Welcome to the Free School of Sailing! We offer all our nautical learning courses completely free of charge. We're thrilled to have you join us on this sailing adventure. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to hone your existing skills, we have a course for you.
Our courses are delivered through the Moodle learning platform so you can learn at your own pace. We cover a wide range of topics, from basic boat handling and navigation to rules of the road, maritime weather, and much more. You'll earn a badge for each course you successfully complete.
Ready to begin? Check out our FREE online courses below or go directly to the Sailing Knowledge School signup/login
USCG OUPV Practice Course
- Rules of the Road: Covers right-of-way rules, lights, and signals
- Navigation General: Covers weather, tides, currents, and charts
- Chart Navigation: Covers plotting courses, measuring distances, and determining latitude and longitude
- Deck General/Safety: Covers boat handling, firefighting, and safety equipment
Celestial Navigation: A Journey Through the Stars
Course Link: Celestial Navigation Course
Course Description: This comprehensive course delves into the art and science of celestial navigation, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to determine their position on Earth using celestial bodies. From understanding fundamental astronomical concepts to mastering the use of a sextant and performing complex calculations, this course provides a rich and rewarding exploration of traditional navigation techniques.
Read more: Celestial Navigation: A Journey Through the Stars
VHF Marine Radio
Course Link: VHF Marine Radio Course
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive overview of VHF marine radio operation, essential for safe and effective communication at sea. Participants will learn about radio equipment, proper communication procedures, distress calling, and regulations governing marine radio use.
Tides and Currents
Course Link: Tides and Currents
Course Description: This course provides mariners with a deep understanding of tides and currents, their underlying causes, behavior, and the methods used for prediction and practical application in navigation.
Basic Sailing Fundamentals
Course Link: Basic Sailing Fundamentals
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of sailing, covering essential knowledge and skills for beginners. Participants will learn about sailing terminology, boat parts, basic maneuvers, safety procedures, and weather considerations. This course is designed for individuals with little to no prior sailing experience who are eager to explore the world of sailing.
Night Time Lights and Nautical Navigation
Course Link: Night Time Lights and Nautical Navigation
Course Description: This course will delve into the fascinating world of night time lights and their crucial role in nautical navigation. From understanding the different types of lights and their characteristics to interpreting light signals and using them for safe passage at sea, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate confidently in the dark.
Basic Weather for Mariners
Course Link: Basic Weather for Mariners
Course Description: Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting your journey on the water, understanding weather patterns is essential for safe and successful voyages. This introductory weather course for mariners will cover fundamental concepts like weather patterns, forecasting, and the use of marine weather tools to ensure safe navigation.
Maritime Law for Recreational Boaters
Course Link: Maritime Law for Recreational Boaters
Course Description: This lesson will introduce you to the essential legal framework that governs activities on our nation's waterways, focusing specifically on what every recreational boater needs to know. We'll explore the fundamental principles of maritime law, including its sources in federal statutes, regulations, and even international treaties.
Charting and Navigation
Course Link: Charting and Navigation
Course Description: This lesson will equip you with the essential skills to navigate safely and effectively on the water. Understanding charts is fundamental to any mariner, whether you're planning a leisurely day sail or a long ocean voyage. We'll delve into the intricacies of nautical charts, learning how to interpret the wealth of information they provide, from water depths and hazards to navigational aids and coastal features. Mastering these skills will empower you to confidently plan your voyages, determine your position, and navigate precisely.