Power and sailGetting started
Introduction to Sailing (Power and Sail)
First steps
A practical first taste of life on board, from steering under power to handling ropes and sails.
Power and sail / Getting started
Able & Competent Crew (Power and Sail)
Learn how a cruising boat works and how to play a useful part in the crew. You practise the everyday tasks that keep a boat and the people on it safe.
Course overview
Able & Competent Crew introduces beginners to cruising and helps them become confident, useful members of a crew. Training takes place on board, where you learn the parts of the boat, how to handle ropes and how to help with mooring, anchoring and leaving a berth. You take turns on the helm, keep a lookout and support the skipper with routine jobs. Safety runs through every session, including personal safety equipment and the person overboard routine. By the end, you should understand how a cruise is organised and feel ready to take part in longer passages or further training.
Who it is for
Beginners who want to crew on cruising boats with confidence, and people who have sailed informally and would like a structured foundation.
What you will learn
- The parts of a boat and how it is rigged
- Ropework, mooring up and casting off
- Helming and keeping a lookout
- Using personal safety equipment
- Working as part of a crew
How training works
Practical training on the water with an instructor. Contact IMSO for current venues, dates and group sizes.
Before you enrol
No previous experience is needed. Contact IMSO to confirm current requirements before you book.
Assessment and certificate
Ask IMSO how progress is assessed on this course and which certificate is currently issued.
Questions
Common questions about this course
Is Able & Competent Crew right for me?
Tell us about your experience and what you want to achieve. We will explain the current entry requirements and suggest the right starting point.
When does the next course run?
Dates are confirmed on request. Send an enquiry and we will reply with current dates, venues and fees.
Enquire
Ask about Able & Competent Crew
Send a short message and we will reply with current dates, entry requirements and the next step.
Related
Related courses
Power and sailDeveloping
Coastal Skipper (Power and Sail)
Coastal progression
Grow your confidence as a skipper on coastal trips, building on the basics you already know.