RYA Sailing Instructor (dinghy)

Instructors teaching the National Sailing Scheme need to be qualified for the type of boat in which they teach, ie dinghies, small keelboats or multihulls. In addition the instructor certificate is endorsed to show whether you are qualified to teach on inland or coastal waters.

Role:

The instructor is a competent, experienced sailor capable of sailing a training boat in strong winds and handling small powerboats. The instructor has been assessed as competent to teach adults and children, beginners and improvers. See the 'who teaches what' link for exact details.

Although responsible for teaching individuals and small groups, the instructor has not been assessed as competent in running a sailing centre, and should always work under the supervision of an RYA Senior instructor (for dinghy and multihull courses) or the chief instructor of a keelboat training centre.

Eligibility:

Prior to the course candidates must fulfil the following requirements:

-    Minimum age 16;

-    Valid first aid certificate: either the RYA first aid course or one recognised by the Health and Safety Executive, covering the treatment of hypothermia and a minimum of six hours course length;

-    RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate;

-    Pre-entry sailing assessment completed within 1 year prior to the instructor training course.

Training:

Training in teaching techniques afloat and ashore is provided during the instructor training course, which is staffed by RYA Coach/Assessors. The course will be based on a five-day week or 50 hours, but may take the form of a number of weekends, single days or sessions. Courses run on a protracted basis may take slightly longer than 50 hours to allow for revision time.

Moderation/Assessment:

The moderation will usually take place on the final day of the course and will be carried out by a Coach/Assessor who has not been involved in training the candidate. Candidates will be required to demonstrate competence in course preparation, delivery and management, as well as customer liaison.

Certificate validity:

Instructor certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained. Use the link above to download a revalidation form.

Keelboat/Multihull endorsements:

Candidates who complete their instructor course in dinghies, but who want to teach in small keelboats or multihulls should obtain the relevant endorsement. Endorsement courses are run over two days by Coach/Assessors with the relevant experience who have been appointed by the RYA. During the course candidates must demonstrate their pre-entry test skills and teaching techniques. Candidates will be assessed on a continuous basis afloat and successful completion the course organiser will sign their logbook.