Sailing Instructor
What is the work like?
Sailing instructors teach people to sail yachts and boats, both at sea and on inland waterways like reservoirs, canals and lakes.
As a sailing instructor, you could teach one or all of the following:
- dinghy sailing (small craft including keelboats and catamarans)
- powerboat driving
- windsurfing
- yachting
- cruising (large yachts and sailing vessels with crews).
Visit the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) website for details of all types of sailing and instructor roles.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a sailing instructor you would need to complete Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses. The RYA is the national governing body (NGB) for sailing, and sets standards for training instructors and coaches.
You can do a range of RYA instructor courses, depending on the type of sailing you want to teach. To begin the courses you must be at least 16, physically fit and able to swim, and a competent, experienced small boat sailor.
If you do not already have experience of sailing you can do training at all levels at RYA recognised schools and clubs. Visit the RYA website for full details.
Once you are competent and experienced as a small boat sailor, you can start your instructing career by training as an assistant instructor at a RYA training centre. As an assistant you will work under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
RYA instructor courses include:
Dinghy, Keelboat and Multihull Instructor
To do this you need:
- a valid first aid certificate (either the RYA First Aid certificate or one recognised by the Health and Safety Executive, lasting at least six hours and covering the treatment of hypothermia)
- a RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate
- sailing ability and background knowledge assessed through the Instructor Pre-entry Assessment
Inland Waterways Helmsman Instructor
For this course you need:
- extensive experience on UK inland waterways, preferably on a variety of craft
- the RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman certificate
- a valid first aid certificate
- the Marine Radio Operators Short Range certificate or the old VHF Operators certificate.
Powerboat Instructor
For this you need:
- at least five seasons' experience, preferably on a wide range of craft (if you use powerboats as part of your full-time work this is reduced to one season)
- a valid first aid qualification
- Powerboat Level 2 certificate.
Windsurfing Instructor
For this course you need:
- a RYA Level 3 Windsurfing Certificate
- a first aid qualification
- evidence of eight hours logged at an RYA centre.
Cruising Instructor
You will need:
- Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
- first aid certificate
- commercial endorsement
- basic sea survival certificates
- a medical fitness examination.
Yachtmaster Instructor
You will need to qualify as a cruising instructor before moving on to the yachtmaster instructor qualification.
Visit the RYA website for full information on all courses, including entry requirements and details of training centres.
What further training and development can I do?
You can do instructor qualifications at a number of levels, depending on the courses you want to teach.
When you are qualified and experienced as an instructor, you can develop your career by choosing from a wide range of further RYA qualifications. Contact the RYA or visit their website for more details.
sports coach UK is working with NGBs and SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, to develop the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC). This will create a five-level framework of nationally recognised and transferable coaching qualifications. Some qualifications have already been accredited. Visit the sports coach UK and UKCC websites for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Castlewood House77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Ensign Way
Hamble
Southampton
SO31 4YA
Tel: 0845 3450400
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Dinghy, powerboat and windsurfing instructors can earn from around £11,000 up to £25,000 a year, depending on experience.
- Yachtmaster instructors and cruising instructors can earn £60 to £90 a day.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a sailing instructor employed by a sailing centre or club, your working hours will vary, often including weekend and evening work. If you are self-employed, you will work hours to suit client demand. Dinghy and windsurfing instruction tends to be delivered on a seasonal basis, although some sailing clubs and centres provide classes all year round.
You will teach practical skills on the water in most weather conditions. Yachtmaster and cruising instruction takes place at sea. You will also spend some time in a classroom, teaching theoretical knowledge and skills like navigation.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- competent sailing skills and sailing experience
- a responsible attitude
- the ability to give instructions and tuition clearly and concisely
- good communication skills
- awareness of health and safety
- the ability to inspire respect and confidence
- good organisation skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could work as a dinghy instructor at sailing clubs or schools and local authority centres. It could increase your employability if you combine dinghy instruction with other outdoor activity instruction.
You could be employed as a yachtmaster or cruising instructor by sail and motor cruising centres. Alternatively, you could be self-employed, owning your own yacht and offering instruction through recognised centres.
With experience you could progress to a supervisory or management job within a sailing club.
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