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Qualifications Defined

Standard
Qualification Qualification Definition and/or Explaination
B-CS

DAY SAILING CRUISING SKIPPER: Qualified to handle small sailing craft with auxiliary power in local waters. Boat may have some ships systems
B-CSN

CRUISING SKIPPER: Qualified to handle small sailing craft with auxiliary power in local waters. The N signifies that person has been certified for sailing at night and reduced visibility
(C)

CREW: Individual with no formal training aboard a large sailing vessel
(SC)

SENIOR CREW: Individual with formal training aboard a large sailing vessel and has met all the PQS requirements for Crew
(WC)

WATCH CAPTAIN: Individual who has met all PQS requirements for Watch Captain
D-CS

CRUISING SKIPPER: Individual qualified to command a sailing vessel in designated or coastal waters. Qualification includes night experience and demonstrated navigation knowledge and skills. Any course developed for this certification must be approved by the DONS.
(A)

MATE: Minimum qualification to crew on small sailing craft
B-DS

DINGHY SKIPPER: Qualified to handle small centerboard sailing craft in local waters
B-KBS

KEEL BOAT SKIPPER: Qualified to handle a small keel boat sailing craft in local waters
DONS/USNSA only
Qualification Qualification Definition and/or Explaination
D-SS

SENIOR SKIPPER: Individual who has met all PQS requirements for Senior Skipper D-SS qualified to command a large sailing yacht offshore
E-MS

MASTER SKIPPER: Qualified to command and race a large sailing yacht offshore under all conditions
Q-MO

MASTER OCEAN: Honorary title based on long term offshore experience
USNSA Special Qualifiers
Qualification Qualification Definition and/or Explaination
(I-Jr)

JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR: Qualified to train, recommend and/or certify individuals at their Individual sailing qualification level or lower provided they have appropriate experience in vessel used in training. Must be with a qualified or certified adult (over 18 years old).
(I)

INSTRUCTOR: Qualified to train, recommend and/or certify individuals at their Individual sailing qualification level or lower provided they have appropriate experience in vessel used in training
(IT)

INSTRUCTOR TRAINER: Qualified to train and certify sailing instructors at their Individual sailing qualification level
(SPD)

SAILING PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Individual who has been trained in the safe operation of a sailing program and has de
(R)

RACING: A member who also has a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of yacht racing rules, techniques, and has served in the capacity of skipper or crew while racing. This designator is used in conjunction with any of Navy sailing qualifications. This designator is awarded at the local level.