Who is this Course for?

• Safety at Sea Courses are for everyone:  Cruisers, Power Boaters & Sailboat Racers

• Crew members of long-distance and international offshore races (ex. Chicago Mac Race), long-distance cruisers, or persons requiring the International Offshore certificate that complies with World Sailing guidelines for Personal Safety (World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Appendix G compliant).

 Why take a US Sailing Safety at Sea Course?

• Ever wonder what you would do if someone fell overboard from your boat?

• Do you have a plan to deal with heavy weather if you can’t reach a safe harbor?
• Are you interested in selecting the right emergency communications equipment or storm sails, but you’re not sure what to buy?
• US Sailing is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Sailing and the only organization in the United States sanctioned by World Sailing to issue Safety at Sea certificates.
• This event is a US Sailing certified International Safety at Sea course and all participants will be issued a Safety at Sea certificate.

 Safety at Sea Course Facts

• The Safety at Sea certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue.

• Moderated and taught by experienced, lifelong sailors who include some of the top names in sailing and safety.
• Appropriate for a wide range of boats and experience levels — small, big, monohulls, multihulls (and powerboats, too) — that are sailed and operated anywhere — nearshore and offshore.
• Sanctioned with the approved curriculum by US Sailing, with special attention to conditions and challenges of the host organization’s sailing area.
• More than 2,500 sailors attend safety courses around North America every year and many bring their families and crews.

Step 1: Online Training Prerequisite

To receive a certification you MUST have completed US Sailing's Offshore Safety at Sea online course and provide their certificate of completion before attending. The prerequisite for most people is the "Offshore" course covering 14 topics (1-15) to receive the US Sailing International Safety at Sea with a hands-on training certificate.

***Please note, you must take your hands-on course within 365 days of completing the online course to receive your International Offshore Certificate. ***

US Sailing Members receive a discount on these courses by using the discount code found in your "My US Sailing: account number under Member Coupons.  

The online course covers a broad range of material. There is an examination after each of the topics and at the end of the course. A hard copy textbook that condenses the online course material will be available when you arrive for the hands-on day.

You must complete the online course at least 3 days before the in-person part of the course so it can be available in the US Sailing database as being completed. If not, you will not be able to attend the hands-on day. 

Register for the US Sailing Safety at Sea Course 1-15 here.

Step 2: Hands-On Training

The hands-on training is a full day, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. You will be indoors and outdoors so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Major Topics Covered

• Lessons Learned and Updates

• Damage Control and Handling Leaks
• Firefighting
• Emergency and Safety Equipment
• Emergency Signaling (Flares)
• PFDs, Water Survival, and Life Rafts
• • You will be entering the water (pool) with your foul weather gear and PFD to experience the inflation and use of PFD. You will learn the best ways to work as a team and fight hypothermia.
  • You will practice righting, boarding, and working as a crew in a life raft.
• Bring your inflatable device (PFD) and tether (These items are required for the course).

What to Bring

• Set of foul weather gear (jacket, pants, boots/shoes)
  
• A change of clothes
• Bath towel
• Duffle for your wet gear
• Inflatable PFD (You can fly with your PFD - Guidelines available here.)

Showers will be available.