, MOB, and abandonment procedures
- Offshore communication and survival equipment
- Leadership, crew welfare, and fatigue management
All ASA courses are taught by ASA-accredited schools under certified ASA instructors
Student Story
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ASA | Frequently asked questions
Are ASA sailing courses recognized internationally?
For the most part, yes.
There’s no single “global sailing licence,” but ASA qualifications are widely recognised in many parts of the world — particularly in North America, the Caribbean, and much of Europe.
Completing ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising makes you eligible to apply for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), accepted by charter companies in Greece, Croatia, Spain, France, Turkey, and other popular destinations.
Recognition still varies by country and operator, so always confirm local requirements before you charter.
How does the ASA ensure instructor quality?
ASA instructors are certified professionals who’ve demonstrated both exceptional sailing ability and the skill to teach others effectively.
To qualify, instructors must meet strict ASA Instructor Standards, attend an Instructor Qualification Clinic (IQC), and pass practical and theoretical evaluations at a much higher level than the courses they’ll teach.
Do I need to take a theory course?
Not strictly — but you do need to have the theoretical knowledge at the same level as the course you’re taking.
For example, ASA offers online theory courses to help you prepare for practical levels like ASA 103 and 104.
Some higher-level theory courses, such as ASA 105 (Coastal Navigation) and ASA 107 (Celestial Navigation), are formal prerequisites for their corresponding practical courses (ASA 106 and ASA 108) and need to be completed to receive the corresponding certification.
Taking the theory beforehand ensures you arrive ready to focus on real-world sailing skills — making your time on the water more effective and rewarding.
Do I need to ‘do every step’ and take all courses in order (e.g., ASA 101 before 103)?
Not necessarily — but each course has official ASA prerequisites.
If you already have the required sailing experience, you can “challenge” a prerequisite course rather than retaking material you already know.
For example, if your skills already match ASA 101 – Basic Keelboat, you can challenge that level when enrolling in ASA 103 – Coastal Cruising.
Challenging a course usually involves:
A written exam based on the official ASA textbook for that level.
A practical skills assessment with an ASA-certified instructor.
An administrative or challenge fee, set by the school.
It’s a practical way for experienced sailors to receive ASA certification that matches their real-world skills — without repeating earlier courses.
Requirements and fees vary slightly between schools, so always check with the ASA training centre you plan to book with.
How long are ASA sailing licences valid for?
ASA certifications never expire.
Once earned, your ASA qualification is valid for life.
The only exception is the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), which must be renewed every five years to remain valid for international charter use.
Can I use ASA sailing licenses professionally?
Not directly — ASA certifications are recreational only.
They don’t qualify you to take paying passengers or work as a professional captain, charter skipper, or delivery skipper.
If your goal is to work commercially in the US, you’ll need a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) captain’s license — typically the OUPV “Six-Pack” or Master 25/50/100 GRT credential. These are federal licenses that require documented sea time, medical and background checks, and passing the USCG exams. USCG licenses are theory-only examinations. For the “sailing endorsement,” the USCG requires a practical verification by a USCG-approved certifier.
That said, ASA courses are an excellent foundation — they help you build the seamanship and experience you’ll need when applying for a professional license.
We’re preparing a full Find a Sail guide to professional sailing licenses soon — keep an eye out and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when it’s published!
Can I get an ICC (International Certificate of Competency) through the ASA? What is an IPC?
No — ASA cannot issue the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) because only countries that have signed the United Nations Resolution 40 can do so, and the United States is not a signatory.
Instead, ASA created the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) — a document recognised by many European charter companies as proof that you have the skills and qualifications needed to safely operate a charter yacht.
While the IPC isn’t an official equivalent of the ICC, it serves a similar practical purpose in many destinations such as Greece, Spain, Croatia, France, and Turkey.
We’ll be publishing a full guide to ICCs, IPCs, and international charter requirements soon — so sign up for our newsletter to get notified when it’s live.
What sailing license do I need to charter a yacht?
Requirements vary around the world, but as a rule of thumb, ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising (or higher) is widely accepted by charter companies, especially in North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe.
If you plan to charter in the Mediterranean or other European destinations, it’s recommended to hold an ASA International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) alongside your ASA 104. The IPC helps demonstrate your competence where the ICC is normally required.
Many charter companies — particularly outside Europe — will ask for a sailing résumé in addition to a license. Be sure to log your sea time and keep track of your experience so you can provide an accurate sailing history.
Many countries also require a VHF/SRC radio operator certificate for the skipper or a crew member.
Requirements differ by country and charter operator, so always confirm the details before you book your trip.
We’ll soon publish a full Find a Sail guide to charter license requirements around the world — keep an eye on your inbox and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when it’s out!
Where can I take ASA sailing courses?
Where can I take ASA courses?
The American Sailing Association has one of the largest international networks of sailing schools, with over 400 accredited locations worldwide.
Most ASA schools are based in the United States, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia, but you’ll also find them in Mexico, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and the South Pacific.
The same standards and certifications apply globally, though local sailing conditions may differ — offering a great way to broaden your experience while exploring new waters.
Are there any other ASA boating courses?
Yes — ASA offers a wide range of recreational sailing certifications and endorsements beyond the core pathway we’ve covered here.
Some of the highlighted programs include:
ASA Certifications & Endorsements
- ASA 101 – Keelboat Sailing 1
- ASA 102 – Keelboat Sailing 2
- ASA 103 – Coastal Cruising
- ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising
- ASA 105 – Coastal Navigation
- ASA 106 – Advanced Coastal Cruising
- ASA 107 – Celestial Navigation
- ASA 108 – Offshore Passagemaking
- ASA 110 – Small Boat Sailing
- ASA 114 – Cruising Catamaran
- ASA 116 – Dinghy & Outboard Endorsement
- ASA 117 – Celestial Endorsement
- ASA 118 – Docking Endorsement
- ASA 119 – Marine Weather Endorsement
- ASA 120 – Radar Endorsement
For the full list and details of each certification, see the official ASA page: ASA Certifications
Are ASA courses always liveaboard, or can they be taught as day sailing?
Not all ASA courses are liveaboard. The format depends on the level and on how each school chooses to deliver training — but here’s the clear rule of thumb:
ASA 101 & 102 — Day sailing
These are entry-level keelboat courses and are always taught as day sails on small keelboats.
ASA 103 — Usually day-sailing or short liveaboard
Schools often run ASA 103 as either:
- day sails over 2–3 days, or
- the first part of a combined 103/104 liveaboard.
There is no ASA requirement for 103 to be liveaboard.
ASA 104 — Typically liveaboard
ASA 104 requires students to:
- operate a full cruising yacht,
- anchor overnight, and
- work with onboard systems.
While ASA does not explicitly mandate sleeping aboard, the required skills make liveaboard delivery the industry norm, and nearly every school teaches it this way.
ASA 106 & 108 — Must include overnight sailing
These advanced courses include:
- night navigation,
- night watches,
- multi-day passages, and
- extended vessel/crew management.
To meet ASA standards, 106 and 108 must be run as liveaboard multi-day courses with overnight passages.
In practice:
- 101–102 → day sailing
- 103 & 104 → almost always liveaboard
- 106 & 108 → require overnight sailing to meet standards
Delivery style still varies slightly by school, but once you reach 104, expect to spend several days living aboard the yacht.
How long are ASA courses? Is there a minimum number of days or hours?
ASA does not mandate a fixed duration for most courses. Schools have flexibility in how they run each level, as long as students meet the official ASA standards for that certification.
That said, there are clear industry norms you can rely on:
ASA 101 & 102 — usually 2 days each
Entry-level keelboat courses are commonly taught over a weekend or across several day-sails.
ASA 103 — around 2–3 days
Coastal Cruising may be taught on its own or as the first half of a combined 103/104 liveaboard.
ASA 104 — typically 3–5+ days (often a liveaboard trip)
Bareboat Cruising requires system checks, provisioning, night anchoring and emergency drills.
Because of this, schools almost always schedule 3–5+ day liveaboard courses.
In cruising destinations (Caribbean, Mexico, Med), 103/104 is frequently offered as a week-long “cruise and learn” holiday.
ASA 106 — usually 4–6 days
Advanced Coastal Cruising includes night navigation and extended passages, so most schools allocate 4–6 days.
ASA 108 — the only course with a strict passage requirement
To meet ASA standards, every student must complete:
at least 72 hours at sea, and
a minimum 100 NM passage without touching land.
This typically results in 4+ day offshore courses.
In summary
ASA leaves scheduling to the schools (except for the 108 passage requirements).
From ASA 103 onward, courses often run as multi-day trips.
In many destinations, the 103/104 combination is offered as a week-long liveaboard experience.
What is the typical student-to-instructor ratio?
ASA does not mandate a fixed instructor-to-student ratio.
The actual limit depends on two factors:
The instructor’s USCG licence
Most ASA instructors hold an OUPV (“Six-Pack”) licence, which legally limits them to six paying passengers on board.
The size and safety limits of the training boat
Schools typically keep numbers lower so students get meaningful time on the helm.
What to expect
Most courses run with 3–5 students per instructor, with 6 being the upper legal limit in most cases.
The maximum number of students for each course is listed in every Find a Sail course description.
Do ASA courses have written exams or practical exams?
Yes — every ASA certification level includes an exam component.
Written exams
All ASA courses include a written test based on the official ASA textbook for that level.
This applies even at the entry levels (101 and 102).
Practical assessment
For practical courses (101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 108), instructors also assess your on-the-water skills throughout the course.
Some schools run a dedicated skills check at the end; others assess continuously as you sail.
Theory-only courses
ASA 105 (Coastal Navigation) and ASA 107 (Celestial Navigation) are written exam only.
Summary
Expect a written test at every level, and hands-on skills evaluation for all practical courses.
What’s the difference between ASA and a USCG captain’s license?
ASA certifications are recreational sailing qualifications.
They teach you how to sail safely and confidently — but they do not allow you to take paying passengers or work commercially.
A USCG captain’s licence is a professional credential issued by the United States Coast Guard.
It’s required for anyone carrying passengers for hire in U.S. waters.
ASA
Recreational training
Focus on seamanship, boat handling, navigation, and skippering
No legal authority to operate commercially
Great preparation for gaining experience and sea time
USCG
Professional licence (OUPV “Six-Pack,” Master 25/50/100 GRT, etc.)
Requires documented sea time, medical & background checks, drug screening
Includes federal examinations
Needed for charter, instruction, deliveries, or carrying paying passengers
Summary
ASA teaches the skills; USCG licences grant the legal authority.
ASA courses are an excellent foundation if you plan to pursue a professional pathway later.
Is night sailing included in ASA courses?
Yes — at the higher levels.
Where night sailing is required
ASA 106 – Advanced Coastal Cruising: includes night navigation and night sailing as part of the standards.
ASA 108 – Offshore Passagemaking: requires day/night watches during the 72-hour offshore passage.
Where it may occur but isn’t strictly required
ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising: usually includes at least one night at anchor, but not necessarily sailing underway.
Early levels
ASA 101–103: day sailing only.
Summary
Night sailing begins at ASA 106 and becomes essential at ASA 108.
Are any ASA courses taught on a catamaran?
Yes. ASA has a dedicated multihull course:
ASA 114 – Cruising Catamaran
This course teaches how to handle and skipper a cruising catamaran, covering multihull-specific manoeuvres, docking, sail trim, and safety considerations.
Prerequisites: ASA 101, 103, and 104.
Can other ASA courses be taken on a catamaran?
Sometimes.
Some schools use catamarans for ASA 104–108, especially in the Caribbean or other multihull-heavy fleets.
This varies by school and depends on the boats they operate.
Summary
Catamaran training is available — either through the dedicated ASA 114 course or on select 104+ courses where schools choose to teach using multihulls.
Does ASA include VHF/SRC radio certification?
This FAQ will be updated once we receive official clarification.
What are ASA challenge exams, and who can skip prerequisites?
Yes — if you already have the skills, you can “challenge” an ASA level instead of taking the full course.
A challenge exam allows experienced sailors to skip prerequisite courses by proving they already meet the required standard.
How a challenge exam works
You complete:
A written exam for that ASA level (based on the official ASA textbook), and
A practical skills assessment with an ASA-certified instructor.
If you pass both, the school can issue the certification for that level.
Important to know
You must still meet all official prerequisites to receive the next certification.
(Example: You can challenge ASA 101 → enroll in ASA 103 → but you won’t receive the ASA 103 seal until you hold the ASA 101 certification, whether earned through challenge or full course.)Schools set their own challenge fees and processes.
Not every school offers challenge exams — check before booking.
Summary
If you already sail at the level you’re trying to certify, a challenge exam is a fast, practical way to progress without repeating material.
Can ASA courses be combined or taken as part of a holiday?
Yes. Many ASA schools combine courses, especially at the cruising levels, and some offer them as week-long “cruise and learn” trips.
Common combinations
ASA 101 + 102 — often taught together over a long weekend.
ASA 103 + 104 — frequently delivered as a multi-day liveaboard or a full week-long sailing holiday, especially in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Mediterranean.
Higher-level courses
ASA 106 and ASA 108 include night sailing and extended passages, so they are naturally run as multi-day liveaboard trips.
They can sometimes be paired with 105/107 theory courses but are rarely combined with other practical levels.
Summary
Yes — many ASA courses can be combined, and from the cruising levels onward it’s common to take them as part of a longer sailing trip.
What is the minimum age for ASA courses?
ASA does not publish a strict minimum age for its certifications.
To be confirmed
We are awaiting official clarification from ASA on whether they recommend minimum ages for any specific certification levels.
This FAQ will be updated once confirmation is received.
Written by Patrik Lindr, sailing instructor & co-founder of Find a Sail.
This guide was prepared using official ASA standards and ASA documentation, with additional clarification provided in conversation with ASA representatives.
To the best of our knowledge, all information is accurate and will be updated as ASA publishes new guidance.
Please always check specific course details with the school you book with.