Skipper Certification

All about how to become a HSC skipper.

"Skipper A"

After attaining your CYA Basic Cruising Standard, to become a Skipper A (Martins & J24s) we suggest that you first spend some time in the Mentoring program where you will gain valuable sailing experience, become familiar with the club boats and procedures and develop your basic sailing skills...sail trim, points of sail, docking, anchoring and crew overboard (COB) retrieval.

Then, take the Skipper Development course (offered through the Humber Sailing School). This is a 12 hour course designed for the new Basic Keelboat Cruising graduate who has some sailing experience (see above) since taking the course. The Skipper Development course will sharpen existing sailing skills and teach "skipper responsibilities". It will focus on Boating Safety, Responsible Crew Management and Emergency Proceedures.

It is recommended that the students have their PCOC (Pleasrure Craft Operating Card...without which you can not legally operate a boat), Toronto Harbour Licence, and the VHF Radio Operator's License.

With the above credentials in hand and upon successful completion of the Skipper Development course, the student will be granted "Skipper A" recognition by the Humber Sailing Club. 

Note: As stated in the HSC Member's Handbook, "if a member joins the club with considerable prior experience with skipper roles then they may opt to challenge the HSC "A" Skipper Checkout without taking the Skipper Development course.

"Skipper B"

"B" (Big Boat) Skippers may command any Club boat during daylight hours if they...

- are an "a" Skipper (25 hours or more experience recommended)

- have successfully completed the CYA Intermediate Cruisng Standard (or has equivalent experience as judged by a CYA instructor) and

- have completed the HSC Big Boat Orientation (Mentoring) and "B" Skipper Checkout.

Last revised February 25, 2011. ba