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Frequently
Asked Questions!
Question:
Why
should I take a sailing or power boating course?
Answer:
Because, you will be taught the correct and safe way to operate a
vessel. This includes learning the 'rules of the road', how to
interpret maritime 'road' signs and how to navigate, using marine
charts and tide tables.
Also at least one person,
from the party chartering a vessel, must show recognized credentials
before most companies or individuals will "Bareboat"
charter a vessel.
Question:
Wouldn't my Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate allow
me to bareboat charter a yacht?
Answer:
Not without documented proof of operating experience. The PCOC is
obtained by some study and successfully writing a moderately simple
examination. It requires no actual on the water documented
experience. The hands on experience acquired while taking a
Freestyle Sailing course meets this requirement.
Question:
What
is a "Cruise and Learn", a "Cruise and Learn"
Course or a "Cruise 'N' Learn" Vacation?
Answer:
It
is a program delivery method used, mostly, by Sailing Schools to
provide certified training courses to persons who are interested in
learning to sail. The students live on and learn about operating the
vessel while under the tutelage of a certified instructor. The
length of the course can vary according to the type of certification
sought. This experience simulates spending your vacation as the
Skipper or capable crew on a "Bareboat" charter. Towards
the end of the training you demonstrate your new skills and undergo
a written examination. Successful completion of those tests result
in proficiency certification.
Question:
Why
don't you show a course itinerary on your web site?
Answer:
It
is difficult to outline an actual itinerary because there are so
many variables involved. The weather, the wind and the level of
experience of the students all contribute. You can be assured that
all skills required for the appropriate certificate are taught and
are practiced during the course. As ISPA and CYA certified
instructors, we are obligated to ensure that the students that we
certify have received the appropriate training and have passed the
required examinations.
Question:
How
will we be assessed for our certification?
Answer:
You
are assessed as you learn and practice sailing skills. There is also
a written examination at the end of each course.
Question:
What is a "Bareboat" charter?
Answer:
When
you rent a yacht or boat from someone and you have absolute command
and control of the vessel for the rental period, it is termed to be
a "Bareboat" charter. Usually the terms of the charter
will be set out by the charter company and insurance requirements.
Question:
Who
develops the training programs and certifies Instructors?
Answer:
In Canada, there are three well known organizations who provide
instructor training and certification. They are the Canadian
Yachting Association, the International Sailing and Power
Association and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons.
The power squadron courses are classroom
based.
The CYA and ISPA have
developed classroom and on the water training programs for instructors and students that are
recognized world wide. The programs are delivered to the public by
affiliated schools and instructors, on a commercial basis.
The Canadian Power and Sail
Squadron is a member based
organization that provides land based classroom training to their members. Most members of the CPSS own their own vessels.
 
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