NEXT COURSE - MARCH 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The US Sailing Small Boat Level 2 Instructor Trainer Course certifies qualified US Sailing instructors to run Small Boat Level 2 Instructor courses and train sailing instructor candidates on sail theory, sail controls, introductory management skills, spinnaker and trapeze use (and instruction) and powerboat operation for emergency situations. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
The Level 2 Instructor Trainer Course is conducted by Master Instructor Trainers who are experts in the field of sail training.
The goals of the Level 2 Instructor Trainer Course are as follows:
- To train professionals in the methods and theories of the US Sailing Instructor Training Program;
- To provide Instructor Trainer candidates with the information, tools, and confidence to conduct a successful Small Boat Level 2 Instructor Course.
Topics covered during the course include:
- Sail Theory and Controls:
- Program Planning and Lesson Plan, and Curriculum Development
- Teaching Techniques & sequence of learning
- Communication Skills
- Safety Procedures‐ Best Practices
- Advanced Instructor Knowledge
COURSE LENGTH & FORMAT
This is a 2-day, 22-hour course. Attendance at all course sessions is mandatory. Absence from any portion of the course excludes the instructor candidate from evaluation.
PREREQUISITES
- Current US Sailing Individual, College or Family Membership.
Youth membership is not applicable, and only one instructor is allowed per family membership. - Current Small Boat Level 2 Instructor certification.
- Current Small Boat Level 1 Instructor Trainer certification. Current certification includes a valid SafeSport certificate and completion of Teaching and Coaching Fundamentals Online (TCFO), completion of Heads Up concussion training, as well as current CPR and First Aid.
- Suggested minimum age is 24 years old.
Consideration will be given to younger candidates depending upon experience, training and teaching ability. - Teaching experience
Candidates should have at least three years teaching experience in an approved sail training program. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted if the candidate has taught three years outside the sailing environment and possesses adequate sailing experience to transfer these teaching skills to sailing. - Significant experience sailing on dinghies and/or day sailing keelboats.
A high level of sailing skills is expected. Instructor Trainer candidates should be competent in any boat in any situation. - Two (2) references
Submission of the names of two references who are familiar with the candidate’s recreational activities covering sailing, teaching and general employment pertinent to becoming an Instructor Trainer.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Practical evaluation in the following areas: Sailing skills, safety boat handling skills and teaching and communication skills
- Written testing on the following materials/topics: Small Boat Sailing Instructor Guides, sailing theory test, Boating Basics
- A Final Evaluation by the Master Instructor Trainers, Director of Education, and/or Education Committee Representative.
- Co-Teaching a course with a Senior Instructor Trainer.
Before certification each IT Candidate must co-teach one Small Boat Level 2 Instructor Course with a currently certified Senior IT and at an approved facility, which are both selected by the US Sailing Education Department.
VALIDATION OF US SAILING INSTRUCTOR TRAINERS
Validation of an Instructor Trainer will be for one year and continues at the recommendation of US Sailing. The Instructor Trainer is expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism and teaching quality and to support the US Sailing Training Program. The Instructor Trainer is hired by US Sailing as a temporary consultant and receives compensation only for instructor courses conducted, including associated responsibilities.
To remain active, an Instructor Trainer must teach a minimum of one course every two years and maintain current First Aid, CPR, SafeSport certification and US Sailing membership.
WHAT YOU CAN TEACH WITH THIS CERTIFICATION
Small Boat Level 2 Instructor courses.
COURSE MATERIALS
The following course materials are included:
- Small Boat Sailing Level 2 Instructor Manual
- Safety and Rescue and Support Boat Handling
- Small Boat Level 2 IT Manual and supporting documents.
COURSE FEE
The course fee is $350, due upon acceptance into the course.
If accepted, payment must be received by US Sailing no more than three (3) weeks prior to the course. Late payment is subject to a $25 fee.
APPLICATION
Level 2 IT applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, regardless if a course is currently listed on the schedule. On average, US Sailing runs one Level 2 Instructor Trainer course every few years, either on the east coast, or west coast. Please note that submission of an application does not constitute acceptance to the course. Applications are reviewed by the IT Candidate Selection Committee and those candidates who are selected will be invited to attend.
Candidates not selected will be notified in writing. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until four (4) months before the start of the course date. Candidates will be notified no later than three (3) months before the start of the course.
Questions? Please contact Peri Burns at PeriBurns@ussailing.org.
