ASA vs RYA vs IYT
At Find a Sail, we list sailing courses with schools who certify through three of the world’s most recognized sailing associations and schemes — the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), American Sailing Association (ASA), and International Yacht Training (IYT).
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Which sailing certification is right for you?
Choosing which association to learn to sail with is an important decision in your sailing journey, and when you’re just getting started, it can be challenging to distinguish which is right for you. In this article, we’re aiming to support you in making an informed decision and choosing which association makes sense for your sailing goals.
If you’ve taken our sailing roadmap quiz, you’re likely wondering why we didn’t match you to an association in addition to your level. Put simply, because this decision is so nuanced and unique to you. It depends on where you live, where you want to sail, and what your goals are — whether that’s chartering for leisure, advancing your seamanship, or pursuing a professional path.
Each of these associations offers high-quality sailing training that can help you become a confident, capable sailor. Our aim here isn’t to pick a “winner,” but to give you the facts — where each primarily operates, how their qualifications are recognized, and which sailing goals match best with their pathway.
Course Progression
See how sailing courses compare and progress across associations.
|
Levels →
Associations ↓ |
Beginner Crew Skills |
Intermediate Skipper Skills |
Advanced Skipper Coaching |
Expert Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RYA | Competent Crew | Day Skipper | Coastal Skipper | Yachtmaster |
| ASA | ASA 101 & 102 | ASA 103 & 104 | ASA 106 | ASA 108 |
| IYT | International Crew | International Bareboat Skipper | Yachtmaster Coastal | Yachtmaster Offshore & Ocean |
RYA - Royal Yachting Association
|
Beginner Crew Skills |
Intermediate Skipper Skills |
Advanced Coaching |
Expert Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYA Competent Crew | RYA Day Skipper | RYA Coastal Skipper | RYA Yachtmaster |
- Origins: Founded in 1875 in the UK with a long maritime tradition and a structured, highly regarded training framework.
- Recognition of certifications: Broadly recognized, with a strong global reputation for rigorous instruction and seamanship standards. The RYA offers a comprehensive range of sailing courses from beginner to advanced levels.
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence) availability: Automatically available for Day Skipper and above — no extra testing if trained at an RYA school. You must complete an application providing proof of your recognised qualification.
- Great for: Sailors in the UK and Europe or those seeking broadly recognized qualifications — recreational or professional.
- Typical course locations: The RYA has a near-global presence — particularly in the UK and Europe, as well as in the Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, South Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and a handful of schools in North America.
- Professional opportunities: Yes — RYA Yachtmaster and above can be commercially endorsed for paid sailing work, including roles as a sailing instructor or skippered charter captain.
ASA - American Sailing Association
| Beginner Crew Skills |
Intermediate Skipper Skills |
Advanced Skipper Coaching |
Expert Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASA 101 & 102 | ASA 103 & 104 | ASA 106 | ASA 108 |
- Origins: U.S.-based organization founded in 1983 and created to make sailing education more accessible and standardized for recreational sailors.
- Recognition of certifications: Widely recognised in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico and beyond. Mostly recognised in Europe but dependent on the individual charter company.
- ICC availability: The ASA cannot issue the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) because US is not a signatory to the standard. Instead, ASA created the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) to serve a similar purpose for sailors chartering in Europe.
- Great for: Sailors based in North America or those who want a clear, step-by-step recreational learning path.
- Typical course locations: 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.
- Professional opportunities: Not directly — sailors intending to be professional captains must obtain a U.S. Coast Guard license (OUPV or Master).
IYT - International Yacht Training
| Beginner Crew Skills |
Intermediate Skipper Skills |
Advanced Coaching |
Expert Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Crew | International Bareboat Skipper | Yachtmaster Coastal | Yachtmaster Offshore & Ocean |
- Origins: Established in 1997 to create a globally recognized system that bridges recreational and professional training.
- Recognition of certifications: Broadly recognized across both recreational and professional certifications.
- ICC availability: Issued directly to qualified students, who have earned International Bareboat Skipper level. Built into many IYT course packages.
- Great for: Sailors seeking flexible, internationally portable training — whether for leisure charters or professional qualifications.
- Typical course locations: IYT has a global network of partner schools — particularly strong in North America (including the Caribbean and Canada), Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Australia.
- Professional opportunities: Yes — IYT offers commercial routes that are separate from their recreational scheme (e.g. Master of Yachts certifications). Recreational certifications cannot be used for professional work.
So which sailing association is right for you?
Now that you know a little more about each association, is the RYA, ASA or IYT right for you? While there isn’t a one size fits all answer to this, here are four questions we believe can really help you to narrow it down fast:
1. Where are you located and/or where will you do most of your sailing?
2. How far are you willing to travel for your course? Are you looking for sailing courses near you or are you willing to travel for destination training?
3. Where do you need your training to be recognized? (i.e. for chartering)
4. Do you plan on working in the yachting industry professionally i.e. as a hired skipper, sailing instructor or delivery captain?
Ready to find your sailing course?
Whether you decide to go with RYA sailing courses, ASA sailing classes, or IYT training, Find a Sail connects you with certified schools worldwide.
Browse sailing courses near you or explore destination training in popular locations worldwide.
Not sure which sailing course is right for you?
Frequently asked questions
Are all of these sailing certifications recognized internationally?
Generally, yes — all three associations offer internationally recognized sailing certifications, though there’s no single universal “global sailing license.”
RYA, ASA, and IYT qualifications are each widely accepted, but with some regional differences:
- RYA certifications are among the most broadly recognized worldwide, with particularly strong acceptance in Europe, the UK, Commonwealth countries, and the Mediterranean. RYA Day Skipper and above qualifies you to obtain an ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
- ASA qualifications are widely recognized throughout North America, the Caribbean, and much of Europe. ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising qualifies you to apply for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), which is accepted by charter companies in Greece, Croatia, Spain, France, Turkey, and other popular Mediterranean destinations.
- IYT certifications are widely recognized worldwide thanks to multiple governmental approvals, including the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the US Coast Guard (USCG). IYT International Bareboat Skipper qualifies you to obtain an ICC.
Important: Recognition can still vary between countries, regions, and individual charter operators. Always check the specific requirements of your charter company before booking, as they may have their own certification preferences or additional requirements.
Which sailing certification do I need to charter a yacht?
Sailing certification requirements vary by location and charter company, but here’s what you typically need:
Minimum qualifications:
- ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising (or higher) is widely accepted by charter companies, especially in North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe
- RYA Day Skipper (or higher) is widely accepted, particularly in the Mediterranean and European destinations
- IYT International Bareboat Skipper (or higher) is widely accepted globally
For Mediterranean and European charters:
Most charter companies in Greece, Croatia, Spain, Italy, and similar destinations will require or strongly prefer:
- An ICC (International Certificate of Competence) if you hold RYA or IYT qualifications
- An IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) if you hold ASA qualifications
For more challenging cruising areas:
Some charter operators may prefer higher qualifications like RYA Coastal Skipper or IYT Yachtmaster Coastal.
Additional requirements:
- Sailing résumé/logbook: Many charter companies (particularly outside Europe) will ask for documentation of your sailing experience. Keep detailed logs of your sea time, vessels sailed, and conditions experienced.
- VHF/SRC Radio Operator Certificate: Many countries require this for the skipper or at least one crew member.
Always confirm requirements directly with your charter company before booking, as policies vary between operators and destinations.
We’ll soon publish a comprehensive Find a Sail guide to charter certification requirements around the world — subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when it’s available.
Which sailing association is the best? RYA, ASA or IYT?
There’s no single “best” sailing association — all three offer high-quality sailing training and are the most widely recognized worldwide for good reason.
The right choice depends on your specific circumstances and goals:
- Where you’re located or plan to sail most often
- Whether you need professional certification or recreational training
- Where you need your qualifications recognized (for chartering or work)
- The availability of sailing courses in your preferred locations
Consider which association aligns best with your sailing plans and where quality sailing schools are accessible to you.
Instructor quality matters. A great instructor at an RYA, ASA, or IYT school will provide excellent training. When choosing a sailing course, look for experienced instructors, well-maintained boats, and positive reviews.
Are there any other sailing associations you have not mentioned here?
Yes, there are several other sailing certification organizations, and most countries also have their own national sailing governing bodies (such as Sail Canada, Australian Sailing, or US Sailing).
However, RYA, ASA, and IYT clearly stand out for their international recognition, consistent training standards, and broad acceptance by many charter companies. That’s why Find a Sail focuses on connecting sailors with certified schools from these three associations — to ensure you have access to the highest quality sailing training, wherever you choose to learn or charter.
What is an ICC or IPC, and do I need one?
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is a document that proves you’re qualified to operate a pleasure craft, primarily required for chartering in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Who can get an ICC:
- RYA and IYT can issue ICCs if you hold Day Skipper/Bareboat Skipper qualifications (or higher) — but only if you’re a UK national/resident OR your country hasn’t signed UN Resolution 40 (see which countries have signed)
- If you’re both a national AND resident of a Resolution 40 country, you must obtain your ICC through your own national sailing authority
- ASA cannot issue the ICC but offers the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) instead, which many Mediterranean charter companies accept.
Do you need one?
- Mediterranean/Europe: Usually required or strongly preferred by charter companies
- Caribbean/Americas: Typically not required
- Always confirm with your specific charter company before booking
Do I actually need a sailing certification to sail?
It depends on what you want to do. In many places—including the UK, US, and Caribbean—you don’t legally need a certification to sail your own private yacht recreationally. However, if you want to charter a bareboat (rent a yacht without crew), you’ll almost always need recognized certification, especially in popular sailing destinations like the Mediterranean.
Beyond legal requirements, proper training is essential. Certification gives you the skills to handle different conditions safely, builds confidence, and opens doors to charter opportunities worldwide. Whether legally required or not, learning from qualified sailing instructors is the best way to become a competent, safe sailor. So, while you might not always need certification by law, getting trained through a recognized association like RYA, ASA, or IYT is the smart choice for anyone serious about sailing.
