Offshore Passagemaking graduates will have successfully demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat to any destination worldwide. Students will prepare a plan for an open ocean passage of at least 600 nautical miles of which a minimum of 250 nautical miles must be sailed at least 50 nautical miles offshore; demonstrate a comprehensive check of the vessel, her rig and equipment; develop a primary and alternative watch schedule and duty roster for the skipper, navigator, crew and ship’s maintenance for the passage; demonstrate a plan of advanced weather forecasting: global weather patterns, high and low pressure systems, fronts, storms, squalls, gales, hurricanes and various fog conditions; and more.

Documented equivalent experience for the Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Advanced Coastal Cruising levels may be submitted if petitioning to challenge prerequisite levels.

Tuition includes course text, night of arrival sleep aboard, provisioning on board, corresponding certification fee, Customs fees. Not included in the tuition: beverages, instructor’s gratuity. A minimum deposit of 50% of total package is due at the time of the booking. Balance is due 60 days prior to the course start date.

Coastal Passagemaking graduates will have successfully demonstrated their ability to responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during passages on coastal waters, in all weather conditions, including all levels of visibility and all hours of the day and night.

Visit our Offshore Passagemaking Certification Overview for more information on this course.