Recognition of Prior Learning

What is Recognised Prior Learning?

If you have completed an equivalent instructor course, either within Australia or overseas, then you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which will either allow direct accreditation to an Australian Sailing Instructor qualification or partial recognition for certain competencies of the qualification.

Overseas Instructors Applying for RPL

If you hold an equivalent overseas instructor qualification you may be eligible for RPL. Dependant on the qualification you hold and the country of issue, you may be required to undergo an assessment of your instructor skills and complete an instructor orientation.

You must prove the currency of your overseas qualification and your previous instructing experience. If your qualification has expired, inline with the country of issues currency policy, you must complete the Australian Sailing Instructor course of your revelant program.

If you hold an instructor qualification from either of the two countries below, you may be eligible for direct RPL accreditation and only have to complete an instructor orientation:

UK (RYA qualifications)
Ireland

Other countries' instructor qualifications we recognise but the instructor must be assessed include:

Fédération Française de Voile
Canadian Yachting Association
US Sailing
Yachting NZ

The list is not comprehensive and other overseas Instructor Qualifications of a similar standard may be accepted at the discretion of the Australian Sailing.

Qualification Mapping Document	Equivalent Powerboat Certificates

What are the mandatory items?

Instructors must comply with the pre-requisites for our instructor qualifications:

Be 16 years old (must be 18 years old to be the head instructor at a Centre)

Hold a current, equivalent (or higher) level qualification in the Australian Sailing Program you wish to instruct

Hold a current First Aid Certificate at the HLTAID003 level or equivalent

Hold a current Australian Working with Children Check (Please click here for details on your state/territories requirements)

Hold an Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling Certificate (for Powerboat, Dinghy and Windsurfing Instructors) or equivalent*

Comply with relevant State Maritime Licence requirements

Complete the online Instructor General Principles course

All instructors must view and read the relevant instructor pack for the program you wish to be accredited in. This will be availabe from the club you will be working with

*Note that State Powerboat Licences do not necessarily meet the requirements of the Powerboat Handling Certificate which is a structured course with practical assessment.

State Legislation?

All instructors working at an Australian Sailing Discover Sailing Centre must meet the local state requirements with regards to licences and child protection etc. which may go above and beyond the Australian Sailing requirements.

Club Membership?

Overseas instructors can apply for RPL and work as an instructor without becoming a member of a club. Certain clubs may have requirements that supersede this and the advice is to check with the specific club you are wishing to work with to confirm their policies in regards to employment.

How do I apply for RPL?

You must complete the Application Form by attaching all relevant evidence to the registration, and make payment of $200 (AUD).
Australian Sailing will then review your application and identify if an assessment is required.
If it is deemed an assessment of your instructor skills is required, Australian Sailing will liaise with yourself and a Senior Instructor to coordinate a suitable time and date for an assessment.
Should you require a direct assessment of your powerboat skills an additional fee may be required.
Prior to the assessment you must complete the online Instructor General Principles.
If no assessment is required you will be required to complete the instructor orientation prior to the qualification being recommended.

Application Forms

Dinghy Keelboat Powerboat Windsurfing

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on the RPL process or to apply, please contact your Club Services Officer.