ASA sailing course protocols

[Hokuao]

Hi there,
I signed up for an ASA 114 in Sea of Cortez. The course will begin in early April and I have just learned there will be a 5 year old on the boat. Is it acceptable to have non-students on an ASA course? I have taken several ASA courses and young children have never been on the boats. Thoughts anyone?

[JoeRobertJr]

Hi, Hokuao, and to the forum.
If you have concerns, I recommend taking them up with the school. I can see how it might be a distraction for the parent of the child, but I would not expect it to be an issue for other students nor the instructor.

[belizesailor]

There is nothing in ASA guidelines that prohibits non-students from being aboard.

Whether a small child is a distraction depends a lot upon the instructor and the situation. I used to run a lot of family charters that included both students and non-students. Some of these charters included small childern. We made it clear to the guests that tending to the children was their responsibility (whether or not ASA training was involved). One group even brought along young family members to baby sit during class sessions.

Bottom line is that it is not prohibited and it can be managed well.

I suggest you take up your concern with the school directly.



(Former ASA School Owner)

[Island Time O25]

I've taken my ASA courses 25+ years ago so I don't recall if we had non-students aboard. We probably did at some point. But one would think that since in real life situations there will be sails/trips with children aboard it would be a good learning/testing experience anyway.