Dinghy, keelboat & multihull

This section is for people wanting to teach the RYA Sailing Scheme. This scheme can be taught in dinghies, small keelboats and multihulls, and the instructor qualifications endorsed accordingly.

For simplicity, we will generally use the term 'dinghy instructor' here, but there is also specific information below about qualifying as a keelboat or multihull instructor.

Assistant Instructor

Required certificates	One of the Sailing Scheme advanced modules
Pre-entry assessment	Recommendation by Principal of the Recognised Training Centre
Training course	Training should be based on a 20 hour course covering basic teaching principles, centre procedures and specific training in any unfamiliar equipment (see RYA book G14). Candidates will be assessed on their teaching ability with beginners. The training and assessment can be conducted by an appropriately trained Senior Instructor who has been nominated by the Principal or Chief Instructor. The Principal/Chief Instructor will authorise and sign the certificate.
Qualified to teach	Up to Sailing Scheme Level 2 or Youth Sailing Scheme Stage 3 under the supervision of a Senior Instructor. As the AI's training is limited to assisting qualified instructors and does not include first aid or powerboat handling, AIs must never be allowed to work without direct supervision.
Certificate validity	This is a centre-specific certificate, awarded by the training centre and valid for five years

To find out more about becoming an Assistant Instructor, please contact your local training centre.

Instructor

Minimum age	16
Required certificates	First aid certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work
Experience	Experienced sailor in strong winds
Pre-entry assessment	To be completed within one year prior to the instructor course. Read more...
Training course	Normally a 50 hour/5 day week but could be modular over a number of weekends or days, with extra time allowed for revision. Training in teaching techniques afloat and ashore is provided during the course. Run by an RYA Coach/Assessor and moderated on the final day by another RYA Coach/Assessor who has not been involved in the candidate's training. Candidates will be required to demonstrate competence in course preparation, delivery and management, as well as customer liaison. Instructor Course Dates
Qualified to teach	Sailing Scheme Levels 1, 2 and 3, Day Sailing, Seamanship Skills and Sailing with Spinnakers (if suitably experienced and approved by the Principal or Chief Instructor) Youth Sailing Scheme Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4. Instructors are qualified specifically to teach on either dinghies, small keelboats or multihulls, depending on their training course and experience. Instructors are not assessed as competent in running a training centre, and should always work under the supervision of an RYA Senior instructor.
Validity	Five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.
RYA membership	Required

Keelboat/Multihull endorsement

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 Trainers 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 on successful completion, the course organiser will sign their logbook.

Advanced Instructor

Minimum age	16
Required certificates	RYA Instructor certificate (see above) First aid certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work
Experience	Have at least one season's teaching experience.
Pre-entry assessment	RYA instructor certificate, with experience of teaching sailing recorded since qualifying. Skilled to at least the level of the Performance Sailing and Sailing with Spinnakers courses Should have previous powerboat handling experience in a teaching environment.
Training course	This is a two day course covering the teaching of boat handling, the use of spinnakers and 5 essentials coaching to the required standard, as well as powerboat driving. Candidates will be assessed on a continuous basis afloat, and may be given a theory test. Upon successful completion of the course, the Trainer will sign their logbooks. Instructor Course Dates
Qualified to teach	Can teach the Performance Sailing and Sailing with Spinnakers courses from the RYA National Sailing Scheme as well as all the courses that can be taught as an instructor.
Validity	Five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.
RYA membership	Required

Racing Coach Level 1

Minimum age	16
Required certificates	RYA Instructor certificate (see above) First aid certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work
Experience	Club racing
Pre-entry assessment	Minimum of nine club races completed and Assistant Race Officer role once
Training course	This one day course will include the organisation of club racing, preparation and management of the Start Racing course and instructional techniques afloat including the use of race training exercises. Assessment is continuous. On successful completion, the candidates logbook will be signed by the Trainer. Instructor Course Dates
Qualified to teach	Can teach National Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme Start Racing
Validity	Five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.
RYA membership	Required

Foiling Instructor

Minimum age	16
Required certificates	RYA Dinghy Instructor RYA Sustained Flights Certificate First aid certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work Health declaration form or medical questionnaire
Experience	RYA Sustained Flights
Pre-entry assessment	RYA Dinghy Instructor with personal foiling experience to a RYA Sustained Flights level
Training course	Four day course. You will be assessed continuously throughout the course. Instructor Course Dates
Qualified to teach	RYA First Flights or higher (Personal foiling level dependent)
Validity	Five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.
RYA membership	Required

Senior Instructor

Minimum age	18
Required certificates	Valid RYA Instructor certificate in the discipline for which you wish to train as an SI First aid certificate RYA Safety Boat Certificate RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work
Experience	Candidates must first be an RYA Dinghy Instructor and must fulfil the following criteria prior to the SI course: At least two years intermittent or one year full time instructing since qualifying as an RYA Dinghy or Multihull Instructor (for Dinghy Senior Instructors) or as an RYA Keelboat Instructor (for Keelboat Senior Instructors). Sailing ability to at least the standard of RYA Instructor (an assessment may be necessary if sailing ability cannot be adequately demonstrated during the training course)
Pre-entry assessment	Signed recommendation from the Principal of an RYA Recognised Training Centre. Completion of the Senior Instructor Workbook and any preparation work sent out by the Coaches prior to the course starting.
Training course	Courses are run on a regional basis with a minimum of six students. The course may take the form of two weekends (four whole days) and include some material covered prior to the course. The assessment will be continuous and will be made by at least two Trainers. Application form Instructor Course Dates
Qualified to teach	On completion of this course you will be able to: Organise and manage RYA National Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme sailing courses. Organise and control group sailing tuition of all ages and abilities. Supervising, direction and assisting a team of Instructors and Assistant Instructors.
Validity	Five years from date of issue if supported by a valid first aid certificate. Little or no logged experience may require a re-assessment.
RYA membership	Required

An RYA recognised dinghy/keelboat/multihull training centre must have a current SI as its Principal or chief sailing instructor, though a Yachtmaster™ instructor may fulfil this role in a keelboat centre.

Dinghy Trainer

Required certificates	RYA Senior Instructor, should also hold the Advanced Instructor endorsement First aid certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work
Experience	A Senior Instructor with proven ability and extensive experience of the Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme in a variety of training centres. A thoroughly competent sailor with good communication, motivation and leadership skills, good fleet management and coaching, with a positive and enthusiastic approach.
Pre-entry assessment	Nominated by a Regional Development Officer or RYA Training. Two day selection process where instructors should be able to: Demonstrate and teach any part of the National Sailing Scheme including all the modules. Sail competently in a variety of boats including single handers and high performance craft. Plan and manage a course involving sessions ashore and afloat. Demonstrate effective safety boat and coach boat skills. Give a formal presentation including the use of visual aids, and chair a discussion. Show enthusiasm, motivation and leadership.
Training course	This five day courses is held once each year and will include: The skills of teaching and assessing RYA Instructors. The RYA National Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme and standards required for instructional awards. Administration of the scheme. High performance sailing. Students with special needs, safeguarding and child protection.
Qualified to teach	On successful completion of the course you will normally be expected to organise and run your first instructor course with the help and mentoring of a more experienced Trainer. On successful completion of this you will be appointed as an RYA Trainer.
Validity	Appointed annually. After five years a practical revalidation is required.
RYA membership	Required

Health declaration

You will be asked to sign a health declaration stating that you are not suffering from any physical or mental impairment which has an adverse effect on your ability to properly discharge your duty of care as an instructor. If you are unable to sign the standard declaration, you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire.