issa yacht skipper

International skipper's licences: which one is the best?

• Comparison: international skipper's licences. Which one is the best?

International  skipper's licences  attract prestige and the prospect of a hassle-free charter. But which will you get the most out of? What are their downsides? And are they worth it? We will be comparing the 4 most recognized ones — RYA, ISSA, IYT and ASA, as well as taking a look at ICC and IPC certificates.  

  The good news and the bad news. The bad news is that there is no international certification recognized everywhere. The word international may give the impression that it applies to all countries, but in practice it only means more than one. The good news is that in many holiday destinations, charter companies will somehow rent you the boat on both international and national papers. Sometimes, though, it isn’t easy.   

That's why it's important to check the validity of a country's certificate beforehand. When travelling on your own, you’ll have no choice but to Google it. But if you rent a boat through yachting.com, it will be completely hassle-free. We can help you with the certificate, or arrange it for you with the charter company.  

Is an international certification worth it? 

Now you're probably wondering what the advantage of international certification is. First of all, the quality and depth of the training. The programs are demanding (we won't lie), but when you complete them, it means you’ll actually know something. The courses also open doors to further your sailing education and to the global community. All four associations offer skipper's licences from inshore to ocean sailing. Today, we'll compare the basic ones that are the perfect starting point for new skippers.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) 

The criteria of the British Royal Yachting Association ( RYA ) are so stringent that they hold the reputation of being the most prestigious certification. Even the most basic RYA Day Skipper qualifies a captain for recreational and commercial sailing. It is fair to add here, however, that the conditions of employment as a skipper are governed by the laws of each individual country. The course is only available from certified partners, such as yachting.com . Strict requirements from the RYA and a sophisticated system of online study materials ensure the same quality of teaching globally. 

RYA Day Skipper 

As a captain you will gain a basic understanding of navigation, meteorology and the rules of the sea. You can then skipper a sailing vessel up to 15 m in coastal waters up to 20 miles on a day passage . The higher level RYA Coastal Skipper certification is required for night sailing.  

Recommended experience: At least 5 days and 4 night hours on a boat and 100 nm underway, which is roughly equivalent to the RYA Competent Crew beginners course.   

Validity: Unlimited  

Minimum age: 16 years   

Where to go: UK, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, the Czech Republic and other locations     

Course time: 6-day practical course + 4 days of theoretical instruction .

YACHTING.COM TIP: An interesting option for those who don’t wish to be a captain is the RYA Competent Crew course, which trains complete beginners and develops them into full-fledged crew members. It is common practice for them to mix with future Day Skippers on practical courses which benefits everyone. Skippers get to try captaining straight away and the crew get to experience different captains with different outlooks.     

International Sailing School Association (ISSA)   

The   ISSA is an association that brings together sailing schools all over the planet. Thanks to this, and the fact that, along with the RYA, it is one of the oldest maritime certifications, it has managed to negotiate acceptance of its certificates almost everywhere you can think of. Its teaching system is not as sophisticated as the RYA's, but its quality and depth is on a similar standing. As well as English, tuition is available in the language of the sailing school's home country.   

Inshore Skipper  

As a skipper you can operate a  boat up to 24 m in coastal waters up to 20 miles, both day and night. The course includes instruction and a radio exam (VHF/SRC), which is always a plus.  

Recommended experience: Experience at least at ISSA Yacht Crew level, i.e. 3 days at sea 

Where to go: UK, Ibiza, Cyprus, Montenegro, Poland, Russia and other locations       

Course time: Approximately 10–14 days depending on the school. Practice and theory can be taught separately or on a practical course  

International Yacht Training (IYT)  

The US-Canadian IYT was created as an alternative to the RYA and offers similar courses and credentials. However, it distinguishes between certificates for recreational sailing and for pro skippers and crew ( recreational and superyacht ). Teaching standards are high and courses meet ISO standards. However, again, it should be added that they may not be in accordance with the laws of the country you are sailing through.  

International Bareboat Skipper 

The certificate is comparable to the RYA Day Skipper and allows you to sail a sailboat up to 24 m up to 20 miles offshore , but again only in the daytime . To obtain the certificate you need a radio course (VHF/SRC). 

Recommended experience: Knowledge to at least IYT International Crew Certificate level and a full 10 days and 200 nm.  

Validity: 5 years, then renewal required. 

Where to go: UK, France, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia and other locations       

Course time: 10-day practical course (6 days with Crew Certificate) + self-study of theory online (access to material for 2 months includes radio).   

American Sailing Association (ASA) 

The  US Coast Guard also vouches for the quality of ASA instructors and instruction. However, the length of the practical courses is almost half that of the others and the ASA lags behind in the number of online theory courses. ASA is most suitable for sailing in North America. For Europe you’ll need to upgrade to the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) . This is where ASA comes back into play. In fact, it is commonly accepted in popular European sailing destinations.  

Bareboat Cruising 

As a skipper, you can captain a  boat up to 15 m in coastal waters up to 20 miles in good weather. The course teaches night sailing and the use of the radio (VHF).   

Recommended experience: Knowledge of at least ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing and ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising and at least 6 days at sea.  

Where to go: Greece, Croatia, Canary Islands and other locations       

Course time: Approximately 6 days depending on the school. Practice and theory can be taught separately or on a practical course.  

How much do international licences cost 

There is no easy answer to this question. The fact that the courses are held all over the world means that location is reflected in the price. The associations themselves do not publish prices and the schools certified by them only sometimes include in the price the additional costs of issuing the certificate, the presence of a foreign examiner or the fees associated with hiring a teaching boat, etc. Expect a price of approximately €1,500 to €2,500. However, even an approximate price is not a reliable means of comparison, if only because certificates have different levels, value and applicability in practice. Rather, it makes sense to decide on a specific certification according to your own expectations, then choose a location and only compare the prices of providers within that location.  

Domestic vs. international certificates   

National skipper's certificates are issued by local authorities, it is an official document just like a driver's licence, so there are no issues for charter boats. However, international certificates from the RYA, ISSA, IYT and ASA are not official documents . Rather, they are confirmation of your sailing competence. The advantage is that you don't have to wait a month for them to be issued: just complete the course and pass the exam. You'll get your certificate practically straight away and you'll be ready to set sail within a few days. However, charter companies, insurance companies and marinas may refuse them because of local legislation that simply can't deal with the certificates (however well-known and prestigious).  

According to maritime custom, the law of territorial waters , i.e. the laws of the country in which you are sailing, takes precedence. For us sailors, this is nothing new. In Croatia , for example, you can't rent a boat without a radiotelephonist's licence. The captain or one of the crew must have it. In Italy , the law requires the skipper to have a licence issued by the country of their citizenship. In the Mediterranean, Greek charters are the strictest. These can sometimes require two captain's licences on board and they have the most trouble with international certificates. On the other hand, they do tend to be most willing to make exceptions based on the skipper's logbook and experience. 

YACHTING.COM TIP: The fact that they are designed as practical and theoretical preparation for an accredited exam makes their offer clear.

International Certificate of Competence (ICC) 

The ICC certificate was an attempt by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to establish a single certificate and uniform maritime rules for all. It is a separate course with practical and theoretical parts. It ends with an examination and is valid for 5 years , after which you must renew it. You can get it from the associations mentioned above except for the ASA, which has its own version of the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) . However, even here you can't avoid a bit of detective work. For example, the RYA cannot grant the ICC to citizens of some countries.

Comparison of certificates by location obtained

What to take away from the article .

• Unfortunately, there is no international certification that is accepted everywhere.   
• International certificates from the RYA , ISSA, IYT, ASA or ICC are not official documents issued by government bodies. They are certificates of completion of practical and theoretical instruction from a yachting association.  
• Whether a charter company will accept the certificates depends on its goodwill and local laws.   
• You do not need to have previous levels of association certificates to take the courses, just comparable knowledge and experience.  

Choosing the right certification may not be such a big deal after all. The key is to be clear about where you want to sail and how serious you are about sailing. 

How and when can you become a captain? Read more:

Not planning to take the captain's course? We can arrange an experienced captain for your vacation on a boat. Ask us.

Denisa Nguyenová

Faq what to know about international skipper licences.

Yachting association education systems are of the highest possible standard. When you take a course, you really acquire the know-how. You also don't have to wait a month to get your licence and you’ll receive it practically as soon as you finish the course.

BECOME A SAILING YACHT SKIPPER with Driven by the Ocean

Online sailing courses with practice in the mediterranean sea.

Driven by the Ocean — is a sailing school accredited by International Sailing School Association (ISSA), successfully operating since 2020. Yachting is our profession. Our programs are honed by years of practice. Our experienced instructors will find an approach to everyone — from seasoned sailors to those who have only seen a yacht in a photograph.

After receiving the ISSA license, you will be able to fulfill your dream and independently go on a yacht trip with family or friends. You will enjoy sunrises in the most beautiful sea bays with white sand and incredible colors of water! Obtaining a captain’s license is easy — contact us today and start your sea adventure!

THEORY ONLINE. PRACTICE - WHEREVER IT SUITS YOU

Lifelong skipper license.

The ISSA sailing yacht skipper license has no expiration date, unlike licenses from other schools. You will receive your skipper's license once and for all! And if, in the midst of battling the elements, the wind takes your card away - it can always be restored.

Flexible Learning Schedule

We strive to coordinate the learning schedule to make it convenient for everyone. If you are unable to attend a class, you can always catch up with another group or individually.

Online Learning

You can become a sailing yacht skipper from anywhere, even beyond the Arctic Circle. We study terminology, navigation basics, and everything you need to feel confident on the water online. Then you take tests and move on to practical sailing lessons.

Location Choice for Practice

For practical training, you can choose a location convenient for you from European marinas, where you can combine practice with a pleasant vacation. The most popular yacht clubs for our students are in Türkiye, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain.

Charter Consultations

If you are choosing a yacht for the first time and are unsure how to make the right choice, where to stop, how to plan your route, and what questions to ask — we will be happy to help you with all yacht-related questions!

Transparent Pricing Policy

The cost of the theory course is €250, and the weekly practice course is €1350. We can offer a pleasant price for your new superpower!

Content-rich training for future captains

Our online courses will help you master the fundamentals of yachting and acquire the necessary skills, including:

• Yachting terminology to make it easier to navigate during the learning process and practice.
• Wind courses to help you better understand the principles of yacht operation.
• Navigation and the use of navigation lights.
• Rules for avoiding collision at sea and onboard safety.
• Basics of cartography and how to use maps to plan your route.
• How to use a radio station to communicate with other sailors and marinas.

Our weekly practice courses will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practice and learn:

• How to take over a charter yacht and prepare it for departure.
• How to tie the most important knots for yacht handling.
• How to calculate a route on the map, taking into account weather conditions and other factors.
• How to depart from the dock and dock in various weather conditions and marina conditions, as well as how to anchor and unanchor the yacht.
• How to hoist and control the sails to move the yacht in the desired direction.
• How to understand the motor compartment and use the VHF radio.
• How to navigate different marinas and bays, plan your route and make stops along the way to new sea adventures.

Sails are already waiting

Welcome aboard!

How can I become a yacht skipper?

To become a yacht skipper, you need to obtain a skipper certificate from one of the international sailing schools. We recommend training with the International Sailing School Association (ISSA), which is recognized worldwide. Contact us to set up a convenient schedule for your theoretical training. After successfully completing the theory course, you can start with the practical part of the training. Our captain’s school will arrange a convenient location for your practice sessions. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate as a yacht captain. If you have any questions, we are always here to help!

Who can operate a yacht?

To operate a yacht, you need to have the appropriate certification from an international sailing school, which is issued after completing the training and passing the exams. Anyone who has completed training with our school and obtained the relevant certification in accordance with the sailing conditions and the type of yacht can operate the yacht.

What do I need to operate a yacht?

To operate a yacht, you need a skipper certificate (also known as a captain’s license or international yacht license) from one of the international sailing schools – ISSA, IYT, RYA, ASA or ICC. This document confirms that you have completed the appropriate training course and meet the qualification standards.

What sets ISSA certificates apart from others?

ISSA is one of the oldest associations that unites sailing schools from around the world. Unlike licenses from other sailing schools, ISSA certificates have no expiration date. This means that you can enjoy your leisure time and adventures without worrying about regularly taking exams. Our school for captains provides exactly these kinds of certificates.

How long do captain courses last?

Driven by the Ocean captain school offers a two-part training program. The theoretical part consists of 10 online lessons, each lasting one hour, held twice a week. The practical part consists of 7 days of intensive training, conducted daily from 9:00 to 16:00, depending on weather conditions.

Where and how can future skippers practice?

Our sailing school organizes practice sessions in the main locations located in Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and Spain. These places are the most popular for charter and are perfect for full-fledged practice.

How much do skipper certificate cost?

Driven by the Ocean captain school offers lower tuition fees than most other schools. We do not spend money on advertising and renting premises, which allows us to offer more affordable prices. We open the door to yachting, the cost of which is incomparably small compared to the feeling of happiness and harmony that sailing gives. The theoretical course costs 250€. After payment, you gain access to the study chat where lessons are planned, and detailed instructions and educational materials are given. The practical part of the course costs 1350€, and additional expenses may arise depending on the location of the practice, such as flights and meals.

What is included and what is not included in the cost of the course?

The cost of the course includes theoretical and practical classes, as well as the preparation of ISSA documents. However, please note that additional expenses such as air tickets, overnight stays in marinas and bays, onboard or restaurant meals, fuel, and final yacht cleaning are not included in the course fee and may vary depending on the location and preferences of the team.

What are the benefits of obtaining international yachting qualifications?

Our sailing school offers to start yachting training with the Inshore Skipper qualification. With this certification, you can operate a sailing yacht up to 24 meters long, day and night, with a limit of 20 miles from the shore. You will also receive an international VHF Radio Operator certificate, which allows you to communicate via radio at sea. With these documents, you can rent a yacht in almost any marina around the world.

How quickly can I obtain my yachting qualifications?

You will receive your license in less than three weeks after completing the theoretical and practical courses. After passing the final exams and paying the fees, a courier will deliver your sailboat skipper certificate to you.

What are the training opportunities offered after obtaining a license?

Driven by the Ocean Captain School also offers more advanced levels of training after Inshore Skipper, including Offshore Skipper with a limit of 80 miles from the shore and Master of Yacht with no restrictions on the distance from the shore. You can also obtain an Inshore Power Skipper license and ride a motor yacht between sailing regattas.

How long are the yacht skipper's qualifications valid?

The ISSA International Skipper Certificate has no expiration date, so you will receive it for life. This means that after completing the training in our school and successfully passing the exams, you can freely operate a sailboat without a certificate expiration date.

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ISSA Inshore Skipper 2

Inshore Skipper 2 Course

The Inshore skipper is a two part course. This course is for people who have completed the foundation course ( Inshore Skipper 1 ) and wish to complete the full Inshore Skipper 2 course. training. If you are not sure that you have the right knowledge or course pre-requisites, check out our; Inshore Skipper Self Assessment Test .

Pre-Course Experience:

At least 200 miles of logged sailing experience. This means that even if you are an accomplished sailor, if you have not previously studied the theory, you need to complete the ISSA Inshore Skipper 1 course before enrolling for ISSA Inshore Skipper 2. There is a significant theoretical component that is learnt in our air conditioned classrooms. Our experienced and highly qualified instructors will guide you through the course, ensuring you have a rewarding and enjoyable experience as you progress.

Theory of Navigation and Seamanship

• Management of a vessel- Responsibilities of the Skipper - crew management; planning; safety briefing. The Skippers Operational Checklist
• Tides and Currents- causes and effects of tide; tide tables, diamonds, tidal streams atlas; rule of twelfths
• Chartwork- fixing position; dead reckoning, estimated position; course to steer, record keeping.
• Safety Briefing- location and use of safety equipment (flares, lifejackets, liferaft, sea-cocks); fire safety; gas safety; preparing to sail
• Rules of the Road- review of rules; lights, shapes and sound signals; applying collision regulations
• Meteorology- interpreting a forecast; characteristics of fronts and pressure systems; sea and land breezes; katabatic wind; fog
• Passage Planning and Pilotage- planning a passage; use of nautical publications; pilotage skills (pilotage plans, clearing bearings, back bearings, etc)

Practical Skippering

• Rope Work - 6 common sailing knots; safe use of winches, jammers and cleats
• Sail Handling- good working knowledge of sail hoisting, reefing, dropping; trimming on all points of sail
• MOB- Man Overboard recovery; picking up a mooring; coming alongside a jetty or pier (routine sailing tacking, gybing, hove to)
• Marina Manouvres -berthing and unberthing in different wind/tide conditions; use of spring lines
• Boat Handling- close quarters; using prop-walk and prop-wash, Anchoring
• Heavy Weather Sailing- understands how to deal with heavy weather, including reefing and seeking refuge
• Anchoring Considerations- selecting a suitable anchorage; dropping and weighing anchor; knowledge of different types of anchor
• Dinghy Tender Operation-can drive a dinghy safely; safe loading, launch and recovery
• Passage Making- carrying out a passage plan; crew management; navigation underway; practical pilotage;
• use of electronic instruments, vhf radio
• Engines-Checks and knowledge of simple servicing and operation

The ISSA Inshore Skipper 2 qualifies you to skipper a yacht and charter yachts, world wide. Students spend the first 2 days of the course learning theory of navigation and a host of other subjects in our air conditioned classroom. We then spend the next 3 days engaged in practical execises on the boat, gaining all the boat handling and practical navigation skills required to be a full ISSA Inshore Skipper. Finally it's back to the classroom at the end of the course to sit your theory assessment.

What can I do with this qualification? The ISSA Inshore Skipper certificate enables you to skipper boats up to 78ft, no more than 20 miles from shore, in fair conditions and daylight hours. In real terms, this allows you to charter boats in some of the world's best cruising locations, including south-east Asia, many Mediterranean countries, and the Caribbean.

What's your next step? GO SAILING! Join The Phuket Water Sports Club which is free once you have completed a course with SIA! Find someone who is also keen to get more experience and who would be fun to sail with. When you have at least 400 more miles logged come back and complete your Offshore Skipper Certificate with us. If you would like advice on your next steps, feel free to get in touch with us - we'd be happy to help.

Go Racing or sign up for a learn to race course? If you really want to improve your sailing, think about taking a learn to race course. You will learn so much about sailing, sail trim and have a lot of fun too. A racing sailor can usually be spotted on a boat in two minutes. They understand the sail setting art and they can often spot wind changes and squalls well before a cruising sailor. Check out our Learn to Race Course !

Additional Details:

• Course Details
• Chart Work / Navigation
• Rules of the Road - Good Knowledge
• Symbols and Abbreviations
• Compasses - Fixes / Steering / Bearings
• Dead Reckoning
• Lights And Shapes
• Electronics
• Passage making
• Estimated Position
• Crew and Yacht management

Previous experience : IYT Watch Keeper / Flotilla Skipper Duration: 5 days Qualifications: IYT Bareboat Skipper What's included : Safety equipment, Instruction, Yacht, Bottled Water, Fuel and Insurance What's Optional :  iPad, Sailing Gloves, SiA T shirts, SiA Caps and Log Books What's required : Sun protection. Sun hat. Shorts that cover the knees when sitting are best. Footwear for on-board tennis shoes / trainers / Crocs. Some people like to use gloves. Lightweight wet weather clothing.

We can help you with the following on request:

• Accommodation
• Airport Transfer
• Motor Bike or Car Rental
• What to do and where to go in Phuket

Course Dates:

Inshore skipper 2 courses start on.

10th - 14th and 24th - 28th of each month

Book 90 days early for a great discount!

Inshore Skipper Courses start on

Inshore skipper course prices, book this course, bareboat skipper course.

SPECIAL OFFER!

Standards: Inland Skipper Instructor Course

I. Basic Requirements

• Every instructor candidate should:
• Pass the Inland Skipper Exam before approaching the course or hold an equivalent certificate
• Have at least 1 year experience after passing the above mentioned exam,
• Hold First Aid or Rescue certificate
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have at least high school education
• Should submit valid fitness declaration stating that he/she is fit for the activity
• PLEASE NOTICE that copies of all of the above mentioned documents should be presented upon submitting the application for the course

WARNING. CANDIDATES WITH NO SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BECOME ISSA INSTRUCTORS

II. Training Venue Requirements

• The course should take place primarily on a sailing yacht at least 18 ft long. At least 10 hours of practice should take place on a yacht equipped with under deck area
• The yacht should have all the equipment necessary to run a complete practical ISSA training course for Inland Skipper
• The yacht should comply with the requirements set for training vessels in the location of the course
• The theory classes can take place in a classroom that meets ISSA standards or on the yacht if there is sufficient below deck area able to comfortably fit all the instructor candidates and the trainer

III. Efficiency Requirements

There should be 1 trainer for a maximum of 5 candidates

IV. TRAINING CONDITIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Handling under sail practice should take place in weather conditions between and including 2B – 6B
• There should be at least 30 hours of practical exercises
• There should be at least 20 hours of classes to practice the theory presentation skills of the candidates

V. Safety Requirements

Throughout the practical part of the course, the instructor candidates should wear lifejackets as directed by the trainer

VI. Additional Requirements

The instructors should be using:

• Whiteboard and display screen with adequate screening equipment
• ISSA instructor “Train The Trainer” handbook
• ISSA Inland Yacht Skipper program, handbook and presentations

• Instructors
• Testimonials
• Sailing courses
• VHF Radio (Online)

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• Sailing Associations
• What is ISSA?

International Sailing School Association, is a globally recognized organization dedicated to providing sailing education and certification. ISSA offers a wide range of courses designed to cater to sailors of all levels, from beginners to experienced skippers. One of the courses offered by ISSA is the Inshore Skipper Course, which holds several benefits for aspiring sailors. Let’s explore why you should consider taking the ISSA Inshore Skipper Course.

Why we selected the ISSA Skipper Course for Good Captain sailing school?

Comprehensive education.

The Inshore Skipper Course offered by ISSA provides a comprehensive education on sailing and skippering in inshore or coastal waters. It covers essential theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and safety procedures required to confidently navigate and handle a boat in these environments.

Enhanced Skills

By taking the Inshore Skipper Course , you will acquire the necessary skills to become a competent skipper. The course focuses on boat handling, navigation, meteorology, safety procedures, and seamanship, equipping you with the knowledge and expertise to navigate and handle a sailboat effectively in inshore waters.

Safety First

Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to sailing. The Inshore Skipper Course emphasizes safety procedures and practices, ensuring that you understand how to handle emergency situations, use safety equipment, and make informed decisions to ensure the well-being of yourself and your crew.

Confidence Building

As an inshore skipper, you’ll be responsible for the safety and navigation of the boat. The Inshore Skipper Course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to handle various situations that may arise while sailing in inshore waters. This knowledge and experience will boost your confidence as a skipper and enable you to make informed decisions while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience for everyone on board.

International Recognition

ISSA certifications are globally recognized and respected within the sailing community. By completing the Inshore Skipper Course and obtaining the corresponding certification, you demonstrate your competence and commitment to sailing in inshore waters, opening up opportunities to sail in different locations around the world.

Networking Opportunities

Taking the ISSA Inshore Skipper Course allows you to connect with other sailing enthusiasts and professionals in the industry. This networking opportunity can be valuable for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and potentially opening doors to further sailing opportunities and collaborations.

Personal Growth and Enjoyment

Sailing is not just a hobby; it is a journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and adventure. The Inshore Skipper Course enables you to expand your horizons, develop new skills, and embark on exciting sailing adventures in inshore waters. It offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience for those who have a passion for sailing and want to take their skills to the next level.

Good Captain sailing school in Bulgaria always offers the best of the sailing life for you!

In conclusion, taking the ISSA Inshore Skipper Course with Good Captain sailing school provides a comprehensive education in sailing, navigation, and skippering in inshore waters. It enhances your skills, builds confidence, and offers international recognition , opening doors to exciting sailing opportunities worldwide. Whether you aspire to become a competent inshore skipper or simply want to deepen your knowledge and enjoyment of sailing, the Inshore Skipper Course can be a valuable investment in your sailing journey.

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Home / School, courses also ONLINE / Cyprus

Sailing schools and Skipper License, courses, trainings (IYT, ISSA, RYA) in Cyprus

Cyprus bathes in the sun almost all year round. and the mild mediterranean climate attracts not only «package tourists», but also active sailors. while staying in the marinas you will see amazing natural diversity — from olive groves to vineyards, from white beaches to mountain peaks..

Found 15 events 19 offers

ISSA Inshore Skipper course

The certificated confirms the skills sufficient to sail the yacht 24 m in light and dark hours at a distance from a sheltered port up to 20 sea miles.

There are places in 1 team

ISSA Inshore Skipper weekend course

IYT International Bareboat Skipper

Having received the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate, you can independently charter a yacht on a charter and operate it in the waters of any country.

There are places in 2 teams

ISSA YACHT CREW Course

4-day course with ISSA Yacht Crew License

IYT Day Skipper / Crew Sail course + VHF

This is a 3 to 4-day course aimed to deliver a competent day sailor/skipper who can command a sailboat up to 10 meters and crew during daylight hours in fair conditions in inland waters (bay or lake sailing) or coastal waters up to 5 miles offshore.

IYT Introductory Sailing Skills course

This course is great for groups of friends or like-minded people to get together for a few days of fun sailing while learning skills to better help as crew onboard.

IYT Try Sailing Course

It’s a fun hands-on course to enjoy being on the water while learning basic sailing skills.

RYA Coastal Skipper course

Advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.

RYA Competent Crew course

This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.

RYA Start Yachting course

A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners.

Regular sailing training on FAREAST 28R

The sailing session is an affordable sailing on Fareast 28R sports yachts on weekends and weekdays in Limassol Marina. The sessions are for both beginners and experienced sailors.

• Recommended entry-level requirements: at least 12+ years of age.
• Scope of course 3 to 4-hour course, on board, covering theory and practical subjects
• Gift You can purchase a gift certificate for this course
• Schedule Any Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday from 10:00 till 14:00

Advertisement

Ships fooled in GPS spoofing attack suggest Russian cyberweapon

By David Hambling

10 August 2017

GPS signals of 20 ships in the Black Sea were hacked to indicate they were 32km inland

plainpicture/Tilby Vattard

Reports of satellite navigation problems in the Black Sea suggest that Russia may be testing a new system for spoofing GPS, New Scientist has learned. This could be the first hint of a new form of electronic warfare available to everyone from rogue nation states to petty criminals.

On 22 June, the US Maritime Administration filed a seemingly bland incident report. The master of a ship off the Russian port of Novorossiysk had discovered his GPS put him in the wrong spot – more than 32 kilometres inland, at Gelendzhik Airport.

After checking the navigation equipment was working properly, the captain contacted other nearby ships. Their AIS traces – signals from the automatic identification system used to track vessels – placed them all at the same airport. At least 20 ships were affected .

While the incident is not yet confirmed, experts think this is the first documented use of GPS misdirection – a spoofing attack that has long been warned of but never been seen in the wild.

Read more: “I’m alarmed at how much infrastructure is open to online attack”

Until now, the biggest worry for GPS has been it can be jammed by masking the GPS satellite signal with noise. While this can cause chaos, it is also easy to detect. GPS receivers sound an alarm when they lose the signal due to jamming. Spoofing is more insidious: a false signal from a ground station simply confuses a satellite receiver. “Jamming just causes the receiver to die, spoofing causes the receiver to lie,” says consultant David Last , former president of the UK’s Royal Institute of Navigation.

Todd Humphreys , of the University of Texas at Austin, has been warning of the coming danger of GPS spoofing for many years. In 2013, he showed how a superyacht with state-of-the-art navigation could be lured off-course by GPS spoofing. “The receiver’s behaviour in the Black Sea incident was much like during the controlled attacks my team conducted,” says Humphreys.

Humphreys thinks this is Russia experimenting with a new form of electronic warfare. Over the past year, GPS spoofing has been causing chaos for the receivers on phone apps in central Moscow to misbehave . The scale of the problem did not become apparent until people began trying to play Pokemon Go. The fake signal, which seems to centre on the Kremlin, relocates anyone nearby to Vnukovo Airport , 32 km away. This is probably for defensive reasons; many NATO guided bombs, missiles and drones rely on GPS navigation, and successful spoofing would make it impossible for them to hit their targets.

But now the geolocation interference is being used far away from the Kremlin. Some worry that this means that spoofing is getting easier. GPS spoofing previously required considerable technical expertise. Humphreys had to build his first spoofer from scratch in 2008, but notes that it can now be done with commercial hardware and software downloaded from the Internet.

Nor does it require much power. Satellite signals are very weak – about 20 watts from 20,000 miles away – so a one-watt transmitter on a hilltop, plane or drone is enough to spoof everything out to the horizon.

If the hardware and software are becoming more accessible, nation states soon won’t be the only ones using the technology. This is within the scope of any competent hacker . There have not yet been any authenticated reports of criminal spoofing, but it should not be difficult for criminals to use it to divert a driverless vehicle or drone delivery, or to hijack an autonomous ship. Spoofing will give everyone affected the same location, so a hijacker would just need a short-ranged system to affect one vehicle.

But Humphreys believes that spoofing by a state operator is the more serious threat. “It affects safety-of-life operations over a large area,” he says. “In congested waters with poor weather, such as the English Channel, it would likely cause great confusion, and probably collisions.”

Last says that the Black Sea incident suggests a new device capable of causing widespread disruption, for example, if used in the ongoing dispute with Ukraine. “My gut feeling is that this is a test of a system which will be used in anger at some other time.”

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