Purpose.
The Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Scheme is designed so that, through participation in a combination of scheduled practical qualification training and shorebased courses, experience courses, offshore and ocean sailing expeditions, members of HM Forces can progress to be adventurous sail training Skippers of Service sail training craft. The scheme provides a framework for Service personnel to progress from novice sailor to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean and be able to act as Skipper on large yachts entirely through the resources provided at JSASTC, whilst at the same time gaining internationally recognised certification.
Practical Qualification Training.
This is conducted to the Royal Yachting Association/Maritime and Coastguard Agency (RYA/MCA) Cruising & Yachtmaster syllabus. Training and practical assessments are provided at Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Yachtmaster Coastal, Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean. RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and Examiner assessments are arranged in conjunction with the RYA. These are all conducted in the Victoria 34s although Competent Crew certification may be obtained on the Nicholson 55s and the Challenge 67s whilst conducting deployed exercises.
Shorebased Courses.
These are classroom courses which are conducted throughout the year with students being accommodated in Fort Blockhouse. The courses available are: Day Skipper and Yachtmaster navigation theory, Diesel Engine, Short Range Radio Certificate (SRC), Radar, First Aid and Sea Survival. Yachtmaster Ocean theory courses and examinations, as well as assessment of sextant sights taken at sea, are also programmed and co-ordinated from JSASTC.
Practical Training in the Larger Yachts.
In order to increase the number of personnel qualified to take away Nic 55s and Challenge 67s as Adventurous Training Skippers and to raise the standard of Afterguard (Mates and Watchleaders), a programme of Nic 55 and Challenge 67 courses has been designed to cater for all levels of experience.
Experience Courses.
Continuation and experience courses are programmed in all classes of STC to enable personnel to improve their seagoing skills and experience before applying for further qualification courses or assessments.
Adventurous Sail Training Expeditions.
Adventurous Sail Training expeditions can range in scope from a weekend sailing in the Solent area to longer English Channel cruises with calls at UK and foreign ports or even major expeditions worldwide, including crew changes overseas and ocean passages. Long distance exercises are undertaken in the larger STC which have berths for 11 to 14 personnel and are fully equipped for ocean-going operations. The Victoria 34 STC, which have berths for up to 7 personnel, are ideal for local expeditions, particularly along the south coast of England, the north coast of France and the Channel Islands. However, they can be deployed out to the Canary Islands or Northern Europe if Units wish to project manage particular expeditions. To enhance flexibility, JSASTC STC can be detached to forward operate, for short periods of time, under the auspices of Commands or individual Units in UK and abroad or to fit in with RN Groups or individual ship deployments or refit periods.