The Sailing Skills Certification Programme offered by Prime School is tailored to students aged 9 and above, with the goal of offering them a thorough education in sailing. This program is structured to furnish students with all the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively navigate and manage sailboats in a safe manner.
The overarching objective of the program is to empower students with the proficiency to confidently handle various aspects of sailing, encompassing both theoretical understanding and practical application. Throughout the curriculum, students engage in a range of activities and lessons that cover essential topics such as boat handling, navigation techniques, safety procedures, and environmental awareness.
By participating in this program, students not only develop their sailing abilities but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the marine environment and the importance of responsible boating practices. Ultimately, the Sailing Skills Certification Programme at Prime School aims to instill confidence, competence, and a lifelong passion for sailing in its students.
- Basic Seamanship: Students are introduced to the fundamentals of sailing, including terminology, basic knots, boat parts, and safety procedures. They learn how to properly rig nd prepare a sailboat for sailing.
- Boat Handling: Practical sessions focus on boat handling skills such as steering, tacking, gybing, and maneuvering in different wind conditions. Students learn how to control the sailboat effectively and respond to various situations on the water.
- Navigation: Navigation skills are essential for safe sailing. Students learn how to read nautical charts, understand buoyage systems, identify landmarks, and plan routes. They also learn about basic navigation instruments such as compasses and GPS devices.
- Safety Procedures: Safety is paramount in sailing. Students are taught essential safety procedures, including how to respond to emergencies such as capsizing or man overboard situations. They learn how to use safety equipment like life jackets and how to assess weather conditions before setting sail.
- Rules of the Road: Understanding the rules of navigation and right-of-way on the water is crucial for safe sailing. Students learn about international and local maritime rules and regulations to prevent collisions and navigate effectively in shared waters.
- Environmental Awareness: The program emphasizes environmental stewardship and respect for marine ecosystems. Students learn about the impact of human activities on the marine environment and how to minimize their ecological footprint while sailing.
- Practical Assessments: Throughout the program, students undergo practical assessments to demonstrate their sailing skills and knowledge. These assessments may include sailing exercises, navigation tasks, and safety drills conducted both on land and on the water.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Sailing Skills Certification from Prime School, which attests to their competence in sailing and understanding of essential seamanship principles.
Overall, the Sailing Skills Certification Programme at Prime School offers a structured and comprehensive curriculum designed to instill a love for sailing while ensuring students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent sailors.
Pricing for 10 hours of sailing training with a 40-foot boat
10 Hours of sailing Training:
Price: €800
The Local Skipper (Patrão Local) License
For students over 16 years old
The Local Skipper (Patrão Local) License, provided by Prime School International, empowers individuals to navigate close to the shoreline, allowing them to venture up to 10 nautical miles from a secure harbor and up to 5 nautical miles from the coastline itself. Importantly, this authorization is extended regardless of the boat's power and size, offering flexibility in vessel selection.
This course acts as a direct pathway for aspiring skippers, eliminating the requirement to obtain the Basic Skipper (Carta de Marinheiro) certification beforehand. This simplified approach is particularly advantageous for newcomers entering the maritime domain, presenting a more accessible entry point into the world of sailing.
To enroll in the Local Skipper course at Prime School International, candidates must meet specific criteria, as the course includes practical elements. They must be at least 16 years old, demonstrate proficient swimming abilities, and have completed the minimum required level of education, including the prior completion of Prime School International's practical sailing course, the Sailing Skills Certification Programme. By meeting these prerequisites, individuals can embark on their journey to acquire the Local Skipper License and begin exploring coastal waters with confidence and proficiency.
1. General orientation;
2. Overview of charts and their usage;
3. Introduction to estimated navigation techniques;
4. Utilization of onboard instruments;
5. Understanding tides;
6. Regulations for preventing collisions at sea;
7. Communication protocols, including mayday and GMDSS urgency procedures;
8. Introduction to meteorology for sailors;
9. Safety protocols and accident prevention measures;
10. Basic first aid techniques for maritime emergencies;
11. Principles of fire fighting onboard;
12. Understanding maritime ceremonial practices;
13. Maintenance and environmental considerations related to boat engines;
14. Essential skills for skippering a boat;
15. Proper usage of maritime equipment.
(As per Regulation No. 288/2000)
A total of 40 hours spread over 5 weeks, consisting of 30 theoretical classes and 10 practical sessions.
Theoretical classes are conducted in the evening, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, on weekdays, while practical sessions take place on weekends.
Examinations are held on either a Saturday or Sunday, starting at 9:00 am. The theoretical component is scheduled for the morning, followed by the practical assessment in the afternoon.
The following documents are required by the issuing authority (DGRM) for participation in the "Patrão Local" examination and subsequent certificate issuance upon approval:
1. Application form;
2. Photocopy of your identity card or passport (scanned);
3. Passport photo (scanned);
4. Residence permit (for non-Portuguese nationals);
5. Declaration confirming swimming proficiency;
6. Medical certificate attesting to the ability to engage in nautical sports.
For initial enrollment, applicants only need to complete the application form and provide a copy of their identity card along with a passport photo. If already in possession of the "Marinheiro" certificate, a copy is required, and no additional swimming proficiency certificate is necessary.
The remaining documents must be submitted up to a week before the examination date.
The Local Skipper (Patrão Local) License
Price: €800
