ASA standard

Learn to sail in English in Japan

AOKI School is an American Sailing Association certified sailing school.

Summary of ASA Sailing Standards

The American Sailing Association has adopted two separate Progressive Sailing Certification Programs: a seven stage Keelboat Sailing Certification Program and a two stage Small Boat Sailing Program. The following are the general descriptions or summaries of these Standards. Candidates must have attained the stated prerequisites before they may “Challenge” or take the required ASA examination.

  • Docking Endorsement (118)
    Prerequisites: None
    General Description: This 2 day course builds on basic skills introduced in ASA 103 and 104, developing techniques for handling single engine boats in tight quarters as well as methods of securing and boats to docks in a variety of conditions.
  • Basic Keelboat (101)
    Prerequisites: None
    General Description: 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.
  • Basic Coastal Cruising (103)
    Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
    General Description: Able to 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.
  • Bareboat Chartering (104)
    (Intermediate Coastal Cruising)
    Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising Certification
    General Description: An advanced cruising Standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew of a 30 – 50 foot boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The Standard includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures.
  • Coastal Navigation (105)
    Prerequisites: None
    General Description: Able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters. There is no Sailing Skills part to this Standard and practical application of this sailing knowledge is found in the Advanced Coastal Cruising Standard.
  • Advanced Coastal Cruising (106)
    Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Chartering and Coastal Navigation Certification
    General Description: Able to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length. This is a day and nighttime Standard in coastal and inland water, in any weather.
  • Celestial Navigation (107)
    Prerequisites: None
    General Description: Able to demonstrate the Celestial Navigation theory required to safely navigate a sailboat on an offshore passage. The practical application is conducted in the Offshore Passagemaking Standard.
  • Offshore Passagemaking (108)
    Prerequisites: All previous Keelboat Standards
    General Description: The sailor is able to safely act as skipper or crew of a sailing vessel on offshore passages in any weather. The Celestial Nav. Standard is performed.
  • Basic Small Boat Sailing (110)
    Prerequisites: None
    General Description: Able to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision. A preparatory Standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required.