NPSC Qualifications policies follow American Sailing Association (ASA) Standards for small and intermediate boats, and our own unique "NPSC D-Skipper" Qualifications Standards for large boats (Luders Yawls). The NPSC D-Skipper Standards are derived from, and very similar to older USNA standards.
Qualifications Standards, Operating Policies and Procedures, and individual skippers' qualifications are set forth by the Qualifications Committee. Committee members are senior Skippers appointed annually by the Commodore. Information on the committee and the policies it maintains can be found under the "Documents" tab, "Club Policy Documents" folder (and elsewhere).
Experienced sailors may wish to challenge the ASA-101 or ASA-103 standards by demonstrating both sailing knowledge and on-the-water skills. See the ASA Challenges section of the Training page for more information.
HIGHLY Experience Sailors (USNA DCS, EMS, ASA-106, USCG Lic. Captains, etc) may have their training and experience reviewed by the Qualifications Committee (complete a simple application, found under Documents, "Training" folder, "D-Training" sub-folder). Based on each individual candidate's unique situation, the Committee may request an interview, contact reference, administer a written test, and/or schedule a check ride. In any case the Committee will provide a written determination of what level of NSPC Skipper privileges the candidate has been granted, possibly with specific recommendations for rapid progression to the next level, or a clear description of why a higher level is not yet justified.
NPSC currently offers the following ASA-certified courses:
- Basic Keelboat Sailing Standard (ASA101)
- Basic Coastal Cruising Standard (ASA103)
- Bareboat Chartering Standard (ASA104)
- Coastal Navigation Standard (ASA105)
- Docking Endorsement (ASA118)
