ASA v. RYA v. IY

[John Saylor]

This is my first post. . .a virtual virgin. I sailed when I was much younger and had an Ericson 38 about 20 yrs ago. I would like to dip my toe back in the water and like the idea of going through a one week program (live-aboard, probably in the Caribbean) to 'remember' what I forgot about sailing.

My questions:

1) What are the community thoughts on the various certifications - ASA, RYA, International;
2) Does one or the other allow chartering in Caribbean and not Europe, for example.
3) Is one inherently better than the others?
4) Are there particular programs to avoid or that others think are particularly strong?

PS. I will be that annoying 'student' badgering the skipper with questions about everything during every waking hour of the program

Appreciate your thoughts. (Future posts will be dedicated to soliciting advice on what fantasy boat to buy [emoji6])

John

[boatman61]

H John.. Welcome to CF..
Personally I'd opt for an RYA course.. but then I would say that being a Brit.
For safe chartering I'd suggest at minimum a day skipper course.. more than that's not needed as I believe night sailing is against most Charter contracts..

[John Saylor]

Boatman. . .I appreciate your thoughts. I will take under advisement your obviously unbiased advice ;-)

[s/v Moondancer]

While I am a Brit with RYA qualifications I have also done, many years ago, ASA courses and US Sailing instructor courses. My unbiased opinion is that the RYA courses done in tidal waters are far superior. In typical non-tidal waters the difference is not that significant except ASA has more levels to get to the same place as RYA Day Skipper and probable costs more.

Basic course and then go sailing with the emphasis on go sailing.

My advice is that you join a sailing club, take US Sailing courses and crew for members. My club www.CGSC.org has at least one Gulf Stream crossing trip per year where new members can get a crew spot.

[John Saylor]

Appreciate the insights - both of you. I really just need a refresher and then it is off to the proverbial races. Do you or any others know of schools in the Caribbean to avoid or pursue?

[barnakiel]

Forget all the certification thing while learning to sail. Simply learn to sail well and that's that.

Once you can handle your target boat in all and any conditions, then get the certification as and if required by the area where you sail.

Where we sail, certification is not required on boats of up to 12 meters LOA.

BTW I think the following training and certification is worth attention:
- water safety and rescue,
- medical: resuscitation and first help,
- vhf.

RYA is commonly recognised on the EU side of the pond. ASA I think is the US equivalent. IY I have never heard of.

b.

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

.......IY I have never heard of.

b.

Maybe these guys.....?

https://www.iytworld.com/

[John Saylor]

Yes. The goal is to get out there and just do it. My first few years will be destination chartering of up to 55'. I would like to make sure that I am not going to be barred from chartering in a region due to certification requirements. And while I am at it, might as well get the best training possible. Thanks for the input!

[Sailing Cowboy]

I would stick with IYT or RYA. They come with the ICC. (International Certificate of Competency) The ICC will help you tons in Europe.

[mogulskibum]

RYA all the way. ASA requires more courses (read $$$) to get to the same level. I found it cheaper to fly to Scotland, complete the RYA course necessary for an ICC for less than it would cost to drive 15 miles to Annapolis and do the equivalent ASA course.

My FIL has done both (ASA several years ago, and then did the RYA course with me) - and he thought the RYA was better. It emphasizes the important and practical on the water skills as opposed to spending too much time on "book knowledge" (for lack of a better term).

I'll probably get a lot of flack for this, but my impression is that the RYA as an organization is focused on making boating/yachting available and accessible to more people and designs its course requirements to achieve that goal. I get the impression that ASA has been captured by the schools, and the course requirements are designed to maximize revenue for the schools.

[Sailing Cowboy]

I agree with most you said other than no need to fly to Scotland. You have both IYT and RYA providers right here in the USA. The ASA cannot issue the ICC. IYT or RYA only can and it's available in the US.

[mogulskibum]

Originally Posted by Sailing Cowboy

I agree with most you said other than no need to fly to Scotland. You have both IYT and RYA providers right here in the USA. The ASA cannot issue the ICC. IYT or RYA only can and it's available in the US.

Shhhhh, don't say that too loud.

RYA was cheaper in Scotland. That made the trip an easy sell to the admiral.

[Sailing Cowboy]

LOL. Well of course.....that makes sense now. Your secret is safe. [emoji41]

[SavvySalt]

The ASA can issue the International Certificate of Competence (aka International Proficiency Certificate - IPC) which is what I needed for chartering in Europe. If I had it to do over again I'd probably go RYA but for those of you, like me, who want to charter in Europe without repeating basic certifications you can.

[Sailing Cowboy]

The ASA cannot issue an ICC at all. They issue an IPC which is not the same. No "AKA". Your charter company accepted your IPC and that's great but you may have had a different outcome with any marine police force or customs port.