Sail and powered craft

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) manages and administers quality and safety systems for most sail and power driven craft tuition including:

• Dinghy sailing
• Powerboating
• Windsurfing
• Personal water craft
• Coastal cruising

In addition, in popular areas like Plymouth, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) also provide local and regional staff to encourage and support participation. For further information visit the On Board and Royal Yachting Association websites.

The competence requirements for staff can be found on the Royal Yachting Association website. Most providers are members of the RYA’s Recognised Teaching Establishment Scheme (RTE) which requires an annual inspection and review of facilities.

Many (UK) providers will also need to hold an Adventure Activities Licence from theAdventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA). Unlike the AALA scheme, the RTE scheme applies overseas, although not all providers subscribe, some choose the schemes of the countries they are situated in.

In the main, in Europe most nationally recognised schemes conform to similar requirements but there are variations in practice that are worthy of pointing out to parents if an overseas provider is to be used.

To complicate the matter further, there are some UK companies that operate around the world but choose to adopt local staff. Any party leaders in doubt are advised to seek assistance to confirm the practices from the provider or their Outdoor Education Adviser and/or use the form PSOE5 checklist.