How to Get a Sailing License (Plus a Few Tips for Your Seafaring Adventures)
Set sail for the open waters and have incredible seafaring adventures. Get a start through this guide sharing how to get a sailing license (plus a few tips).
The art of sailing on the high seas is a practice that's older than humans. It wasn't homo sapiens (i.e. us) that invented it. Rather, it was pre-human hominids around half a million years ago.
Alas, you can't just hop in a boat and sail around the world. You need to obey international law and get your sailing license. If you are just starting out, how do you establish your sailing credentials and get proper sailing certification?
In this bite-size guide, we teach you how to take what sailing experience you have and get accreditation for it.
Start With a Sailing Program
The easiest way to begin is with a sailing or boating program of some kind. This is ideal if you are a brand-new beginner with absolutely no skin in the game. Even if you do know the basics, this is a good place to start before you reserve your mooring at OnBuoy.
A sailing program will walk you through the theory and science of sailing. This includes all the nomenclature for referring to the boat, commandeering it, and handling all its quirks. You'll also discuss physics, weather systems, as well as the underpinnings of celestial navigation.
Naturally, you will also spend some time taking part in the hands-on sailing experience. Casting off, dropping sails, and so on. A comprehensive course may conclude with a test that gives you your sailing certification.
Choose a Recognized Sailing License
Of course, you don't just want to give your money to the first chap who claims they can make you seaworthy. Make sure the license you are securing holds weight in your particular jurisdiction.
First, you likely want your State Boater License Card from the American Sailing Association. This will allow you to tack around at home in your local rivers and lakes. Each state is different, so check the requirements where you live.
All of that changes once you go international, such as if you want to coast the Mediterranean. In that case, you'll need the Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) certification. Regardless of your training and pedigree, this will require you to undergo a six-day course and obtain a certificate of competence.
Owning a Boat
The next step is to find your own sea mistress to conquer the waves. Choose a boat based on what activity you will be doing the most.
If you'll be fishing in lakes and rivers, a pontoon will do just fine. But if you'll be speed boarding and deep-sea fishing, then a larger deck boat would be ideal.
Keep in mind that for any ship that's big enough, you'll need your own mooring berth at a pier. You'll be in charge of paying maintenance and keeping dues to the pier authority. You'll also be responsible for checking up on the ship from time to time for maintenance, even if not using it.
Start Sailing Today
Obtaining your sailing license opens you to the magical world of commandeering a ship -- whether at your local pond or on the great ocean. Once you receive the required training and accreditation, you'll need to choose the correct sailing license for your state or intended destination. Then you'll be free to own a boat and feel the sea breeze in your hair.
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