RYA Dinghy Assistant Instructor

Want to share the sport you love?

The Assistant Instructor (AI) award provides recognition for the ‘in- house’ training given to experienced sailors intending to qualify as RYA Dinghy Instructors at a later date. The AI is a competent small boat sailor who has been trained to assist instructors in teaching sailing up to the standard of the Level 2 – Basic Skills or Stage 3 courses. The AI certificate is only valid at the centre from which it was issued.

Working under the supervision of a qualified Senior Instructor this two day course (20 hours) would be ideal for people thinking of becoming a Dinghy Instructor at a later date or those who wish to help out with training at our centre but don’t want the responsibility that goes with full instructor status. The ratio of students to instructors will not exceed 6:1. The course includes a G14 National Sailing Scheme Instructor Handbook.

Please note the following pre-requisites & information relating to this course:

  • Required sailing standard: pass one of the National Sailing Scheme Advanced Modules
  • Experience: Experienced sailor in moderate to strong winds
  • Recommendation by Principal of the Recognised Training Centre
  • Training Course & Remit:
    • Normally 20 hours in duration, run over two days but could be modular over a number of weekends or days, with extra time allowed for revision.
    • Training is primarily afloat, covering basic teaching principles, centre procedures and specific training in any unfamiliar equipment.
    • Candidates will be assessed on their teaching ability with beginners.
    • Run by an RYA Senior Instructor who has been nominated by the Principal or Chief Instructor.
    • Assistant Instructors will operate under the supervision of a Senior Instructor. As the AI’s training is limited to assisting qualified instructors and does not include first aid or powerboat handling, AIs must always work under direct supervision.
    • This is a centre-specific certificate, awarded by the training centre and valid for five years. If an Assistant Instructor wishes to operate at a different centre, the new centre Principal will be required to deliver centre-specific training and issue a new Assistant Instructor certificate.

In the event that there are no dates showing as available, please register your interest using this short form.