First Mate Certification
The First Mate Certification Program recognizes OWSA members with intermediate to expert sailing skills who want to support community skippers during Wednesday Night Sails and other OWSA events. First Mates assist skippers in sharing sailing techniques, help foster a safe and welcoming environment on the water, and serve as positive ambassadors for OWSA. The program is a great way to sail more often, sharpen your own skills, and support hands-on learning in a group setting.
First Mate Requirements:
- Be an intermediate or higher-level sailor per OWSA Sailing Skills - Level Descriptions
- Have strong communication skills and a desire to positively impact the sailing experience of the skipper and crew
First Mate Certification Process:
- Contact the First Mate Coordinator, firstmate@owsa.net.
- You complete the First Mate Pre-Assessment
- The First Mate Coordinator will schedule and facilitate an On the Water Skills Check of boarding, sailing and docking to validate your skills against the First Mate Assessment.
- Once approved as an OWSA First Mate, the First Mate coordinator will update your profile and add you to the First Mate list for upcoming opportunities. You can register for WNS using the First Mate ticket.
- If not selected as First Mate, the First Mate Coordinator will provide feedback to help you focus your sailing skills development.
- In addition to sailing skills, First Mates must have strong communication with the community skippers and are prepared to support OWSA goals of providing a safe nurturing sailing experience for OWSA members.
