Competent Crew Certification

First level of Instruction

This course is set up for the complete novice, no experience is necessary. It has two components: Theory and Practical

Theory:
Once you are registered, you will receive a package with the manual, details of what to bring and our standard waiver. The manual contains all the information. Review questions at the end of each section are to be completed. The contents include basic steps to leave the dock, put up the sails, turning into and away from the wind and returning to the dock. You will become aware of many nautical terms and learn a few essential knots. Basic safety requirements are covered. Having the book complete is all that is required, there is NO EXAM! Once completed you are now ready for the practical component.

Practical:
We practise the theory you have completed over a full two day period. You are not tested, do not have to memorize and can repeat tasks as time allows. This is your time to get the feel of crewing on a keel boat.
Our day will start at 9:00am. It begins with safety orientations and checks, followed with sharing the objectives of the day. Ideally we will be back on the dock by 4pm and have our tasks completed by 5pm.

Pricing:
Competent Crew Certification : $695

** If you completed a Discover Sailing Three Hour Introduction with Living Sky Sailing School in the current or previous sailing season, $50 will be credited to a future course registered and completed by the end of the next sailing season.

How to prepare:

Book your session and complete the manual.
Light lunches and snacks will be provided each day but you are welcome to bring your own additional favorites.
Bring a few layers of clothes. Splashing and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your personal items. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. And always include a positive attitude and patience!
All life jackets are included and must be worn for the entire time on the water. If you prefer to bring your own, you may, but it must be an approved PFD and be worn.
NO ALCOHOL is to be brought on board and smoking of any kind, including vaping is prohibited.
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.

Day Skipper Certification

Second level of Instruction

This is where planning begins. Day Skipper is set up for the competent crew graduate or anyone with comparable sailing experience. This course has two components: Theory and Practical

Theory:
Once you are registered, you will receive a manual with all the material you require. Time is spent considering different conditions for leaving and returning to the dock, mooring and anchoring. Basic meteorology and awareness of emergency situations are introduced. You will become aware of many more nautical terms and learn a few more knots. Basic collision avoidance regulations are covered. Having the book complete is all that is required to move into the practical component.


Practical:
We will practise the theory you have completed over two full days. You will not be tested, do not have to memorize and can repeat as many tasks as time allows. This is your time to get the feel of skippering on a keel boat.
Our day will start at 9:00 each day. It will include safety orientations and checks, followed with sharing the objectives of the day. Ideally we will be back on the dock by 4pm and have our tasks completed by 5pm.

Pricing:
Day Skipper Certification: $695

See Rates tab for special pricing and scheduling options when signing up for multiple courses.

How to prepare:

Book your session. Sign up for multiple courses and receive a discount.
Light lunches and snacks will be provided each day but you are welcome to bring your own additional favorites.
Wear a few layers of clothes. Splashing and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your personal items. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. And always include a positive attitude and patience!
All life jackets are included and must be worn for the entire time on the water. If you prefer to bring your own, you may, but it must be an approved PFD and be worn.
NO ALCOHOL is to be brought on board and smoking of any kind, including vaping is prohibited.
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.

Coastal Navigation Certification

How do we get there?

No prerequisite is required! In order to be able to charter a vessel, the company will want to know you can determine where you are and how to return safety, without electronics! This course can be used for Sailing or Power endorsement. This course has two components: Theory and Practical

Theory:
Once you are registered, you will receive a manual and list of items required. The manual is very comprehensive with how to use charts and current/tide tables to plan routes. If you had any interest or ability in Math or Physics problems, you will really enjoy this material. You will not have to memorize anything and there is NO EXAM! Once completed you are now ready for the practical component.This course requires two additional items. A plotter and a specific chart. These can be purchased on your own or through Living Sky Sailing School for an additional cost.

Practical:
The practical requires 5 hours on the water. We can cover this in an afternoon. You will chart a course and follow it using the Compass on board or a hand bearing compass. We will make at least three turns and ideally end up at a location you predetermined. We will also use triangulation to determine our location on a Lake Diefenbaker map. You will not be tested, do not have to memorize and can repeat as many tasks as time allows. This is your time to get the feel of Navigation for ANY vessel.

Pricing:
Coastal Navigation Certification: $400
*Portland Plotter $50, Nautical Chart #3463 $25. plus S/H.
See Rates tab for special pricing and scheduling options when signing up for multiple courses.
**We encourage our students to spread out multiple courses over multiple sessions. Adding Coastal Navigation to our BC sailing trips is a great add on.

How to prepare:

Book your session and ideally register for multiple courses to reduce the cost.
Light lunches and snacks will be provided each day but you are welcome to bring your own additional favorites.
Wear a few layers of clothes. Splashing and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your personal items. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. A positive attitude and patience is always welcome!
All life jackets are included and must be worn for the entire time on the water. If you prefer to bring your own, you may, but it must be an approved PFD and be worn.
NO ALCOHOL is to be brought on board and smoking of any kind, including vaping is prohibited.
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.

VHF Marine Radio with DSC Endorsement

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday

In order to operate a VHF radio you are required to be certified. This course is for any mariner on sail or power boats.

How to acquire a VHF Certificate with LivingSkySailingSchool
1. Student registers with Canadian Power and Sailing (https://www.cps-ecp.ca/)
2. Select a method of study, location and sign up.
3. Complete the learning by the selected method.
-Virtual or real classroom the exam will be arranged through them.
-Self study option: we recommend you select Gabriola Island, BC. This is our affiliated CanBoat squadron.
4. Complete the theory and then contact David. He will complete the verbal portion of the exam and formally register your certification.

VHF Registration Site

Mileage Building Opportunity

After completing a class, you likely want to practise your skills.
-Sign up to join one of our vessels for 6 hours and refresh those skills.
-You won't be alone! Each opportunity includes a certified instructor onboard to assist or reteach if requested.
-Are you nervous about booking your first charter? Consider this a practise run.
-Bringing along a friend or spouse without experience or training by giving them a Discover Cruising Experience. (Add on)
-Live a board add on is available to make it an overnight adventure.(Add on)
-Limited to a max of 4 participants.
-** Sign up on the Mileage builder / practise list.**
-------We will share a few days in advance when we have room during one of our lessons for you to return for the day. You can hear the lesson again and practise your skills. Join the list, get the invite and only pay $150 for the days you use.

Cost:

$275 individual
$250 ea (group of two.)
$200 ea (group of three.)

Can I book a Charter boat yet?

Hopefully..

On paper, you are able to "apply" to book your first ever charter boat! Each charter company is a bit different but the general process is the same.
The company will need to see your sailing resume. They want to know you understand the environment, collision regulations and that the boat will come back to the same place in the same shape.
If you have never chartered and have little practical experience, they may require you to hire an instructor for the first day or have other additional requirements you may have to meet. We encourage you to call any potential charter company and ask them directly about their policy.
One crew member with a VHF Marine Radio Operators certificate is required.

Still not sure where to start?

Discover Experiences

Discover Sailing 3 Hours

Each trip starts with an orientation and safety before heading out.
We head out on the water and enjoy the ride. Limited duties, tasks and obligations.
Our trips will have from one to three participants.
This is a Discover Experience. You will observe a variety of tasks and assist with direct guidance and supervision.

Discover Cruising Full Day

Each trip starts with an orientation and safety before heading out.
The objective is to train and give you experience to be a valueable crew member on any sailboat without formal certification.
This is a great add on, to join someone who is taking formal training.

How to prepare for either option:

Book your session.
Water to top up your water bottle is available. Bring a few layers of clothes. Splashing waves and light rain are possible.
Bring no more than one small bag with your water bottle, a few favorite snacks and a dry set of clothes or light rain jacket. Include sunscreen (non aerosol, please), sunglasses and hat. And always include patience and a positive attitude!
Physical Condition: You must have the ability to move to all parts of the boat with some agility.


Cost: Starting at $125 per individual


** If you complete a Discover Experience with Living Sky Sailing School, $50 will be credited to a future course registered and completed by the end of the next sailing season.