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Christopher D. Nolan

Taught by a professional tall ship captain and cruising sailor, this course is helpful for anyone interested in being a better sailor or looking to get a deeper understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergencies.  The course is structured to specifically help those studying for a U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement to operate sailing vessels in charter service or for deliveries.  However, it is useful to all sailors and will give you a true understanding of sailing theory and practice.  Ideally students have some sailing experience before tackling this class. 

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Course Introduction and Resources
Instructor Introduction
At the end of this section, you will understand common sailing terminology and how to describe sailing maneuvers. You will be ready to pass exam questions focused on this topic.
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Terminology and Maneuvers Introduction
Sailing Terminology
Sailing Maneuvers

Test you knowledge of this topic with this optional quiz!

Terminology and Maneuvers Question Review
At the end of this section, you will understand rules of the road related to sailing specifically and be able to answer exam questions on this topic.
Rules of the Road Introduction
General Rules (Rule 3 - Definitions)
Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision)
Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 9 - Narrow Channels)
Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes)
Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels)
Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 13 - Overtaking)
Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 19 - Vessels in Restricted Visibility)
Lights and Shapes Rules (Rule 25 - Sailing Vessels and Vessels Under Oars)

Test your knowledge of the sailing Rules of the Road with this optional quiz!

Rules of the Road Question Review
At the end of this section, you will understand how to respond to sailing emergencies such as heavy weather and damaged equipment. You will be able to answer exam questions from this topic.
Sailing Emergencies Introduction
Heavy Weather Tactics
Loss or Damaged Equipment
Personnel Casualty

Test your knowledge of this section with this optional quiz!

Emergencies Question Review
After this course, you are ready to pass your U.S. Coast Guard Sailing Endorsement Exam! Additionally, you have broadened your understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergencies.
Course Conclusion and Where to go Next

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pass Your Sailing Endorsement Exam with these activities:
Review Basic Sailing Terminology
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental sailing terms to better grasp the course's terminology section.
Show steps
  • Review a glossary of sailing terms.
  • Create flashcards for key terms.
  • Test yourself using online quizzes.
Read 'Sailing for Dummies'
Build a solid foundation in sailing basics with this accessible introductory guide.
View Sailing For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on basic sailing principles.
  • Review sections on boat handling and safety.
  • Take notes on key concepts and terminology.
Read 'Chapman Piloting & Seamanship'
Supplement your understanding of sailing rules and seamanship with this comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Read relevant chapters on rules of the road.
  • Study sections on emergency procedures.
  • Take notes on key concepts and regulations.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Practice Rules of the Road Scenarios
Reinforce your knowledge of collision regulations by working through practical scenarios.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with rules of the road scenarios.
  • Draw diagrams of different encounter situations.
  • Verbalize the correct actions for each vessel.
Research Local Sailing Regulations
Deepen your understanding of sailing regulations by researching those specific to your local area.
Show steps
  • Identify the governing bodies for sailing in your area.
  • Research local regulations regarding vessel operation.
  • Compile a summary of key regulations and requirements.
Create a Sailing Emergency Response Plan
Solidify your understanding of emergency procedures by creating a detailed response plan.
Show steps
  • Research common sailing emergencies.
  • Outline steps for responding to each emergency.
  • Include equipment checklists and communication protocols.
  • Share your plan with experienced sailors for feedback.
Help other students with terminology
Reinforce your understanding of sailing terminology by helping other students.
Show steps
  • Answer questions in online forums.
  • Explain concepts to classmates.
  • Create study guides for others.

Career center

Learners who complete Pass Your Sailing Endorsement Exam will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Charter Captain
A Charter Captain is responsible for the safe operation of a chartered sailing vessel and the well being of the passengers. This course may prove useful in preparing you to command a vessel for charter. The course's specific aim is to prepare you for the U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement exam, a necessity for operating sailing vessels in charter service. The course deepens your understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and procedures, which helps you navigate confidently and handle various situations that may arise while at sea. The course's coverage of sailing emergencies, including heavy weather tactics and responses to equipment damage and personnel casualties, ensures that you are well prepared to ensure the safety of your passengers and crew.
Delivery Captain
Delivery Captains transport sailing vessels from one location to another, often over long distances. This course helps you improve your knowledge and skills to effectively undertake deliveries. This course is specifically structured to help those studying for a U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement, a common requirement for those undertaking deliveries. The comprehensive coverage of sailing terminology, rules, and emergencies ensures that you can handle a wide range of situations encountered during a delivery voyage. The section on rules of the road helps prevent collisions while the section on heavy weather helps you plan and prepare for adverse conditions.
Sailing Instructor
If you enjoy teaching and sharing your passion for sailing, a career as a Sailing Instructor could be a great fit. As a sailing instructor, you would guide individuals of all skill levels in learning the fundamentals of sailing, advanced techniques, and safety procedures. This course, designed to deepen understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergencies, helps you communicate these topics clearly and accurately to your students. You can readily use the material on sailing terminology and maneuvers, rules of the road, and emergency response in your lesson plans. The course's focus on exam preparation also provides a structured approach to learning and teaching.
Marine Surveyor
Marine Surveyors inspect vessels to assess their condition, safety, and compliance with regulations. This course may prove useful in enhancing your understanding of sailing vessels and related safety protocols. A deeper understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergencies, as provided by the course, is helpful when evaluating a vessel's seaworthiness and identifying potential hazards. The course's focus on U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement preparation ensures that you are familiar with the regulatory requirements for sailing vessels. The knowledge gained from the course helps you conduct thorough inspections and provide accurate assessments to clients.
Yacht Broker
Yacht Brokers assist clients in buying and selling sailing vessels. This course may be useful in allowing you to enhance your knowledge of sailing terminology and vessel operation, thus helping you to better serve your clients. Understanding sailing terminology allows you to accurately describe the features and capabilities of different vessels. Familiarity with sailing rules and emergency procedures helps you educate potential buyers about safety considerations. The course can help you establish credibility as a knowledgeable broker who understands the nuances of sailing.
Tall Ship Crew Member
Working as a crew member on a tall ship offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional sailing. This course provides a foundational understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergency procedures, all of which are relevant to the operation of a tall ship. While experience is essential in this field, this course helps you become conversant in the language of sailing and understand the basic principles of navigation. The course's coverage of sailing emergencies, including heavy weather tactics and responses to equipment damage, is particularly relevant given the inherent challenges of sailing these large vessels.
Sailing Journalist
Sailing journalists write about sailing-related topics for various publications. This course may prove useful in enhancing your subject matter expertise. A deeper understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergencies as covered by the course helps you write more accurately and knowledgeably about sailing topics. This course may assist you in effectively communicating complex information to your audience, whether you are writing about sailing techniques, regattas, or maritime safety.
Marine Insurance Underwriter
Marine insurance underwriters assess risk and determine insurance coverage for vessels. This course may prove useful in gaining a better understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and potential hazards, which can inform your risk assessments. The course's focus on U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement preparation ensures that you are familiar with the regulatory requirements for sailing vessels. The knowledge gained from the course helps you make informed decisions about insurance coverage and pricing.
Harbor Master
A harbor master is responsible for the management and operation of a harbor. This course may prove useful in enhancing your knowledge of sailing vessels and maritime regulations. A deeper understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergency procedures, as covered in the course, helps you manage vessel traffic and respond to incidents effectively. The course's focus on U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement preparation ensures that you are familiar with the regulatory requirements for sailing vessels operating in the harbor. This knowledge helps you maintain a safe and efficient harbor environment.
Coast Guard Officer
Coast Guard officers are responsible for enforcing maritime laws and regulations, as well as conducting search and rescue operations. This course may prove useful in supplementing your existing knowledge of sailing vessels and maritime safety. The course's focus on U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement preparation ensures that you are familiar with the regulatory requirements for sailing vessels. The knowledge gained from the course helps perform duties related to sailing vessels more effectively.
Naval Architect
Naval architects design and oversee the construction of ships and other marine vessels. This course may prove useful in providing a practical understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and potential safety hazards from the perspective of someone operating a sailing vessel. While a degree in naval architecture provides in-depth knowledge of vessel design, this course helps you connect that knowledge to the real-world experience of sailing. The course's focus on U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement preparation ensures that you are familiar with the regulatory requirements for sailing vessels.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean. This course may prove useful in supplementing your understanding of ocean conditions and their impact on sailing vessels. While a degree in oceanography provides a broad understanding of the marine environment, this course offers insights into the practical aspects of sailing and navigation. The course's coverage of sailing emergencies, particularly heavy weather tactics, may be relevant when studying the effects of weather patterns on maritime activities.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study weather patterns and provide forecasts. This course may prove useful in gaining a deeper understanding of how weather conditions affect sailing vessels. While a degree in meteorology gives you expertise in weather forecasting, this course offers a practical perspective on how sailors interpret and respond to weather information. The course's coverage of heavy weather tactics is particularly relevant for understanding the challenges faced by sailors in adverse conditions. This knowledge helps you communicate weather information more effectively to the sailing community.
Commercial Fisherman
Commercial fishermen harvest fish and other seafood from the ocean. This course may prove useful in supplementing your knowledge of maritime rules and safety procedures. While experience is the primary requirement for this profession, a deeper understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and emergencies as covered by the course may help you navigate more safely and efficiently. The course's focus on U.S. Coast Guard sailing endorsement preparation ensures that you are familiar with the regulatory requirements for operating vessels at sea.
Travel Agent
Travel agents assist clients in planning and booking travel arrangements. This course may prove useful in enhancing your knowledge of sailing-related travel options, such as sailing cruises or yacht charters. A better understanding of sailing terminology, rules, and potential safety considerations as covered by the course helps you provide informed advice to clients interested in sailing vacations. This knowledge helps you tailor travel recommendations to your clients' needs and interests.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pass Your Sailing Endorsement Exam.
Chapman Piloting & Seamanship comprehensive guide covering all aspects of boating, including sailing. It provides in-depth explanations of navigation rules, safety procedures, and boat handling techniques. is commonly used as a textbook in sailing courses and valuable reference for both novice and experienced sailors. It adds breadth and depth to the course material, especially regarding rules of the road and emergency procedures.
Sailing for Dummies provides a beginner-friendly introduction to sailing concepts and techniques. It covers basic terminology, boat handling, and safety procedures in a clear and accessible manner. is particularly helpful for students with limited sailing experience, providing a solid foundation for understanding the course material. It serves as a useful supplementary resource for reinforcing fundamental concepts.

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