CYA Certification - Worth the Money?

[Toro]

The four levels of CYA cert that are mandated as for offshore cruising come out to be a fair chunk of change. I'm wondering if they're worthwhile in terms of international recognition/insurance/etc.

[Toro]

This actually ought to get moved to the certification board, which I didn't see for some reason. Sorry.

[Rex Delay]

First off, I must say that I am a CYA Cruising Instructor. All four levels are not required for most purposes. The market for Advanced and Offshore courses is limited as they are mostly for personal interest and not pre-requisites for chartering or Insurance. To charter or get a reasonable insurance rate, you should have Intermediate Cruising and Coastal Navigation certification. With these and a reasonable amout of experience and dilligence, you should be able to handle a reasonable sized boat in most conditions and locations. CYA certification is recognized around the world.

[Toro]

Thanks for the help!

I'm actually planning on conducting a two year circumnavigation. Think there would be things in the advanced/offshore course that I would one day I would think "Damn I'm happy I took that?"

[Rex Delay]

That is a different kettle of fish. You should at least take Advanced Crusing and add in Celestial Navigation.

[tallyhorob]

CYA vs ASA

Same or is one better then the other for outside USA ?

[Rex Delay]

Two years might not be enough to enjoy all there is to offer.

[Rex Delay]

Probably the same.
ASA, CYA, RYA all recognize each others certification.

[Pblais]

ASA, CYA, RYA all recognize each others certification

They all share a common factor of certified instructors and a well written program available in many locations. US Sailing also could be added to the list as well.

Certification is a process of asserting minimal knowledge. If you go into it with that idea you'll come out learning a lot and understanding what it is you don't know yet. It should build your own confidence and force you demonstrate things you may have felt you knew (sort of). All these courses get you started right. Starting with bad habits could be a disaster waiting for you out on the water. Learning the language and the terminology helps you later on when you want to learn advanced subjects either through home study or other courses.

[Toro]

Well.. it's two years with an open ending =)

[Canibul]

So yer saying the certifications are really kinda like a Learner's Permit...

Hmm...wonder how long it takes to get the actual certificates? Wife and I took four ASA cert courses in early December....nothing yet except the signatures in our little log books.