NLSC Skipper Qualification Policy
NLSC Skipper Qualification Policy - approved by the NLSC Board of Directors, September 23, 2008
The NLSC Board adopted the following response to members who
are inquiring whether they qualify to be a NLSC Skipper and what qualifications
are necessary to be accepted as a NLSC Skipper.
This policy should apply only to NLSC sponsored trips on
chartered boats and not to non-member owned boats involved in trailer
trips. Also the Board recommends
adhering to its policy of required board approval in order for us to accept
endorsed trips.
NLSC should not be offering any kind of certification, but
be limited to suggesting, and not mandating criteria for those who aspire to
serve as a skipper. Skippers are
exclusively volunteers, offering their service at no fee and serve at the
pleasure of their trip chair, subject to approval by the NLSC board.
NLSC Skippers should have a variety of desirable leadership
characteristics in addition to sailing skills. Attractive leadership qualities would include:
- Conservative and cautious approach to boat handling
- Excellent people skills
- Mentoring / teaching approach
- Good facilitating & planning
Desirable sailing resume would include extensive experience & knowledge in:
- Sailing and boat handling
- Anchoring, mooring, docking
- Navigation
Other considerations of the board could include:
- Certifications from sailing schools and programs
- Recommendation by current NLSC Skipper(s)
- Significant prior experience owning and operating a keelboat of size
reasonably comparable to the craft to be used on the trip
- Club experience as first mate
Remember, ultimately the charter company decides who they
will allow to Skipper their craft and their decision is final.
Acceptance by NLSC of a member as Skipper
does not guarantee that the charter company will accept our Skipper.
For this reason, all Skippers should have a
sailing resume completed and ready to submit to the charter company.
Current NLSC Skippers should be grandfathered in, having
already displayed their capabilities and expertise.
First mates should serve at the joint invitation of trip
chair and Skipper.
