Training

2008 TRAINING SCHEDULE

ASA Certification Classes

Below is the 2008 training schedule for ASA101 and ASA103 courses. There have been some format changes this year, so please pay attention to the details. Classes are restricted to NPSC members only.

Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101)

Prerequisites: None
Objective: Be able to sail a boat of about 20 feet in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision. A preparatory standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required.
Boats Sailed: Catalina 16.5K, Rhodes 18 and Hunter 216
Course Time: Approx. 20 hours + exam
Cost: $250 (includes 1 year ASA membership fee)

You must be at least 14 years of age to participate in this class; however, per MWR rules, you must be at least 16 to rent a small boat.

The ASA 101 course consists of three parts (1 classroom, 2 on the water) and an exam. These parts must be taken in order.

  • Part I: Part I: Classroom work. One weeknight evening. Time: 1700 - 2000 [May 17 (Sat): 0900-1200; Aug 9th (Sat): 1300-1600]
  • Part II: Sailing Day #1. One weekend day. Time: 0800 - 1600 The A-mate exam (see A-mate rules) will be given at the end of Part II.
  • Part III: Sailing Day #2. One weekend day. Time 0800 - 1600
  • Exam: Exams will be giving the second Saturday of the month (before and after the club meeting). The written exam will start at 0900 (prior to the club meeting). The on-the-water portion will commence after the club meeting.

    ASA101 Schedule
    Select one class date from each column
    Part IPart IIPart III
    A: April 22 (Tu) A: April 26 (Sa) A: May 3 (Sa)
    B: May 16 (Fr) B: May 17(Full) B: May 31 (Sa)
    C: May 17 (Sa) C: May 18 (Su) C: June 1 (Su)
    D: June 19 (Th) D: June 21 (Sa) D: June 28 (Sa)
    E: July 15 (Tu) E: July 19 (Sa) E: July 26 (Sa)
    F: August 9 (Sa) F: Aug 10 (Su) F: Aug 23 (Sa)
    G: August 19 (Tu)G: Aug 24 (Su)G: Sept 6 (Sa)

    Register Now!

    Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103)

    Prerequisites: ASA101 Certification + 20 hours as skipper on small boats + a current year proficiency sail (*) + see Maryland law below
    Objective: Cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary powered sailboat of about 20 to 30 feet in length in moderate winds and sea conditions.
    Boats Sailed: Catalina 250 and Chrysler 22
    Course Time: 4 weekend days, approx. 32 hours
    Cost: $275 (Course book is the same book used for ASA101. Book can be purchased for an additional $18 if not already owned.)

    You must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the classes; however, per MWR rules, you must be at least 18 to rent a boat with a motor.

    (*) The proficiency sail is a short on-the-water demonstration of your sailing competency. An NPSC instructor or assistant instructor must witness it. Either a Catalina 16.5 or Rhodes 18 may be used. The following water skills are performed: tacks, gybes, sailing a desired course around the basin, simulated man overboard recovery, heave-to, and docking. The student is responsible for the boat rental and completing this sail prior to the beginning of the class. Guidance will be posted when the small boats are ready for sailing.

    ASA103 Schedule
    SessionDates
    A: May 3, 4; 17, 18
    B: July 12, 13; 26, 27
    C: Aug 16, 17; 30, 31(Full)

    Register Now!

    Requirement: Maryland State Law requires that any person born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates a registered or documented pleasure vessel on Maryland waters be in possession of a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. Boater’s cards will be required for those born on or after July 1, 1972 prior to taking the ASA103 course. Copies of the card must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to course start date. A temporary card is acceptable.

    Two easiest options for the course:
    1. Take the exam online. This involves self-study and an online examination. Information can be found at www.boat-ed.com/md/index.htm.
    2. Classroom session(s) with exam. Local classes can be found at the USCGAux Solomons Flotilla. There is a class held at West Marine in Solomons in March/April and a class held at the Southern Maryland Sailing Association in Solomons in May.

    All fees are based on the cost to NPSC and are subject to change.